1 Mindfulness and a Growth Mindset Being present without getting caught up in the future is difficult. Being here now, along with a belief that we can grow our knowledge and ability to learn, are critical to our success in school and work.
2 Enhancing Self-Management & Self-Discipline Also called time management, successful people act on purpose, employ self-management tools, and develop self-discipline. Learn how to devote quality time to the outcomes and experiences that matter most.
3 Metacognition and Unique You as a Learner Understanding how we prefer to learn empowers us to achieve our full potential. Discover your preferred learning modality and use that knowledge to take responsibility for learning new material.
4 Understanding Your Brain’s Neuroplasticity Our brains are designed to grow and change. Because of our brain’s neuroplasticity, with effort, persistence, and effective strategies, we can learn anything!
5 Memory Strategies and Skills Actors don’t begin rehearsing their lines the day before opening night! Spending time with new information is what will create new neural networks. Learn how to interact with material so that it is committed to memory.
6 Reading to Collect Knowledge When faced with reading tasks, the goal is to collect key concepts, important ideas, and supporting details. Learn how to become an active reader, employing strategies to master the skill of reading.
7 Strategic Note-Taking Note-taking requires a positive mindset and advanced planning. Effective note takers know what information to write and how to write that information.
8 Retaining and Sharing Pertinent Information Just as there is an art to learning, there is an art to taking tests. Learn strategies to improve your test taking skills.
9 Thinking Critically “Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, the facts from the fiction.” (MLKing)
10 The Work of the Solar Plexus (Motivation) To succeed in college or a career, it is necessary to make learning a priority. Successful learners create inner motivation and commit to their goals. Develop awareness of the attitudes and habits that improve motivation.
11 Don’t Procrastinate Directly related to the ability to manage our time effectively, procrastination is postponing something until later. Learn to recognize procrastination habits and discover solutions to this act of sabotage.
12 Managing Your Stress Stress is any interference that disturbs our mental or physical well-being. Learn techniques to deal with stress in an effective and healthy manner.
13 Decisions Made Easy When we make better choices we are more likely to create the future we want for ourselves. Learn a decision-making system that will allow you to take greater responsibility toward achieving your goals.
14 Resources for All Learners You already know that the internet is amazing, but we will take a look at the plethora websites designed specifically to make learning easier.
Offering Both Middle Level and
High School Level Courses
Although the topics are the same for both levels of The Stairs to Success, the activities in both the virtual models and the voluntary class meeting will vary based on grade level.