Parent Talk Radio with Lianne & Andrea - Sept. 30 2007


STUDENT’S COMMENT:

“It was from your help and interest that I learned how to help myself.  Through you was I able to gain self confidence and learn a sure fire method of studying that suits me.”

-Barbara Cooke

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE: 

ST. FRANCIS RECEIVES GRANT FOR STUDY SKILLS PROJECT
By: Deborah Arsenault

This winter the children in the fifth and sixth grades at the St. Francis of Assisi school took part in a series of workshops entitled “Study Skills-Becoming a More Successful Student”. Developed and conducted by Carolyn Melmed of the Lansdowne Center in Montreal, the goals of the program were to motivate students and to teach them the skills and discipline needed to control their own learning.

Last year, the Quebec Ministry of Education provided, through its program called “School Success”, funds to reduce the high dropout rate in Secondary schools. St. Francis of Assisi applied for a portion of these funds and received $15,000 to implement “Study Skills”.  The program received accolades from all the students, teachers and parents involved, for the practical preparation it provides for the years of study ahead. Throughout secondary school, children are required to take an increasing responsibility for their own learning. However, unless a child has learned how to tune into directions, how to take notes, how to prepare for tests, how to organize his or her time, frustration and failure compound.  Groups of approximately 11 children each week meet with Mrs. Melmed to work through six modules over the course of seven mornings (12 hours).  Parents were invited to sit at all sessions - and true to tradition at St. Francis, parental participation was high.  The parents sat directly behind their child and were able to get a first hand look at their children’s learning styles.

Mrs. Melmed established a positive learning environment requiring the children’s total attention and participation. Every response was encouraged and classmates quickly stopped snickering at “wrong” answers.  The class had short assignments to complete for the next meeting.  For exercises to include vocabulary, how to read a textbook, to setting up a daily agenda - the new skills were re-enforced at home.  The children were advised to use their teachers as facilitators and now ask many more questions in the classroom.  During the last social studies project in fifth grade, anxiety levels had dropped in many homes because the children had learned the time management skills required to organize and pace the work involved.  Children now know that although there might not be “assigned” homework one evening, they are still responsible for reviewing that day’s work and organizing themselves for the following day.

Parents who participated with their children found much of the material to be useful and applicable to their own lives and careers.  The skills the children have acquired are transferable to any learning situation and are valuable life-long skills.  The solid scholastic reputation that St. Francis of Assisi students are known for upon entering secondary school will certainly be enhanced by the  “Study Skills-Becoming a More Successful Student” program.

Deborah Arsenault has taught at the elementary level for 16 years and has a daughter at St. Francis of Assisi School. The Lansdowne tutoring Center in Montreal has been in operation for 21 years and has maintained one of the best reputations for success in their Study Skills Programs.