So often, poor grades in high school are not a matter of intelligence. Rather, the student simply has never been taught how to learn. Widely acclaimed master teacher Tim McGee teaches not a specific topic but rather how to be a winning student in every subject. Now your own student can benefit from what this extraordinary teacher has to offer.
How to Become a SuperStar Student
Discover the research, study, and writing techniques that give students an edge in learning.
Overview
About
Dr. Tim McGee has taught since 1988 at Worland High School in Worland, Wyoming. He also teaches English composition, literature, and philosophy at Northwest Community College. He has received endorsements or degrees from Abilene Christian University, York College, the University of Nebraska, and Trinity College in English and psychology, philosophy, and theology. He graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska, where he earned his master's degree in education, and he earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Theology from Trinity College. Professor McGee has been nominated for several teaching awards, including Master Teacher. He has published in several journals, including The English Journal and Poet's Magazine. He received the National Endowment for the Humanities reading award and the Wyoming Arts Council New Fiction Award. Dr. McGee runs his own company, the Learning 2 Learn Institute, and serves as an educational consultant and a motivational speaker to students and teachers. During the summer, Dr. McGee runs study skills camps in the Big Horn Mountains.
01: A Philosophy of Learning—The Right Attitude
This lecture introduces students to the remaining nine lectures and parents to the final two lectures. After general comments about the course, a definition of learning is provided: Learning is the ability to connect new information to already acquired information; learning also involves training and overcoming fear and pain. Several examples will be used to help the student come to terms with the question, "What does learning mean?"
35 min
02: The Learning Journal and Effective Study Habits
This lecture introduces the student to the study approach called Learning Journals. The goal of any student is to be properly prepared for each class. The three steps of the Learning Journals are briefly outlined. Several ideas are offered to improve study habits.
30 min
03: Annotation and Active Reading
This lecture introduces the student to active reading and annotation. Students are shown types of textbooks and introduced to strategies for reading them. Step 1 of the Learning Journals process is explained in more detail, using student examples. Finally, reading problems are discussed.
32 min
04: Class Notes and Exam Preparation
This lecture introduces the student to proper classroom behavior, note taking, and exam preparation. Step 2 of Learning Journals is outlined in more detail. Suggestions are given for exam preparation, test-taking skills, and test anxiety.
32 min
05: Jam Writing and Informal Writing
This lecture introduces students to several strategies to improve writing skills. First, students are challenged to consider how they usually approach writing. The suggestion is made that students approach their writing from content to form. Then a technique called “jam writing” is introduced. The writing process is then outlined. Two forms of writing are introduced, and informal writing is discussed.
32 min
06: The Formal Essay—Drafting and Editing
This lecture is about the formal essay, an academic essay that demands an understanding of instructors' primary expectations. Proper thesis and validation are emphasized. General and specific comments are made about editing.
35 min
07: The Master Schedule—Planning for Success
This lecture introduces the student to time organization. Two major pieces of information are required for good organization: what is due, and when is it due? Setting up a master schedule is explained with illustrations of what a master schedule looks like. Reading schedules are also outlined. Special ways to use the master schedule are described.
34 min
08: The Research Paper—A Demonstration
This lecture integrates ideas discussed in earlier lectures. Students will see how a student, named Anna Sopko, begins with three essays and does Learning Journals for the essays. She develops a research project using the essays as a base. Through the writing process and research using a number of sources, she writes a final project.
34 min
09: The Well-Rounded High School Student
This lecture is aimed at students' sensibilities. A discussion of the power structure of schools shows the roles students must play in their own education. Several reasons are given for why the student must be involved in the life of the school. The lecture also discusses the dynamics of the high school social scene, drug use, cheating, proper curriculum, goal-setting, and rewards.
30 min
10: After High School—An Educational Plan
This lecture introduces students to options available to them after they graduate. High school students must understand that they have four years to prepare for about 40 years of working. Issues surrounding college admissions are discussed. Students need to know the types of schools available and their costs.
36 min
11: Helping Your Children Learn
This lecture introduces parents to factors that contribute to high school success. The lecture discusses the language of learning and how to promote student motivation. Finally, specific keys to academic success are outlined. A review is given of important study habits.
34 min
12: Helping Your Children Achieve Success
This final lecture gives concrete suggestions to parents about helping their children plan for the years after high school. College admission procedures and college financing are discussed. Resources are described for parents to make college success more likely for their sons or daughters. The lecture ends with commonsense suggestions to the parent for making their children's first year of college a success.
34 min
