The Smart Learner | PrepUP

A Series of Learning Circles to Make You an Independent Learner!

Facilitated by Maharashtra Dyslexia Association

No schedules on the calendar

Who is it for

Learning level

Learner profile

Certification

Participation Certificate

Candidates will be awarded Certificate from MDA upon successful completion of the course. They will then be eligible to appear for the examinations conducted by the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) as Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP) (http://www.altaread.org) & the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI), an affiliate of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), for Certification as Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI) (effectivereading.org).


Location

  1. 003, Amit Park Bldg, L J Road,, Deonar, Mumbai , Maharashtra, India View Map

  2. C/O Joseph Cardijn Technical School, ground floor, Gate no. 2,, Dadar East, Mumbai , Maharashtra, India View Map

Google map

Google map

Premise

In any given classroom, two thirds of students feel some degree of academic stress, parental pressure and a intensely competitive environment. Isn’t it then imperative to help students to better adapt and succeed? Our Learning Circle up-skills all learners with study techniques and strategies thereby enhancing individual growth and performance.

Description

Smart study skills, strategies and techniques make learners independent, motivated and active and innovative.

School curriculum is too heavy and intensive, leaving insufficient time for learners to keep up. Whose responsibility is it?**

Tackling this begins with taking personal accountability for:
UN-LEARNING
1. Rote memorization
2. Passive thinking and reasoning
3. Focusing on exams and grades only

NEW LEARNING
1. Become goal orientated
2. Acquire strategies and techniques
3. Develop real-world skills

PRACTISING & IMPLEMENTING New strategies and techniques



Current Situation**
Academic Stress, Parental Pressure, and intense competition is prevalent

1. The Academic System is textbook-oriented and focuses on rote memorization. It demands long hours of systematic study every day.

2. Learners have little time for socialization & recreation. Elaborate study routines... span from the morning till late evening hours.

3. Teachers are working hard to cover a vast syllabus, often disregarding the comprehension level of students.

**Source : 2015 Scientific and Academic Publishing | International Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

Report : Academic Stress, Parental Pressure, Anxiety and Mental Health among Indian High School Students.

Key Learnings

  • To plan, set goals and focus for effective and efficient studying and learning

  • To enhance critical thinking by learning to effectively question and bridge memory to new learning

  • To learn and apply memory, organization techniques effectively

  • To be able to independently comprehend and learn from a given text

  • To be able to express your thoughts, summarize and conclude in a written format independently

Format

Methodology

Learning stakeholder

Tags

Topics and agenda

  • 1. A Warm Welcome

    Digital On boarding | 15 Minutes

    Getting you on board to do a bit of practice.

    To make you comfortable in our digital learning environment.


  • 2. Getting to Know Each Other

    Learning Circle | 30 Minutes

    Ice Breaker where participants share their educational qualifications and work details forwarding assessment and customization

    To get to know each other and to develop a safe space


  • 3. Setting the context

    Self-learning | 30 Minutes

    Understanding why preparation matters

    To explore your experience in preparation


  • 4. Self Reflection

    Self-learning | 30 Minutes

    Identifying your own strengths and weaknesses

    To gain self-insight.


  • 5. Executive Functions

    Research & Reflection | 30 Minutes

    Reflect on key executive functions needed for effective learning.

    To identify key skills needed to improve performance.


  • 6. Goal Setting

    Learning Circle | 30 Minutes

    Setting goals gives the opportunity to experience small wins which in turn helps to achieve your target.

    To practice structuring and writing goals.


  • 7. Concentration Techniques

    Learning Circle | 30 Minutes

    In several ways, "concentration" is the "single most" "important" key to success.

    To practice effective strategies to enhance Concentration.


  • 8. Concentration Activities

    Games | 30 Minutes

    Get ready to jog your brains and return your focus to the present.

    To feel energized and active


  • 9. Time Management

    Learning Circle | 30 Minutes

    This is a life skill and it transcends academia.

    To practice key time management techniques.


  • 10. Self Control

    Learning Circle | 30 Minutes

    Reflecting and identifying your feelings.

    To better manage your state of mind.


  • 11. Feedback

    Giving feedback | 30 Minutes

    Reviewing your learning experience, collecting and sharing thoughts, ideas for improvement.

    To give constructive, qualitative and critical feedback.


  • 12. Final Self Reflection

    Self-learning | 30 Minutes

    Identifying your own strengths and weaknesses after practice and what further support is needed.

    To confirm areas of improvement.


Professionals

Masarrat Khan
Chief Executive Officer

Masarrat Khan holds Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology and English Literature from Mumbai University, and is a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist and a Certified Academic Language Therapist. She is the Course Coordinator for the Dyslexia Therapist Training Programme offered by MDA in collaboration with Ms Sandra Dillon, author of the Sounds-In-Syllables Program, USA. She is a Pre-Primary and Primary Curriculum Developer and Trainer for the English Language and Math. Ms Khan was one of the Primary Investigators in the development of DALI-Dyslexia Assessment for Languages of India, has co-authored Research on ‘Ancestral Variations of the PCDHG Gene Cluster Predispose to Dyslexia in a Multiplex’. Ms Khan, with an invaluable experience of more than three decades in the area of Learning Disabilities, has been nominated as Member of the International Executive Council of Global Inclusive Education Network

Diya Basu
Senior Psychologist

Ms Diya Basu is a Senior Psychologist at MDA, and is responsible for assessments, and training and mentoring trainee and junior psychologists.
She is also a Certified Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment Programme Facilitator.
She conducts workshops and digitally facilitated learning circles on Dyslexia Awareness and Classroom Management Strategies, Interpreting Psycho-Educational Reports, and Study Skills and Strategies for professionals and mainstream school teachers.
This Learning Circle have been designed and published by her.


Organization Icon Image

Maharashtra Dyslexia Association

Maharashtra Dyslexia Association is a not-for-profit organisation committed to securing the rights of students with Dyslexia (also known as a 'Specific Learning or Language Disability') to an appropriate education. MDA was started in March 1996 by a group of parents and professionals with a view to creating awareness about Dyslexia within the educational community and the general public, and advocating the rights of these students.

Our mission is to promote the rights of individuals with Specific Learning Disability through diagnostic and remedial services, advocacy, research and capacity building.