If caught unprepared for a test, many students experience a great deal of stress and anxiety. Students of all ages can benefits from learning to study smart instead of cramming for a test the night before. Sylvan Learning Centre can help your child become a better student by addressing their individual learning styles. When a student comes to Sylvan, their assessed to determine what their learning style is – visual, auditory, verbal, haptic. Haptic learners learn by working with their hands explains Jamie Fraser, executive director at Sylvan Learning Centre.

“Our study skills program is available for students from grade 4, right up to grade 12. These skills that aren’t necessarily taught in school can be used in school and later on in life,” Fraser says. “A perfect example is seeing a grade 4 student write something down in their day time, plan their day, and study accordingly,” says Fraser.

By addressing a student’s individual needs, students are taught the skills they need to study by themselves. These lessons taught at Sylvan help them become successful students throughout the school career.

“It’s great to see students ten years from now preparing for university and using those organizational skills,” admits Fraser.

Aside from addressing individual student’s study needs, there are a number of general study techniques that will help anyone study more efficiently. The Sylvan study skill program also addresses organizational skills and note taking.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re ten or eighteen years old, you have to be able to take proper notes in school. It will lead to success down the road,” says Fraser. Another major factor at being a successful studier is proper test preparation. Instead of cramming the night before a test, Sylvan teaches students to plan ahead and study several weeks before the day of the test.

Essays are another big hurdle that some students have difficulties overcoming by themselves. Often students are asked to write book reports or essays, but teachers don’t address the techniques of writing the reports.

“It’s a difficult thing to teach,” admits Fraser. “We’ve got a specific writing program that takes them through the proper framework of what it’s involved in putting together a proper essay. Once again these skills lead into university and they’ll experience a lot success.”

For more information on how Sylvan can help your children master their learning skills, visit www.educate.com.