Here are some of my tips for parents.

1. Talk with your child and offer advice several weeks prior to dropping them off at their dormitory.

2. Get them a time management book (Staples, Office Max etc.

3. Encourage them to meet every professor in their office

4. Take them out to a special dinner to let them know that you care

5. Encourage them to get a tutor at the moment that they do not understand something

6. Remind them that study groups are helpful

7. Remind them that physical fitness will help their mental fitness

8. Pray for wisdom daily

9. Stress the importance of turning assignments in on time.

One of the resources that I’ve developed for students is the “Seven Secrets of How to Study” at http://www.studyskills2u.com

The United States can no longer let each summer slip by without reinforcing each student’s knowledge. For example during the summer a parent could give a question for the day that their student must research. Then give an reward for the number of questions that are answered right at the end of the summer. The most important thing that you can do is discuss new information the student is learning from their research.

The most important thing that you can do is keep your child engaged in the learning process. Teach your student how to be a self learner. Students need to know that even when they don’t have homework there is something to learn. They can read additional books or work on other math problems. Purchase math or language software to make learning fun for the summer. Here are seven things that you can continue to do each summer.
1. Get a list of books from the local library that your student will read
2. Visit a local museum and participate in a class
3. High school students can attend a class at the local community college
4. Go to a local theatre or orchestra
5. Visit another city to tour the historical sites and have a family discussion
6. Attend a summer program on college campus
7. Participate in an internship with a local legislator

http://www.youtube.com/user/DrJonesSr?feature=mhee#p/u/7/AUL3PEPZQR4

The brain drain limits the country’s ability to compete with other global companies. Every student needs to use the summer as an opportunity to get ahead and learn more about computers. A student can reach out to their local council person or city council representative to learn more about the government. Students should volunteer on a special project in your local community. This is one of the best ways to let a students understand that learning opportunities surround us every day.

The goal is to create enthusiasm about learning. Often students do not make a connection between what they are learning and a career opportunity. It’s best to expose students to a wide variety of careers. Some children start talking about their career interests while they are in elementary school. If they are interested in computers and robots arrange a meeting with a computer expert. The summer is a chance to raise your student’s curiosity.

The summer brain drain can be stopped but it takes active learning. You can inspire your student to invest in their own intellectual growth. Put your student on the road to success by knowing what gets them excited. Try using sports as an opportunity to learn math. A student can learn about statistics and percentages by studying many sports. If they are involved in a sport summer camp start a conversation about their team statistics. It will help you to hear what your student understands about math.

The summer can be the best learning experience of the year. Keep your student’s thirst for knowledge as a high priority for your family. This is the time to observe how your student learns. Then expose them to new experiences that challenge them to stretch their imagination. Let’s shut the brain drain down and help every student to go back to school ready for new knowledge. If you are looking for someone to give your parents a seminar contact Dr. Jones at 610-842-3843.

1. Arrive on campus early so that you can get to know where your classes are located.

2. Find an upper-class student who can serve as your mentor.

3. Form a study group for difficult courses right away.

4. Meet with all of the teachers during their office hours the first week of classes.

5. Focus on your fitness. Go to the gym three times a week.

6. Get to know your resident assistant. They can be very helpful.

7. Meet your faculty mentor and let him/her know your interest.

8. Meet the dean/director of your department. You never know when you will need their help.

9. Go to the library to get other books about your course topic.

10. Have fun and join an organization that allows you to network with students from other majors.

11. Get a tutor to help you with your subjects. A wise student request help.

Attending college can be one of the most enjoyable experiences in life. I have met many students in college whose friendship has lasted for a lifetime. College should be a time of exploration where you get to find out many things about yourself. You can create a fresh vision for your future by participating in campus activities and taking on a leadership role in your college.

Allow your first year to be a time of seeking new information about your self and your career. If you are not exactly sure of what you want perform a career search. Sometimes just by talking to a company representative you can identify some area of interest. For example did you know that many math majors are hired by an insurance company? It’s important to have different types of career experiences throughout your college years. The freshman year is not too early to refine your career search. You can go to events to meet alumni and also attend the campus wide career fair.

Going to college is a great way to take the limits off of your possibilities. When you meet professors in their offices go prepared with questions. You must be willing to challenge yourself to learn new things from each of the courses that you attend. There may be questions that your professor is willing to answer when you are in their office. You can build a good reputation as a student who is serious about your major. Make this freshman year a success by exploring all of your options. Dr Stephen Jones is education consultant author of a book that you must take to college Seven Secrets of How to Study and the Ultimate Scholarship Guide available at http://www.studyskills2u.com

1. Research – Make sure to research the group that’s invited you to present. Ask them about a website or literature that they can send to you. Become very familiar with the organization.
2. Stories – Find ways to incorporate stories into your presentation. The people who are listening want to make a connection with you. Your stories will tell them that you are aware of their challenges. It will increase your audience’s interest in listening.
3. Practice – Always set aside time to practice the speech that you are giving. You can organize a small group to give you feedback on your presentation. You need feedback so that you can get better.
4. Passionate – It’s important to have a passion about the topic that you are presenting. People will feel how much you care about their challenges. They will know that you want them to benefit from a great speaking engagement.
5. Quotes – Using quotes can be an effective way to get the audiences attention. There are hundreds of books and websites that offer quotes. Also consider coming up with some of your own.
6. Empathy – Demonstrate throughout your speech that you understand what your audience values. You should also exhibit greater empathy by talking to people in the organization and asking them about their biggest challenges.
7. Conclusion – Use your closing to tell them what you told them again. End on a high note by encouraging the audience. Tell them about your expectation and what they can accomplish.

In order to become a motivational speaker you must have a plan that you will follow. One effective way to enhance your skills is joining organizations like the National Speakers Association and Toast Masters. It’s always good to get feedback from others who have an interest in your success. Use these organizations to learn how to give an effective impromptu speech. You can also get better by listening to other speakers and witnessing how they engage their audience.

Read the entire aticle at http://www.speakers2u.blogspot.com/

American’s elected President Barak Obama but this country still struggles with what his election represents. Some say we’ve made progress and others remain resistant. Even members of his own democratic party have not consistently supported President Obama. Every move that he makes is placed under a microscope. For example, his attempt to comfort Americans after the attack on Senator Congresswoman Gifford and others who lost their lives was twisted. It was a passionate speech which caused the audience to cheer and feel comforted. The President remained somber throughout the celebration of life. Dr. Martin Luther king would have approved. Sometimes it appears that America is a country that is looking for a way to remain divided. There is a great need to forge past political agendas and focus on decisions that are in the best interest of the country.

It is evident that Dr. Martin Luther King had many challenges during the time that he was alive. There were often competing interests that affect how fast America would change. Dr. King spent time preaching how people need to treat each other because of personal events he witnessed while living in the south. There were separate bath room facilities for people of color and they could not eat at the diner counter. Dr. King felt that these prejudices must change. In his day social action involved boycotting buses. It’s time for American’s to slow down to respond to social injustices that still occur every day.

Martin Luther King was a scholar and an educator. He taught thousands in the community to pursue more education. His leadership led to a whole generation of teachers and scientists who broke color barriers in companies all over the country. Today we can find these individuals in the executive suites of corporations all across America. There are black and Hispanic professionals who’ve started businesses and witnessed changes in society as their companies have grown.

Dr. King would be amazed at the progress that’s occurred during the 21st century. If he were alive today he would be amazed at the internet. The internet changes the speed at which people respond to an event or crisis. There are millions of responses to social issues. The ability to create a blog or tweet information has changed the way that thousands are communicating their opinion. The current technology allows millions to read about Dr. Martin Luther King’s life. The internet is accompanied by its own challenges. Last year, Ms. Shirley Sharrod was removed from the Department of Agriculture when her comment s where posted on the internet. They were deemed discriminatory. After a careful review she was cleared by hear office.

No one can deny that Dr. Martin Luther King was a man with a mission. It was a mission that was powerful that it touched the nation’s heart. When several children were killed during bombing it made it clear that the mission would not be complete without a fight. No mission that is worth fighting for is won easily. Today we must move forward with determination to make things better for everyone.

It’s important to continue to celebrate Martin Luther King Day and to acknowledge his contribution to society. Dr. King was a trailblazer because he demonstrated the leadership characteristics that we should all adapt. America’s cities are in desperate need of leaders who can transform they way that we communicate and live. American society will only improve when the roadblocks to equality are removed.

It’s time to have a new outlook on what you can achieve. I’ve found that pursuing a new dream has caused me to reassess who I am and what I am doing with my life. It’s good to find a mentor who can inspire you to take action. Making 2011 count requires a new level of commitment to some of your personal and career goals. It’s important to recognize that it is never too late to change your priorities. People change their priorities every day so that they can take advantage of new knowledge that they’ve obtained.

Surround yourself with people who will encourage you. The right mentor can see when your success is not that far away. They can help you when you feel overwhelmed. There are people who are great coaches who understand that it is never too late to get started. They are the cheerleaders who know what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it. It seems that it is easy to draw strength from people who are supportive. Make a list of your mentors and contact them right away. Get connected with people who will encourage you. It’s time to make 2011 count.

1. Recognizing the birth of Christ is a joyous celebration
2. I spend time with family and friends
3. It shows me how to be grateful in 2011
4. The gift of living is a tremendous blessing and I choose to be happy
5. I enjoy Christmas for the joy that it brings to other

When others experience joy, my own level of appreciation and joy increases daily. I understand that it is far better to be grateful and have greater expectations for my future. The joy of Christmas is knowing that a savior was born and that my life can be brand new daily. I’ve decided to enjoy Christmas in a big way every year.