Mythbusters: Study method course edition

When I tell people that I present study method courses, they usually ask the same question: "What the heck is a study method course?" When I explain to them that I aim to teach children to study better and in the process guide them to their full potential, they start telling me horror stories of mind maps they had to do as children that was the size of Lesotho. What they don't realise is that study techniques and study aids have dramatically changed since they were kids.  I therefore thought it neccessary to address some of the myths surrounding today's study methods and to explain what exactly my study method course entails.

Myth:

All they teach you at a study method course is how to make a mind map

Optikidz study course fact

At our study method course, mind maps are used only for specific subjects and mainly to study essay type questions. It is an easy and effective way to study essay type questions and the main thing is that we don't put too much info on one page. This takes the confusion part out of it. We teach different techniques and teach children to use the techniques with different subjects.

Myth:

Study courses are a waste of money because chilren don't know how to use the techniques.  

Optikidz study course fact

The most difficult thing about learning new study techniques is the practical implementation thereof.  It is easy to listen to someone explaining the techniques, but applying the techniques on your own schoolwork can be extremely frustrating.  Our study course is practical and the students use their own schoolwork to practice the techniques during the course.  The most imprtant skill is to identify which technique to use when the book is open in front of you. 

Myth:

As a parent I have no idea what my child has learned in the course, and therefore I can't help my child if he struggles with the techniques

Optikidz study course fact

We prefer it when one or both parents sit in during the course. There are a few reasons for this. First of all, the parents get to see what they paid for. The parents get to learn the techniques themselves and is then able to guide the child. The parents also gives a unique perspective on the child's current situation regarding studying and schoolwork.  

Myth:

Techniques learned in a study course takes forever to implement. Why waste time summarizing when you can just study the handbook.  There is not enough time to implement the techniques with all the things kids has got going on these days

Optikidz study course fact

Learning a new skill takes time.  No one starts out as a pro. This fact not only applies to sport, but to studying as well. The more you practice the techniques, the quicker you will become at using them.  What takes an hour at the beginning, might turn into 15 minutes after a few months.  Not giving up is the most important thing.  These techniques will improve your marks if you use them right and practice as much as possible.

Myth: 

My child hates writing, so a study course won't benefit him

Optikidz study course fact

Many children dislike writing. They write all day at school and while doing homework.  This makes summarizing that more frustrating.  Every one of our techniques can be done on paper as well as on a computer or tablet.  Working on a computer or tablet makes a child feel that he is doing less work just because he is not writing everything on paper.  We also share helpful apps that make learning more fun. 

Finally...

In life you get something for something and nothing for nothing. Hard work makes the difference. This goes for studying as well. Every child that attends a study course, use the techniques and work hard, will be successful.