A Typical Class

Just the facts

Length: 1.5 hours of class plus 1 hour of optional private instruction (free!)

Setting: writing at desks during lessons, seated around for discussions, and light movement activities during breaks

Class size: 5 to 12 students

Topics:

• the subject matter of the course
• practice problem review
• focus activities and Rhythmex
• organization tools and time management
• awareness of study habits
• student-led discussion on learning experiences
• goal building and right attitude
• paired student teaching / review
• dialogues on health and stress

Rationale

The period in which learning actually happens -- the "aha" moment -- is surprisingly short, mere seconds. In contrast, if the "aha" moment doesn't occur, a student can spend minutes to days re-hashing a topic without grasping it.

Our goal is to keep students active, attentive, and interested by reducing the time spent learning, varying activities before their attention spans are reached -- every 4 to 7 minutes -- and consciously developing a work ethic through discussions and focus activities.

Students marvel at how quickly they master new strategies and how the class periods "fly by." For reinforcement, students are encouraged to stay after the hour-and-a-half class to review problems one-on-one or to personalize a strategy to their learning style with an instructor.

Home practice is fittingly short and to the point and is reasonable for busy schedules. Workloads increase before exams, when proctored practice tests will also be offered. Students are rewarded for their focus with shorter classes and fewer assignments, but additional help is always available. Private tutoring is also encouraged.