iStudyforSuccess is a web-based Study and Social/Soft Skills Program created to enable students with study and reading strategies, as well as interaction and character-building skills all vital for long-term educational and personal success.
The Study Skills Program utilizes a step-by-step approach to help students increase their reading comprehension and develop valuable study and organizational habits. Some of the topics included are:
- Time Management
- Goal Setting
- Organizational Skills
- Chunking and Study Techniques
- Vocabulary Expansion
- Reading and Note Taking Strategies
- Quiz Creation
The program, whether used in a classroom or home-school setting, is easy to navigate and no planning or training is needed. Convenient icons offer educators a short cut for seeing what is required for each session. Although built out as 25 sessions, they can easily be shifted around to accommodate any classroom schedule. All the necessary material is supplied, but lesson plans also offer the flexibility for teachers to insert their own material if desired. Key vocabulary words used in testing and classroom situations are introduced throughout the program. To stimulate conversation, cartoons for each session are supplied to display on the white board at the start of class. Assignments are designed and marked so they can easily be collected for grades, and cumulative test examples are supplied as well. The program lends itself to several different applications: as a full nine-week program, as a supplement to a core course, as a counseling tool for those needing extra help, or as an in-home or tutoring course.
The Social and Soft Skills Program introduces 28 character building mini-sessions, helping to facilitate positive interaction and communication with others. Some of the topics included are:
- Empathy vs. Sympathy
- RESPECT!
- Self-Monitoring/Patience
- Commitment/Timeliness
- Trustworthiness
- Active Listening
- GRIT
To make the most of the skills being introduced, students are heavily engaged in group conversation and role-play during each session. The program can be used as a class itself, as supplemental material by counselors or core class teachers, or used as add-on material while teaching the Study Skills Program. All the necessary material is supplied and the step-by-step instruction means no training or planning is necessary. Like the Study Skills Program, a fun cartoon introduces each session and sessions are marked with the estimated time it takes to complete, as well as special icons showing what is needed for that particular day. At the end of each day, a TAKEAWAY tip is offered, helping students understand the importance of keeping what they have learned in the forefront of their minds. The topics introduced can help to boost students’ self-confidence and self-respect, while offering them long-term techniques to call upon when interacting with family, friends, and in school/business settings.