Good habits now pay off in sharp skills later

By: AGNES DIGGS - Staff Writer | Sunday, October 16, 2005 10:28 PM PDT ∞

If you're reading this, then you have at least one of the most important skills necessary to prepare for college. But there are others, perhaps less obvious, that could be crucial to success in high school, college and life.

"The minimum skills needed to graduate high school parallel those required to get the most basic jobs," said Richard Harrison of ITV, Cable 16, a San Diego County Office of Education cable network. It produces instructional programs for K-12 and college-bound students as well as community programming with a focus on public education.

"The scary thing is, students wait too long to get the necessary skills," Harrison said. "They think they have a lot of time and they don't, really. There's just too much competition."

As in any competition, a good rule of thumb is: The one who has the sharpest skills wins.

But what skills are needed?

Take notes

All students should learn some basic proficiencies and habits early to smooth their way, said Cindy Bishop, senior director of AVID and Educational Technology for the San Diego County Office of Education. The one skill that can propel them above their peers? Good note-taking, Bishop said.

She recommends a version of the Cornell University Note Taking system: Students divide a page into two columns, taking notes on one side and writing questions and answers on the other.

"It forces critical thinking, and it's a great study tool," Bishop said. Note-taking allows students to use writing to clarify thought, she said. And their parents can quiz them because both questions and answers are at hand.

Watch the clock

Bishop also stresses the importance of time management. Being able to prioritize activities and manage time effectively are sometimes problems for students, she said.

Goal-setting is high on the list, and so is communication. Don't be afraid to ask questions, Bishop said. One priceless skill is learning how to navigate what she calls the hidden curriculum: "knowing how to work the system," she said, "knowing how to ask the right questions."

That means meeting with counselors, talking to teachers, learning what it takes to earn the best grades possible, taking advantage of scholarship and volunteer opportunities -- and asking for help when necessary.

Ask for help

Communication is important as a life skill for many reasons, said Therese Remington, marketing adviser for Palomar College GEAR-Up, a federally funded college prep program. GEAR-Up stands for Gaining Early Awareness Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.

Learning to ask for help from a parent or a mentor can address the problem of lack of parental participation in the student's life, Remington said. Without parental or other support, students are often less motivated.

"It's scary enough that they have to fill out the applications, but it's been proven that the more parents support the students, the better success the students will get from the workshops, which in turn leads them to college life," she said. "If your mother can't make it, ask a brother or a sister, or a relative or a neighbor. Don't be afraid to ask."

No time to waste

Freshman and sophomore years of high school are like boot camp, preparing students to begin the demanding process of getting into college. Every year counts.

"A lot of times, students don't think that what they're doing at the present time is all that important," said Diane McAllister, coordinator of assessment and school outreach at Palomar College. Students think that when they get to college, "it will start all over again. Everything they learn in high school and middle school is important in college."

Reading extensively and expanding one's vocabulary are crucial. And McAllister had one more tip for students:

"It's important that they do their homework and turn it in. It's more than just how they score on a test; they need to do everything that they're asked to do in their classrooms."

Avoid a poor start

Failure to master the basics in high school can cost time and money once some students do reach college, she said. Based on their test results, they may not be sufficiently prepared to start their college-level work right away.

"If they get serious about their courses soon enough, then they can ... save themselves some time by going directly to college course work," McAllister said. "Otherwise, they have to take college preparatory classes."

It's important to get some form of education or training beyond high school, she said.

"You can't get anywhere without it," McAllister said. "That's why you find so many people 'coming back' to school."

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