Did the construction workers go about building the Sydney harbour bridge without a proven framework, a clear strategy and a set of step-by-step instructions and stages?
Of course not.
And even if they did AND managed to produce a functioning bridge by making it up and figuring it out as they went,
it VERY likely wouldn’t have been completed in the most efficient, smooth or stress-free way.
So it’s no wonder students struggle to write an essay or assignment or even just answer a few topic questions, when they don’t have a clear strategy or step-by-step breakdown of how to tackle the task.
And it’s no wonder they don’t get the best result when they don’t have a clear vision of what the successful outcome will include or look like, how it will address all the criteria and how to make it happen.
A “problem” is simply a gap,
an open space between point A and point B.
And almost always, it’s an open space you can bridge.
For example, a problem a student might be given in Maths is the gap between the scenario presented and the solution or answer.
Or a more general study problem your teen may face in English might be
‘how do I write an essay on that?’
And the gap is the structure and content that makes up that essay.
Either way,
they need to build a bridge to cross that gap and arrive at the solution or a successful end result.
So the focus on achieving better results with less stress, is really about the bridge.
Did the construction workers go about building the Sydney harbour bridge without a proven framework, a clear strategy and a set of step-by-step instructions and stages?
Of course not.
And even if they did AND managed to produce a functioning bridge by making it up and figuring it out as they went,
then even though it might be a successful outcome,
it VERY likely wouldn’t have been completed in the most efficient, smooth or stress-free way.
So why would your teen do the same?
It’s no wonder that we struggle to get ourselves from start to finish with a task or assignment if we don’t have a clear strategy, step-by-step breakdown or a clear vision of where we’re going and how we’re going to get there.
As I tell everyone,
it’s not just a case of working harder.
If a team of engineers and builders just kept laying more and more bricks,
or working longer hours every day,
or putting more and more bolts between the steel parts,
does that guarantee a better bridge?
Nope.
A clear template, a set of steps, an order of tasks and even an example of a successful bridge built in the same way somewhere else,
that’s what’s going to make the job a lot faster, easier and produce a more successful outcome.
That’s why I’m all about providing students with these tools and strategies.
Giving them the simple yet super-effective tools, checklists and tricks to make their writing sound amazing in my Write Like an A-Grader training
Giving them a complete system for study success in my 10 Week Grade Transformation Program,
from note-taking to what to do in the final minutes of an exam. From Motivation and organisation to the template for an analytical essay at the highest cognitive level of evaluation.
And dissecting model responses and mark schemes in my annual live Exam Mastery Workshop.
I really want to get across one thing…
That a problem or a challenge,
simply shows that there is a gap.
And there is a solution,
a strategy,
a template
or a skill
that will bridge that gap, no matter how big or small.
If you’d like to talk to me about any of the gaps or problems that are stopping your teen from being Happy, Smart and Successful,
then I’m making some time available in my diary these next couple of weeks to chat to parents so that I can see what students are most struggling with at the moment and tailor my upcoming content to be as helpful as possible.
In return I’ll give you my feedback and tips on how your teen can bridge those gaps.
Just drop me an email (katie.price@rocksolidstudy.com.au) referencing this blog and I’ll send you a link to book in a time for a free and casual chat 🙂
Okay, hopefully chat with you soon!
Now, let’s go make this week, a fantastic week!
Katie
