Listen "Study Skills - JBL's Top Ten Tips"
Episode Synopsis
In this engaging episode, host Paul Hazzard welcomes John Lawson, an experienced educator with nearly 30 years of teaching under his belt. Passionate about study skills, John shares his top ten principles for academic success, keeping things simple yet highly effective.Key Study Skills and Insights:1. Discipline First –John emphasises that behaviour is the foundation of learning. He insists on respect and engagement, ensuring a classroom environment where students can thrive. He draws a distinction between discipline (teaching students why rules exist) and punishment (which only breeds resentment).2. Lawson’s Law: Look,Listen, and Learn – Success in the classroom starts with paying attention. John encourages students to position themselves where they can see and hear clearly, as effective listening is key to absorbing information.3. Take Notes – He stresses the importance of writing things down. Students who rely on memory alone often struggle when exams approach. Concise, structured notes help retain knowledge and make revision easier.4. Parum et Saepe.Inspired by his Latin professor, John advocates for "parum and sapé" (little and often). Studying for 15 minutes, taking a break, and then resuming is more effective than long, exhausting sessions.5. Expand YourVocabulary – He suggests learning five new words every day, a practice that has made him a top 1% user of complex vocabulary according to Grammarly. This small habit compounds over time and greatly improves communication skills.6. EliminateDistractions – Mobile phones and unnecessary bathroom breaks disrupt learning. John believes in clear rules: phones should be away, and students should respect their learning time.7. Use Mnemonics –Memory aids like "NAPVAPICA" (nouns, adjectives, pronouns, verbs, etc.) help students retain key concepts. He encourages breaking complex words into smaller parts for easier recall.8. Success is forEveryone – Many students believe success is only for others, but John highlights figures like Oprah Winfrey, who overcame obstacles through hard work and self-belief.9. If your attitude sucks, so do you!10. The good practice until they get it right; the greats practice until it's harder to get thingswrong! We all need a work ethic!A Teacher Who Truly CaresThroughout the conversation, John’s enthusiasm for teaching shines through. His ability to engage students, whether through storytelling, films, or real-life examples, makes him a standout educator. He believes in treating students with respect, giving them structure, and fostering their natural talents.Whether you're a student looking to improve your study habits or a teacher seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with practical, motivating insights!🎧 Listen & Connect:🔗 Education Matters🔗 Spotify🔗 Instagram🔗 Bluesky🔗 Twitter/X
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