A Serving of The Study Smart Smorgasborg

The Study Smart Smorgasborg is a site I discovered this morning that I think is worth checking out.  Say Keng Lee describes himself as “A life-long Knowledge Adventurer & Technology Explorer in the field of brain-based, future-focused, change-oriented technologies.”  What caught my attention was his Smart Students’ Power Toolbox, which lists some great learning resources.  Here are a few that I wanted to highlight, along with Lee’s comments, followed by my own:

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, by Sean Covey

Comments: The difference between smart students and mediocre ones is only a thin line – POWERFUL HABITS! This book shows you all the proven strategies to develop them.

[Nick’s comment: I just bought this book for my 15-year old, and he’s reading it this summer before he starts his sophomore year of high school.  I think it’s got a lot of practical advice for school and for life.]

4. Quantum Learning : Unleashing the Genius in You, by Bobbi Deporter

Comments: This book comes from the co-creator of the world-famous Supercamp series that had helped thousands of average students to develop winning attitudes towards learning as well as life design.

[Nick’s comment: This book is a must-read for every teenager looking to improve their learning skills and their attitude about school.  It’s so helpful, whenever I let parents borrow it, I never get it back, and I end up having to buy another one.]

6. How to Read a Book, by Mortimer J. Adler

Comments: A perennial classic since the 1940’s & the BEST in the genre. A superb guide to comprehending all kinds of reading texts. The Syntopic Reading strategies are a real gem!

[Nick’s comment: I agree completely.  No serious student should miss Adler’s book.]

12. How to Speak How to Listen, by Mortimer J. Adler

Comments: An excellent companion to his `How to Read a Book.’ The active listening skills outlined in the book are a real gem!

[Nick’s comment: This book can also help teachers plan a speech or debate unit.]

Be sure to check out the rest of Lee’s Smart Students’ Power Toolbox, and the rest of the articles on his site.  After all, anyone who lists The Magnificent Seven as one of his favorite movies has got to know what he’s talking about!