622: How to Tell if you are "Doing Enough"

Join us as Megan and Erin discussed how parents can determine if their children are working hard enough, particularly in the context of academic performance and test preparation. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on the individual student and their goals, but there are some things parents can consider. We want to see our kids succeed and teach habits that will serve them well in the long run, rather than just focusing on immediate results.

Guiding Students' Study Efforts

Erin suggested having an open conversation with the student about their activities and concerns, while Megan advised checking grades as a way to gauge their progress in schoolwork. They also highlighted the importance of ensuring that students are completing all their assignments and not just spending time on screens.

Effort vs. Anxiety in Student Performance

Megan and Erin discussed the importance of distinguishing between students who genuinely lack effort and those who may be struggling due to factors like anxiety or perfectionism. Megan emphasized the need to assess whether students are putting honest effort into their work rather than focusing solely on grades or hours spent. They also highlighted the importance of having open conversations with students about their effort and understanding the reasons behind their performance, while being mindful not to inadvertently trigger anxiety in perfectionist students.

Efficiency in Small, Consistent Efforts

Megan and Erin discussed the inefficiency of spending long hours on tasks without actually accomplishing much, comparing it to people who waste time at the gym or during work hours. They agreed that focusing on consistent, small efforts over time is more effective than trying to complete tasks in large blocks. Megan suggested asking students if spending just 10-15 minutes daily on a subject could improve their grades, emphasizing the importance of making the most of small amounts of time.

Strategies for Educational Goal Setting

Megan and Erin discussed strategies for setting and achieving educational goals, emphasizing the importance of clear, agreed-upon objectives and student buy-in. Erin also suggested that students review and redo past work to better understand concepts and reduce future workload, while Megan criticized teachers for not providing adequate access to missed questions on assessments.

Habits Over Grades Focus

Megan and Erin discussed the importance of focusing on habits and behaviors rather than outcomes like grades or test scores. Megan emphasized that students have control over their habits but not their scores, advocating for setting goals based on behaviors rather than numbers. They agreed that building good habits, such as consistent study practices, is crucial for achieving desired outcomes.

Quality Over Quantity in Learning

Erin and Megan discussed the importance of focusing on quality over quantity in academic and personal development. Megan emphasized the need to identify and address gaps in learning rather than simply repeating information. They also touched on the concept of limited practice opportunities, such as SAT practice tests, and the importance of learning from mistakes to improve performance. They highlighted the need to teach students skills that will help them succeed in college and beyond, rather than just achieving high scores or grades.

Questions? 

If you have questions, feedback, or ideas for an upcomming show, we'd love to hear from you. You can email us at collegepreppodcast (at) gmail (dot) com

More about the hosts

Megan Dorsey is a parent, educator, and SAT/ACT prep expert. She graduated from Rice University and has over 25 years of experience helping students earn better scores and put together strong applications. Megan lives in Sugar Land, Texas and works with students in-person and on Zoom. You can find out more at CollegePrepResults.com. 

Erin Tempest is the founder of Seattle Success Coaching where she and her team help families with a wide range of issues. Let Erin take the frustration out of learning with her academic support, exectuvie function coaching, and social/life skills packages. Her goal is to help parents get back to enjoying their kids. You can find out more at SeattleSuccessCoaching.com.