Andrea Zians

Every fall I hear some version of the same story from parents. “She studied for hours. She knew it the night before. Then she sat down to write the test, and it was just gone.” If you’ve watched this happen with your child, I want you to know that many parents worry about how easily their child forgets what they learn. And once you understand why your child forgets what they study, you can help them use study strategies designed for their brain. Most of the time, a child who studies hard and...

Every fall for years, I have helped students transition to their new academic setting. Some are heading into ninth grade for the first time, and others are just beginning their first semester of college. I know this transition well. I have coached through it, planned for it, and talked with hundreds of nervous students and their families. This year has been different for me. My youngest just started university. This year I am both the coach and the anxious mom, and it has given me a firsthand...

Most students do not realize that the course syllabus or outline is filled with the most valuable information. It shows how things are graded and when tests and assignments are happening. A course outline tells you about office hours or what to do if you are stuck. It even helps you prepare for class if you follow along with the topics and readings. So why do so many students ignore it or fail to use it?