But reading doesn’t stop evolving after elementary school.

In fact, many older students struggle with reading because they haven’t fully mastered the decoding skills needed for longer, more complex words. When texts become more advanced in Grades 5 and up, these challenges can suddenly become more noticeable.

The good news? With the right support, these skills can absolutely be strengthened, even for teens.

What Are Decoding Skills?

Decoding is the ability to look at a word and figure out how it sounds and how those sounds are represented by letters.

When children first learn to read, they practice simple decoding skills like:

• Matching letters to sounds
• Blending sounds together
• Reading short, familiar words

For example, early readers might practise words like cat, dog, or run. These skills form the foundation of reading.

But as students grow, the words they encounter become much longer and much more complex.

Why Reading Feels Harder at the End of Primary School

Around grade 4 or 5, something shifts in reading comprehension. Students start encountering words that are:

• Longer
• Multi-syllable
• Subject-specific
• Often rooted in Greek or Latin (when reading in English)

Think of words like:

• Education
• Photosynthesis
• Responsibility
• Historical

These words require students to break them into smaller parts and recognize patterns within the word.

If a student hasn’t developed these more advanced decoding skills, reading can start to feel slow, frustrating, or overwhelming.

When Decoding Affects Understanding

Sometimes parents notice their child understands ideas when discussed out loud, but struggles when reading them in a textbook.

Often, decoding plays a role. If students have to stop and work hard just to figure out a word, it interrupts the flow of reading. Their brain is focused on figuring out the word rather than understanding the overall text’s meaning.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Slower reading
• Difficulty keeping up with schoolwork
• Avoiding reading whenever possible
• Decreased confidence in class

The Skills High School Readers Still Need

As students grow, decoding skills need to grow too. High school readers benefit from learning how to:

• Break down multi-syllable words
• Recognize prefixes and suffixes
• Identify root words
• Understand how word structure connects to meaning

For example: Transformation = trans + form + ation

When students learn to identify these parts, longer words become much easier to decode and understand.

Signs Your Teen Might Need Reading Support

Decoding struggles aren’t always obvious in older students. Some signs parents may notice include:

• Reading slowly or hesitating on longer words
• Skipping or mispronouncing unfamiliar words
• Avoiding reading aloud
• Difficulty keeping up with textbook reading
• Strong speaking skills but weaker reading performance

Many teens work hard to hide these struggles, which is why they sometimes go unnoticed.

Discover everything you need to thrive in

How Tutoring Can Help

Targeted reading instruction can help teens strengthen the skills that make reading smoother and more automatic. Tutoring focuses on building:

• Advanced decoding skills
• Word structure and vocabulary knowledge
• Reading fluency
• Confidence with complex texts

Students learn strategies to break down unfamiliar words and approach reading with greater confidence. Over time, many students experience:

• Faster reading
• Better comprehension
• Less frustration with schoolwork
• Improved confidence in the classroom

Strong Reading Skills Support Every Subject

Reading is at the heart of nearly every subject in school, from science and history to math word problems.

When students feel confident tackling complex words and texts, they’re better prepared to succeed across the curriculum. And with the right support, it’s never too late to strengthen those skills.

If your teen is struggling with reading or keeping up with school assignments, targeted tutoring can help them build stronger decoding skills and greater confidence as a reader.

Find a location near you to learn how we can help your child succeed.

The post Decoding Skills: Why Older Students Still Struggle With Reading appeared first on 91°µÍř.

At 91°µÍř, we help students combine subject knowledge with proven test-taking techniques. Below are practical, expert-backed SAT and ACT test-taking tips to help students stay calm, manage time effectively, and earn their best possible results.

What Should You Bring to the SAT or ACT Test?

Preparing your materials the night before reduces stress and prevents test-day mistakes.

Bring:

• Test admission ticket
• Valid government photo ID
• Several sharpened #2 pencils
• Approved calculator with fresh batteries
• Eraser
• A watch (if allowed at your test centre)
• Water and a high-energy snack for breaks

Packing ahead helps students start the exam focused and confident.

Get a Full Night’s Sleep Before Test Day

Last-minute cramming is far less effective than proper rest. Sleep supports:

• Memory recall
• Reading comprehension
• Processing speed
• Focus and accuracy

Students who sleep well typically perform better on standardized tests than those who study late into the night.

Dress in Layers for Comfort

SAT and ACT Test-Taking Tip: Rooms can vary widely in temperature. Dressing in layers allows students to stay comfortable without distraction, which supports better concentration over several hours of testing.

Arrive Early and Plan Your Route

Arriving early reduces anxiety and prevents rushed mistakes before the exam even begins.

We recommend:

• Checking the test centre address in advance
• Planning transportation timing
• Arriving at least 30 minutes early

Lower stress at the start often leads to better performance throughout the test.

How to Manage Time on the SAT and ACT

Most questions are worth the same number of points. Smart pacing is critical.

Best time strategies include:

• Answer easier questions first
• Skip difficult questions initially
• Mark and return if time allows
• Avoid spending too long on any single item

Maintaining forward momentum improves both confidence and scoring potential.

Watch for Common Standardized Test Traps

SAT and ACT questions often include tempting wrong answers designed around common student errors.

Be cautious of:

• Answers that are only partially correct
• Extreme wording (“always,” “never”)
• Choices that sound right but lack evidence
• Pattern-based guessing without verification

Careful reading prevents avoidable point losses.

Should You Guess on the SAT and ACT?

Students should answer every question.

ACT: There is no penalty for incorrect answers. Never leave blanks.

SAT: There is no longer a wrong-answer penalty. Educated guessing is always better than skipping.

Tip: Eliminate wrong choices first to improve your odds.

Learn more here about whether to

Fill in Your Answer Sheet Carefully

Small answer-grid mistakes can cost valuable points.

Students should:

• Check question numbers regularly
• Ensure answers align with the correct row
• Fill bubbles completely
• Double-check after skipped questions

Accuracy in marking matters as much as accuracy in solving.

Stay Calm and Reset When Needed

Confidence and mindset directly affect test performance. If a student feels stuck:

• Pause briefly
• Take a slow breath
• Move to the next question
• Return later if time permits

One difficult question does not determine the final score, but panic can.

Navigate high school like a pro—check out łŮłó±đĚýfull guide here.

SAT & ACT Test Prep Tutoring Helps Students Score Higher

Professional SAT and ACT prep tutoring gives students:

• Proven test strategies
• Timing and pacing skills
• Targeted math and reading support
• Practice with real test formats
• Score improvement plans
• Confidence before test day

Structured preparation consistently produces stronger score gains than self-study alone.

91°µÍř has deep experience with the SAT and ACT and can tailor preparation to each student’s strengths and goals.

Find a Location Near You

The post SAT and ACT Test-Taking Tips for Canadians appeared first on 91°µÍř.

The key is balance: enough rest to recharge, enough activity to keep minds engaged.

Below are simple, age-specific holiday tips to help students enjoy the break while staying mentally active, confident, and ready for the new year.

Create a Fun, Active Holiday Break

“Fun” during the holidays should involve movement, creativity, and meaningful experiences—not two weeks of TV or video games.

Holiday activities that help students recharge and stay active include:

• Walking as a family to see holiday lights
• Skating or sledding
• Playing in the snow
• Singing carols or doing crafts
• Skiing or winter hiking
• Board games, puzzles, and hands-on projects

Active fun keeps kids mentally alert without feeling like work.

Age-by-Age Holiday Tips Learning

High School Students: Prepare for Exams (Without Burning Out)

For semester students, exams are coming in January, making a light, structured review plan—about two hours of study per day—key for high school students.

A simple strategy:

1. Break each subject into small, daily units. For example, if math exams are 30 days away, divide the material into 30 sections—one per day.
2. Use a Day Planner. Schedule review sessions and keep track of daily progress.
3. Stay current. Once school resumes, ensure current classwork stays up-to-date so review doesn’t pile up.
   

This approach builds confidence and prevents last-minute cramming.

Grades 1–3: Read, Write, Play

Young learners thrive when reading, imagination, and conversation are woven into family life.

Try:

• Reading together daily
• Playing games that build memory and focus
• Creating a family holiday journal and writing in it each day
• Talking about books, stories, and shows—ask what happened and why
  

The goal is to keep kids curious, expressive, and engaged.

Grades 4–6: Build Planning Skills and Encourage Reading

This age group benefits greatly from a balance of structure and independence.

Here’s how:

• Use a Day Planner to schedule family activities (feeding pets, outings, decorating, skating).
• Keep a daily journal describing holiday fun and experiences
• Pick up magazines related to your child’s interests—animals, sports, science, history, crafts.
• Continue reading in an enjoyable and low-pressure, yet consistent manner.

These simple habits strengthen writing, organization, and critical thinking.

Grades 7–8: Strengthen Study Skills and Active Thinking

If tests or exams are scheduled for January, use the same light-review plan as high school students.

Focus on:

• Using a planner every day to organize tasks, goals, and activities
• Watching history or nature programs with a discussion afterward
• Following up with library research or online exploration
• Playing strategy board games like chess, Clue, Catan, or Risk
• Planning and reflecting on holiday activities

At this age, students are building study habits that will matter in high school—holiday breaks are a perfect time to practice these skills in a low-pressure way.

Unlock the key to a smooth middle school transition—learn more here.

The Bottom Line: Rest + Activity = January Success

The worst-case scenario is two weeks of inactivity, which can cause students to lose momentum just when they need it most. With a bit of planning and the right mix of fun, activity, and light learning, students return to school refreshed, confident, and mentally engaged.

Ready to Help Your Child Start the New Year Strong?

91°µÍř can support your child with personalized programs that strengthen skills, build confidence, and foster strong study habits throughout the year, including the holidays. Contact your local centre to get started.

Find a Location Near You

The post Holiday Tips for Keeping Students Relaxed, Engaged, and Ready for January appeared first on 91°µÍř.

In the interest of arriving at a result that everyone can be proud of, here are some tips to prevent and solve of group projects and ensure that every group project goes off without a hitch:

Where Should Students Begin When a Group Project is Assigned?

Getting started is often the hardest part, especially if students have not had experience working in a group before. Before students begin any project or assignment, it’s important that all members of the project plan how they’ll work by setting some parameters, such as:

• Assign a project leader: choose someone in the group to help coordinate everyone else and assign roles.
• Contact details (phone numbers and email addresses for all team members).
• Assigning tasks: each group member should be responsible for a particular part of the project and understand their role.
• Meeting schedule (how often team members will get together to work on the project, when and where they’ll meet).
• Set deadlines to keep the project moving along.

All students in the group project should understand their role and the overall objective.

Who Does What in the Project?

Divide and Conquer

Collaboration is key! Students must work together to determine what needs to be done and how to divide the work.

• For instance, if the project is designing a poster, the tasks could be writing the words, developing a design concept, drawing or using a computer to create the poster artwork, getting the poster laminated, creating and writing the presentation of the poster in class, etc.
  
• Once everyone agrees on all the tasks that need to be accomplished, assign responsibilities.
  
• Discuss what tasks each person is interested in, and what skills/talents/resources they can bring to the project.
  
• Divide administrative tasks that no one wants to do among several team members. If someone wants to try something new, partner that person with someone else who has experience. This allows people to develop abilities in the group while still creating a successful project.
  
• Set a timeline: Work backward from the final deadline and assign deadlines to each team member for completing each task.
  
• Communicate throughout: create a group chat over email or an app to stay connected, ask questions, and remind group members of timelines.

Once everyone understands their role and the work involved, it’s easy to see how their individual contributions will lead to the final product.

How To Know When the Project is Complete

Bringing the individual elements of the project together into a completed work is the next step. The group leader will

• Contact all members to collect their contributions and bring all elements together.
  
• The completed project should be shared with all group members for review and editing as needed.
  
• If presenting the group project in front of the class, the group should gather again to practise the presentation and determine who is saying what.

Once all group members are satisfied with the final product, the group project is ready for the next step.

Presenting the Group Project

Group projects usually involve a presentation element. Public speaking can be daunting for many students, so it’s key to know who is comfortable presenting. Here’s how to divide and conquer when presenting a group project:

• The group leader presents the group project topic and introduces everyone in the group
  
• Each person presents the key points from their section.
  
• The group leader presents the project conclusion and asks the class if there are any questions.
  
• Bonus tip: Use visuals to help make your points! It makes the presentation more dynamic.

Making the Most of Group Projects

TL;DR: While group projects are not every student’s favourite assignment, with these tips, students can manage their group project with ease, ensure all members of the group participate evenly, and get the best mark possible.

• Assign a group leader.
• Evenly divide the work.
• Stay in contact.
• Follow up often.
• Present with ease.

Get Help With Group Projects & Assignments

Help your child build stronger skills in school in all subjects and grades with a personalised learning program at 91°µÍř.

Whether your child is in elementary school or high school, our customized cognitive-based programs help all students develop stronger learning skills for life!

This post was originally published in 2006 and has been updated in 2025.

The post How To Manage a Group Project appeared first on 91°µÍř.

High School Years Bring Higher Stakes

High school is a time of growing independence and growing expectations. Students face more advanced coursework, heavier homework loads, and critical milestones like final exams, standardized tests, and post-secondary planning.

Falling behind even early in the year can have a ripple effect on academic performance, motivation, and self-esteem.

That’s where tutoring makes a measurable difference.

Why Start Tutoring at the Beginning of the School Year?

The first few weeks of high school set the tone for everything that follows. Teachers introduce key concepts and expectations early on, and students must keep up quickly. If your teen struggles to adjust or has gaps in their understanding, they may find it difficult to catch up later.

Starting back-to-school tutoring for high school students now can:

• Review essential skills from the previous grade
• Provide support with new or advanced material
• Help students manage homework and deadlines
• Build a foundation for better study habits and routines
• Reduce anxiety and boost academic confidence from day one

Navigate high school like a pro—check out the

Personalized Support Makes All the Difference

Every student learns differently. In high school, the one-size-fits-all classroom model doesn’t always meet a student’s unique needs, especially if they’re juggling different subjects and activities.

With tutoring, students receive personalized instruction tailored to their learning style and goals. Whether your teen needs help organizing their time, understanding math concepts, or improving their writing, tutoring provides support that adapts to them.

Back-to-School Tutoring for High School Helps With:

• Math, science, and subject-specific challenges
• Essay writing, reading comprehension, and grammar
• Study strategies, test prep, and exam planning
• Time management and organization
• Motivation, focus, and accountability

Tutoring isn’t just about getting better grades; it’s about helping students take ownership of their learning, feel confident in their abilities, and stay on track toward their future goals.

When’s the Right Time to Start?

Right now.

The earlier your teen gets support, the easier it is to stay ahead and not play catch-up. Beginning tutoring at the start of the school year helps create healthy routines, builds momentum, and ensures that challenges are addressed before they become problems.

Don’t wait until midterms or report cards. Help your teen hit the ground running.

Ready to Set the Stage for a Strong School Year?

Our tutors specialize in helping high school students build academic confidence, master tough subjects, and reach their goals, whether that’s acing a test, preparing for post-secondary, or simply feeling more in control of their learning.

Contact us today to schedule an assessment and see how we can support your teen this school year.

Find a Location

The post Why Back-to-School Tutoring Helps High School Students Start Strong appeared first on 91°µÍř.

Report Cards can be a time to celebrate their teenager’s achievements. If your teen is consistently doing well, their report card reflects their hard work and can be a source of pride for teens and parents alike. However, for others, especially for under-achieving students, it can be a stressful and dreaded time.

But report card season can bring an entirely different set of challenges to parents of teens. It can be challenging to get teens to be open and communicative about their grades or academic progress. Parent-teacher interviews can also go terribly wrong, leading to frustration and a lack of understanding.

A Creative Solution: Neutral Third Parties for Teens

A creative solution has emerged, though, and it comes from an unexpected source—a school in . One school decided to tackle the communication problem head-on by involving a neutral third party from Johns Hopkins University. These professionals, who are not emotionally invested in the teen’s report card results, step in to have a calm, unbiased conversation with the students.

The logic behind this is simple—a third party is less likely to react negatively or emotionally to poor grades in the same way a parent or teacher might. This reduces the likelihood that the student will become defensive or upset when discussing their performance. Instead, the conversation is more productive, with the focus being on progress, goals, and constructive feedback.

This service offers clear takeaways for parents: report card discussions are best when they are non-confrontational, focus on progress, and outline a goal for the future.

The Benefits of an Objective Approach For Teen’s Report Cards

Having a neutral third party involved in your teen’s report card discussions can make a significant difference. An objective person—whether a tutor, school counsellor, or mentor—can help facilitate conversations about academic progress without the emotional weight that often comes with parent-teen discussions. Teens may feel more comfortable opening up about their struggles, goals, and concerns. This is especially true when they are speaking with someone who isn’t directly involved in their day-to-day academic expectations.

Read more: 10 Tips to Reduce Stress During Your Report Card Chat

This approach can be especially beneficial for students who are too proud or embarrassed to ask for help. A neutral perspective fosters a sense of accountability and self-awareness while creating a supportive space for meaningful conversations about improvement and success.

How This Can Help Your Teen’s Report Cards

If you’re a parent of a teenager who is struggling with report card season, this approach may be something to consider. It’s a helpful reminder that while grades are important, communication and support are just as vital to helping teens succeed academically.

Instead of focusing solely on the grade itself, this method encourages teens to reflect on their own goals and progress. It also gives them the opportunity to talk openly about challenges they may be facing.

Explore Our Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Your Teen’s Report Cards

Want to learn more about how to handle report cards? Explore our comprehensive guide for everything you need to know about report cards! From understanding grades to offering your child the support they need, we’ve got you covered.

Read the Guide

This post was originally published in 2007 and updated in 2025.

The post Talking About Teens Report Cards appeared first on 91°µÍř.

Nine Study Tips for High School Finals

1. Start Early and Create a Study Plan

Cramming the night before is a recipe for stress and poor retention. Instead, encourage your teen to start studying at least two weeks before finals begin. A study plan breaks the material into manageable chunks and ensures consistent progress.

• Tip: Use a calendar to schedule study sessions for each subject and prioritize topics that need extra attention. Breaking down larger topics into smaller, digestible sections makes studying less daunting and more effective.

2. Understand the Format of Each Exam

Different subjects have different demands. Knowing whether an exam consists of multiple-choice questions, essays, or problem-solving tasks can help students tailor their preparation. This reduces uncertainty and builds confidence.

• Tip: Practice past exams or sample questions to get familiar with the format and time constraints. Reviewing specific question types can highlight areas where additional practice is needed.

Check out this article on everything that you need to know about study skills.

3. Organize Study Materials

Having notes, textbooks, and assignments scattered across your desk is overwhelming. Encourage teens to gather all their materials early and organize them by subject and topic to create a streamlined study environment.

• Tip: Create summaries or flashcards for key concepts, making it easier to review quickly. Digital tools like can also be great for managing study materials effectively.

4. Use Active Study Techniques

Simply reading notes isn’t enough. Active study techniques engage the brain and make it easier to retain information. These techniques also make studying more interactive and less monotonous.

• Teach the material to someone else to reinforce understanding.
• Create mind maps to visually connect ideas and see the bigger picture.
• Use mnemonic devices to memorize complex information quickly.

5. Take Breaks and Practise Self-Care

Studying for long hours without breaks leads to burnout and diminished productivity. Encourage teens to take short breaks every 45–60 minutes to recharge and reset their focus.

• Tip: Activities like stretching, walking, or meditating during breaks can help reduce stress and improve concentration. Make sure breaks are tech-free to avoid distractions.

6. Stay Healthy

Finals are as much about mental preparation as they are about physical well-being. Proper sleep, nutrition, and hydration are critical for maintaining energy levels and focus during exam season.

• Tip: Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime to ensure quality sleep. Incorporate brain-boosting foods like nuts, fruits, and leafy greens into meals for sustained energy.

Looking for more information on high school tutoring? We have you covered. Check out our ultimate guide on high school tutoring.

7. Manage Finals Stress

Finals anxiety is common, but it’s manageable. Help your teen develop stress-busting strategies that they can use both during study sessions and on exam day.

• Practice deep breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure.
• Use visualization techniques to imagine success and reduce fear of the unknown.
• Repeat positive affirmations to build confidence and focus.
  
  Check out these warning signs your child is stressed about school

8. Practice Time Management

Managing time effectively during the final can make a big difference in performance. Proper planning can avoid rushing through questions or running out of time.

• Tip: Teach your student to skim through the entire exam before starting to prioritize sections. Use a timer during practice sessions to simulate exam conditions and improve pacing.

9. Review and Reflect

After each exam, encourage your teen to reflect on what went well and identify areas for improvement. This helps them adapt their strategies for future tests and continuously improve their approach.

• Tip: Keep a journal or checklist to track study habits, challenges, and successes. Reflection not only builds self-awareness but also reduces anxiety about upcoming exams.

Final Thoughts Study Tips for High School Finals

Final exams don’t have to be a source of overwhelming stress. By adopting these study skills and strategies, high school students in the semester system can approach their finals with confidence and clarity. With preparation and support, they can turn finals week into an opportunity to showcase their hard work and knowledge.

Want More Study Tips for High School Finals?

At 91°µÍř, we’re here to help teens succeed. From personalized study plans to stress management techniques, our expert tutors provide the guidance students need to excel. 

Contact us today to learn how we can support your teen during finals season!

Find a Location

The post 9 Must-Know Study Skills for Acing High School Finals appeared first on 91°µÍř.

This comprehensive high school tutoring guide is designed to provide a detailed overview. This guide covers everything from the advantages of tutoring to common subjects, finding the right tutor, recognizing signs that your teen might need tutoring, exploring cognitive learning, and understanding its benefits for high school students.

1. Does tutoring help high school students? 
2. Common subjects for high school tutoring
3. How to find a high school tutor?
4. Qualities to look for in a high school tutor 
5. Signs your teen needs tutoring
6. What is cognitive learning? 
7. Why does cognitive learning help high school students?

How Can High School Tutoring Benefit My Teen?

Tutoring during high school provides many advantages, including subject reinforcement and practice, improved subject understanding, and the invaluable opportunity for individualized attention, which is often scarce in crowded classrooms. Whether your teen is struggling to keep up or excelling in their studies, tutoring can serve as a motivation for their academic triumphs, even during school breaks.

Below are some of the benefits of high school tutoring:

1. Personalized Attention: Tutoring offers personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to your teen’s unique learning style, pace, and interests. This personalized approach fosters a deeper comprehension and active participation in their studies.
2. Targeted Remediation: Tutors can help to identify specific subjects or areas where a student may encounter challenges. They can then provide focused assistance to fill knowledge gaps, leading to overall improvement in performance.
3. Confidence Building: High school students who are in tutoring often experience an increase in their confidence. Tutoring boosts student’s confidence and provides positive reinforcement, which cultivates a sense of achievement.
4. Enhanced Study Skills: Tutoring not only covers subject-specific content but also helps students with essential study skills. Students learn organizational techniques, time management strategies, and effective note-taking methods, laying a strong groundwork for future academic endeavours.
5. Enrichment Opportunities: Tutoring can extend beyond help for academically advanced students. Tutors introduce complex concepts, offer advanced materials, and nurture critical thinking abilities, sparking a passion for learning.
6. Individual Progress Tracking: Tutors closely monitor your teen’s progress. They offer regular feedback and assessments. This allows for continuous refinement of the tutoring approach, ensuring optimal outcomes and sustained development.

Investing in high school tutoring can help your teen with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel academically, paving the way for a bright future.

Learn more about what the Advantage High School Success Program is all about.

Common Subjects for High School Tutoring 

High school students often find one particular subject more difficult than others. English, math, and science tend to be the most challenging for students. Here are some insights into the specific benefits of tutoring for three common subjects that many students struggle with in high school.

High School English Tutoring

English tutoring extends beyond grammar and literature. It focuses on enhancing language skills, improving writing proficiency, and fostering critical analysis. Learn more about the positive impacts of English tutoring here.

High School Math Tutoring

Mathematics can be a stumbling block for many high school students. Math tutoring, however, offers a structured approach to building a strong foundation, overcoming challenges, and excelling in math courses. Explore the benefits of math tutoring here.

High School Science Tutoring

Science subjects often involve complex concepts that can be challenging to grasp. Science tutoring helps students navigate these challenges, ensuring a solid understanding of scientific principles and success in their coursework. Discover the advantages of science tutoring here.

How Do You Find a Tutor?

91°µÍř, which has more than 120 locations across Canada, stands out as the preferred option for parents. Renowned as Canada’s premier tutoring program focused on cognitive coaching, 91°µÍř turns challenges into strengths, empowering high school students to reach for greater academic success.

Qualities to Look for in a High School Tutor

When searching for a tutor for high school students, it’s important to find a place with tutors with the following attributes.

Establishing Rapport and Professionalism

Find a tutor who will be able to build a strong connection with your child. They should approach their role professionally, maintaining clear communication while being empathic and professional.

Bringing Vibrancy and Passion

An effective high school tutor should inject each session with vibrancy and passion. Their enthusiasm for the subject matter should ignite the student’s interest, making the learning experience fun and enjoyable.

Being Compassionate and Supportive

A compassionate and supportive tutor will create a nurturing learning environment. They should genuinely care about the student’s progress, well-being, and development. This will foster trust and encourage students to do their best.

Flexibility and Adaptability

High school students have diverse learning styles. A tutor who can adjust their teaching methods and approaches to accommodate various learning styles is invaluable. Tutors should also be flexible in scheduling sessions and adaptable based on the student’s progress.

Respectful and Empathetic

A good tutor empathizes with students’ challenges. They should be patient, empathic, and able to explain concepts to suit the student’s comprehension level. Mutual respect between the tutor and student is crucial for effective learning.

When choosing a high school tutor, consider these qualities along with their qualifications, experience, and subject expertise. It is paramount to find a tutor who can aid with their academics and cultivate a positive, supportive learning atmosphere for the student’s overall development.

5 Signs Your High Schooler Could Benefit from Tutoring

Navigating the educational system for a high school student can be tricky. Sometimes, students encounter hurdles that hinder their progress. It’s important to recognize the signals indicating that your child may require tutoring. Catching these signs early can be pivotal in steering them back towards success. Here are five indicators that might suggest your high schooler could benefit from tutoring.

1. Declining Academic Performance

If your high schooler’s grades keep dropping, it could mean they’re struggling. Keep an eye on certain subjects, such as math, English, and science, as these are the classes that most students struggle with. If you notice that their grades have been slipping, it’s time to interject with a tutor.

2. Avoidance of Homework or Resistance to School

When students avoid homework or don’t want to go to school, it might mean they find things hard and need help. This avoidance could result from inadequacy or frustration due to difficulties understanding the material.

3. Inconsistent Homework Patterns

Watch as your high school student does their homework. Do you know of a shift in the amount of time they spend on homework, or do you notice them avoiding it altogether? Homework avoidance or rushing through homework can be a sign that a student is struggling in class.

4. Challenges in Understanding or Recalling Concepts

Difficulty in understanding new ideas or retaining previously learned information could hinder a student’s academic progress. Trouble understanding concepts or retaining information is one of the biggest signs of needing extra help.

5. Lack of Organization in Schoolwork

A lack of organization in managing school assignments, such as misplaced papers, missed deadlines, or challenges in prioritizing tasks, can impact a student’s academic performance. Learning good organization and study habits is important for doing well in high school and later in life.

By identifying these signs early on, you can provide your high school students with life-long academic success by seeking out a tutoring program. High school tutoring offers personalized attention, reinforces foundational knowledge, and fosters effective learning strategies. Remember, every student learns at their own pace, and seeking support is a proactive step towards unlocking their full potential.

Learn more about High School tutoring programs.

Exploring Cognitive Learning in High School

Cognitive learning is a powerful education method for high schoolers, helping students use their minds better. It’s a dynamic, constructive, and lasting approach that 91°µÍř uses. Our cognitive learning approach promotes active learning and boosts accessibility, critical thinking, and memory retention.

Cognitive learning is more than memorization or repetition—it prioritizes genuine understanding and equipping students with the tools to become better learners.

Some of our key cognitive learning strategies for high school students include:

• Encouraging students to reflect on their experiences
• Guiding students in discovering solutions to challenges
• Facilitating debates on the subjects being taught
• Helping students explore and understand the interconnectedness of ideas
• Prompting students to justify and articulate their reasoning
• Utilizing visual aids to enhance student comprehension and memory retention

Cognitive learning in high school tutoring aims to empower students with both knowledge and the cognitive skills necessary to become effective learners throughout their academic journey.

How Does Cognitive Learning Help High School Students?

Cognitive learning is a pivotal tool for high school students. It ensures that knowledge isn’t just memorized momentarily but that there is a deep comprehension. By adopting this approach to learning, high school students can achieve a long-lasting and deep understanding of concepts across various subjects such as mathematics, English, science, and even French classes.

Cognitive learning serves as the defining factor between adept and average learners. When cognitive skills are lacking, students may find it challenging to integrate new information as it’s presented to them.

It’s important to recognize that learning new knowledge is fundamental to successful education, underscoring the significance of developing cognitive skills.

Cognitive learning helps by:

• Identifying high school students’ preferred learning styles, whether they lean towards visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or other learning modalities.
• Guiding students to approach learning from a broader perspective and enabling them to understand how individual concepts interconnect to form larger ones.
• Assisting students in effectively and efficiently applying newly acquired knowledge, facilitating practical implementation.

Incorporating cognitive learning methodologies into high school education empowers students to excel academically. It also cultivates essential cognitive skills that will serve as a robust foundation for their future educational pursuits.

Ready to see how 91°µÍř can help your high school teen? Enrol now

The post Everything You Need to Know About High School Tutoring appeared first on 91°µÍř.

What causes students to freeze on exams? And what learning strategies can students employ to break the ‘freeze’ and pave the way for success?

Tip 1: Understanding Freezing on Exams

Countless high school students share a common concern: they study diligently and believe they understand the material, yet experience a mental block during exams. Brain “freeze” during exams can result in lower-than-expected grades. 

During exams, what actually happens in the brain that causes the mind to go blank?

Exam stress can trigger a shift from logical () to emotionally driven thinking (). In a calm setting, minimal stress hormones allow for rational thinking. However, high-stakes exams activate stress hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol, impairing memory recall and disrupting logical processing. 

This shift, driven by the hypothalamus, can lead to a “mind blank,” wiping out working memory and hindering rational cognitive activity during exams.

Tip 2: Applying Study Skills in Real Life

One surprising fact is that many students who take study skills programs actually struggle to apply these skills effectively in their daily lives. Often, the skills are memorized but not understood.

The missing link is making study skills a fundamental part of one’s thought process—a new way of thinking seamlessly integrating into academic and personal goals. At 91°µÍř, we believe that studying is more than just about memorizing. Instead, proper studying is about deepening comprehension. 

Learn more about our study skills to help here.

Tip 3: Unlock Emotional and Motivational Barriers—Testing Anxiety 

Merely memorizing new rules won’t solve the problem. Successful study skills programs go beyond addressing surface-level issues and delve into the emotional and motivational barriers that hinder academic success. Students can break free from the ‘freeze’ and perform at their true potential by unlocking these hidden obstacles.

Successful study programs go beyond surface-level memorization and understand that testing anxiety can significantly impact a student’s performance. To overcome this, it’s crucial to identify emotional barriers such as fear of failure or lack of confidence. Effective study programs tailor approaches, offering counselling, emotional support, and techniques like mindfulness. 

encourages students to view tests as opportunities for personal development. Practical strategies such as effective time management and using practice tests help students feel more confident at test time. Ongoing assessment ensures the effectiveness of these approaches, empowering students to overcome testing anxiety and perform at their academic best.

Tip 4: Understand What’s Happening: the Anatomy of Exam Freeze

The experience of freezing during an exam is not a sudden occurrence but a result of various factors that come into play during the test. 

When students encounter questions that may seem familiar, the challenge of recalling the necessary information intensifies, eventually resulting in a mental block. Simply put, students freeze on exams when they try to access information that hasn’t been properly organized in their memory, creating a temporary block in their cognitive processes.

Test anxiety can also make freezing on exams a challenge. The stress caused by test anxiety further hampers cognitive performance, making students freeze on exams.

Tip 5: Active Learning Strategies to Unlock Exam Stress

How can students get over test anxiety? Shifting from a passive mindset to an active learning process is crucial. 

Five Proven Study Strategies for Test Success:

1. Create Study Notes

Every night, spend 10 minutes per subject summarizing the day’s lessons into concise study notes. Break down information into main ideas, supporting details, and sub-details. Make these notes short, in point form, and use your own words.

2. Review

Revisit study notes 48 hours later. Instead of memorizing, focus on understanding the content. Turn the notes into a story or visualization to enhance comprehension and retention.

3. Keep Track

Maintain a day book, planner, or agenda to organize assignments, tests, homework, and personal information. Make entries in class as you receive assignments or test dates. Review nightly before starting a study session.

4. Identify What Works

Identify distractions that hinder focus, such as noise, movement, or crowds. Adjust the study environment accordingly. If noise is a problem, find a quiet place for focused study.

5. Set Long-Range Goals

A mindset shift helps students understand that success is a student’s responsibility. Setting and pursuing long-term goals helps students understand the purpose of learning and take control of their education.

Implementing study strategies contributes to active learning, breaking the cycle of ‘freezing’ by engaging the mind more dynamically and purposefully.

Unlock the key to a successful high school year—find out more here.

Beat Test Anxiety for Good With 91°µÍř

91°µÍř can help students break free from the exam ‘freeze’ and find a proactive study approach that goes beyond memorization. By understanding the root causes of this phenomenon and adopting active learning strategies, students can transform their study habits and unleash their true academic potential. 

Remember, it’s not just about studying harder; it’s about studying smarter and more effectively. 

Embrace these strategies, and watch as the ‘freeze’ gives way to newfound confidence and success in your academic journey.

Learn more about overcoming exam freeze and test anxiety at 91°µÍř. 

91°µÍř helps students stop freezing on exams for good. 

Find a Location Near You

The post 5 Tips to Prevent Freezing On Exams appeared first on 91°µÍř.

If TikTok has one thing to teach us, it is that learning should be fun! 

Simple and useful educational content is fast and easy to access on TikTok, making it a great learning tool. 

There is , and it’s opening up avenues for teachers to connect with Gen Z in an entirely new way.  Here’s what you need to know about why TikTok for education works.

Increasing Student Engagement

There’s nothing teachers love more than an engaged classroom. Luckily, TikTok is incredibly interactive, offering countless ways to grab students’ attention and get them excited about classroom content.

has around 450 billion views. 

The popularity of TikTok’s educational material fits into a trend toward micro-learning in a larger context. Many Gen Z love microlearning rather than long-duration courses. Microlearning boosts students’ engagement with the material, and TikTok is the perfect way to deliver microlearning. 

The Future of Learning Will be Social

TikTok is a powerful educational tool because it is both a learning platform and a social network. 

Users make new friends, scroll through the content, and discover new communities with like-minded people as they go. With 1.5 billion users, TikTok has surpassed more well-known social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Snapchat.

Although TikTok highlights many trends determining the future of education, it also has several undeniable drawbacks. The platform has an average video length of 60 seconds, which prevents users from receiving a comprehensive education or developing more advanced abilities.

However, it’s been shown that Gen Z has an attention span of . Hence, the educational content presented on TikTok perfectly suits them to capture their interest and keep their attention.

TikTok In-Class

Increasing student engagement is always the goal, and in this, TikTok is a valuable tool. Teachers are able to access resources in class using the hashtag #TeachersOfTikTok. There are many TikTok lesson plans and instructional videos for teachers on the platform.

Here are some educational TikTok ideas teachers have been using:

1. Starting lessons with a TikTok video to encourage discussion by asking students whether the video’s original poster was correct or not! Students enjoy dispelling rumours and learning more about a topic before sharing it with their friends.
2. Creating TikTok videos. Teachers have used the platform to post brief class summaries after class, to encourage review at home and prompt students to engage with their school lessons after hours.
3. Creating “stitch this” videos. Teachers create a video themselves and prompt students to duet it.

Unlock the key to a smooth middle school transition—learn more here.

Is TikTok Learning Right For Your Child?  

Any platform that supports and encourages student learning and that students actually use is a positive resource. Many students will not have considered that TikTok can, in fact, help them with school and learning. The next time your child struggles with homework or can’t find a solution, try turning to TikTok.

However, it’s important not to scroll aimlessly. Use a timer when turning to social media for homework to help keep homework focused and on track.

Need more homework and learning support for your child? Enrol in an 91°µÍř program today Contact a location near you to get started today!

The post Is TikTok the Future of Learning? appeared first on 91°µÍř.