Meristem Learning

Most of my students over the past 10 years or so have been boys.

Many of them used to be A-students before, but then started to decline.

Their parents complain that they're lazy, distracted, too playful and simply don't know what's good for them.

In working with them though, I've discovered quite the opposite to be true (in most cases).

Although their penmanship leaves much to be desired 🥴 with the right motivation, boys can be very hardworking and focused. And if you listen, they'll tell you what's good for them.

Play is good for them. Winning motivates them. Mastery compels them.

But here's what usually happens:
- They excel in primary school where every day they learn something new and useful.
- They work hard for SEA because they want to win with their "first-choice" school as the prize.
- They keep pushing in form one (term one) because they want to make sure these new classmates know who's the alpha brain.

And then they settle. Because...
- "If I'm not the alpha brain, who am I?"
- "These topics are abstract and pointless. Why do I need this?"
- "And what am I working towards? A prize that is five years away? Nah dawg! Not here for the long game. Give me fast action...otherwise, wake me when I'm in form 5. I'll get serious then."

So they quietly dim their light, choosing instead to do the least - bare minimum - and reserve their best energy for sports, video games, girls and other extra curriculars that have more immediate results and more obvious "growth."

Some will even lose sleep over their craft or push their limits in the gym. Why?

Gains.
Quick wins.
Recognition.
Rewards.

Even growing out their hair can be a mark of achievement.
(Get it? Mark?) 😆

But seriously. As I pause here, think about it:

That defiant behaviour might not even be a cry for attention. It just might be an effort to win at somethinggg in this season.

If you want your son to shine again, challenge him.
That boy NEEDS to win.

💙 Ola Smith

The Exam Prep Workshop!!!

Whether you realise it or not, studying for exams is more than just reading and doing past papers.

Done correctly it is *one* powerful piece of the exam prep puzzle.

The catch is that it must be used as part of an overall system in order to turn reading into results.

This weekend I’ll be breaking down that system and showing you
🌟 the best way to revise for the best memory
🌟 the time management strategy to put in place before you can make the most of study sessions
🌟 a step-by-step approach to writing exams (P1 and P2) for greater speed and accuracy
and so much more.

In other words, we’re talking effective study skills for exams – specifically, CXC exams.

There are three workshops, so that we get deep and practical with each topic:
🧠 Revision and Memory
⏰ Time Management
✍️ Test Taking.

If you want to get set up for success before the burnout hits, sign up for any or all of the trainings.
(Earlybird savings available until Wednesday!) https://tinylink.net/01quh