Students and Parents: Stop Stressing About School. Start Having a Life!
Students: Do you hate studying, struggle with procrastination, and score lower on tests than you’d like?
Parents: Do you stress about your student's academic habits as much or more than your student does?
Are you both ready to discover exactly how to get the grades you want and learn more with less stress?!
After 25+ years as a student, educator, and academic life coach, and after a lot of research and trial and error with hundreds of clients, I’ve landed on a surprisingly simple system that has transformed the academic lives of hundreds of students, ages 16 to 60.
Once you learn a few basic rules for learning — rules that few teachers, tutors, and parents seem to know — you will be able to learn anything you want — for the rest of your life!
Using the system I’ve created, my clients are able to raise their grades, feel more confident at school, get more done in less time, and still have time for friends and fun.
My goal is to show you how to design your own, unique, personalized study and time management system that you can repeat every semester, so that you are always confident about learning, whether you are 16 or 60. Introducing…
The Anti-Boring Approach to Powerful Studying™: A Step-by-Step System for Getting the Grades You Want and Learning More with Less Stress.
When you learn this proven system, you’ll be able to:
- Finally overcome procrastination and disorganization and take charge of your life
- Train your brain so you can learn anything you are taught, no matter how good (or bad) you think your teacher is
- Take creative, powerful notes that make key points stick every time
- Make studying so interesting and fun that you are 100% ready for every test
- Stay motivated and calm in the face of increasing pressure so you don’t lose steam
- Rock your final exams and finish stronger than you expected
- Nail down your unique study system so that EVERY semester is your best semester ever…for the rest of your life.
What's the secret to this system? Whereas most experts just teach strategies for successful studenting, I teach the brain science behind why those strategies work...AND the strategies, too.
Most brain theory is taught in complex, scientific language that is intimidating and boring. However, the Anti-Boring tools are memorable, actionable…and even kinda' fun.
I've found that when students, parents, and teachers understand what's happening in the brain when humans learn — and design learning strategies based on this brain science — students are more motivated to follow through!
Read on to learn more! I'm so glad you're here!
"There's more than one way to study! Before, I thought that flashcards were the only thing that works. Or at least, it was the only thing I tried. Now studying is not as boring because I have other options to choose from to learn in different ways."
~ Olivia, 9th Grade Student
"It seemed daunting at first to reproduce the notes in a more coherent way when I already thought they were pretty thorough. But when I finished the hone it method, the notes seemed easier to understand and more consolidated. Because the info is more consolidated, it is easier to read."
~ Chandler, Student
Gretchen teaches you how to not be “I don’t wanna!!!” and instead to be “This might be fun!!”
~ Francesca, 6th grader
WHY THE BRAIN? WHY “ANTI-BORING?"
Students are often so bored in school. You can't control having a boring class, but you can control the choices you make. All you need is a few anti-boring learning tools, and then no matter how boring your class seems, you have the tools you need to transform it.
Students waste a lot of time trying to learn in ways that brain science has proven don't work. Doesn't that seem silly? I've noticed that when students are given an easy-to-understand owner's manual for their brain, they save time and get better grades on tests, too.
Many students feel broken and stupid because learning doesn't come easily. I've noticed that, once students learn a few basic facts about the brain, they realize they're not broken. They're human! They feel relieved, smarter, and more in control. Doesn't that sound better?
THE BENEFITS:
I have developed a clear, step-by-step roadmap to help you:
UNDERSTAND HOW THE BRAIN WORKS
...in simple, engaging, hilarious ways. Students, you'll make better choices on homework and studying when you truly know how your brain works. And parents, you'll ask better questions of your student when you understand this stuff, too!
MAKE STUDYING EFFECTIVE (AND FUN!)
...so students are 100% ready for every test and quiz. You'll know how to harness the power of effective note-taking, quizzable study tools, and rock solid study plans. And it won't seem so dreary, because you'll have personalized your study habits.
GET MOTIVATED TO TRY A BIT HARDER
...when managing time, making plans, and studying. You'll learn that the brain requires effort to learn, but that doesn't mean you have to put in tons of time and energy. Instead, effort becomes a series of lots of small, easy, anti-boring actions you're motivated to take, that have big payoffs.
OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION
...and learn to "trick" yourself to take action. Even if you don't always feel like it. Learn what surprising routines will help you take charge of your time and your life. Parents, practice these anti-procrastination tools yourself. After all, you're not immune, I'm sure. Great time management is a family affair!
SO HOW EXACTLY DOES THIS COURSE WORK?
The Anti-Boring Approach to Powerful Studying is an online, self-paced course. All you need is the internet and a computer and you're good to go!
It has 7 modules, each of which takes under an hour to work through and teaches a specific toolkit for rocking school.
You have lots of choice about how you work through the course:
(1) You can pace yourself, doing one module at a time, or slurp it up all in one weekend.
(2) You can start at the beginning or you can jump around, depending on your interests.
(3) You can work through it alone, or along with your parents and siblings.
The choice is yours and your family's! Read on for more specifics about what you'll learn:
7 BRAIN-BASED TOOLKITS which teach you both the (1) specific strategies behind successful learning and (2) the brain theory behind each of those strategies, so you know what makes them work, and what gets in the way
VIDEOS & HAND-DRAWN VISUALS that make learning more bite-sized, interesting, and personal. Also, videos are often under 5 minutes, so you don't have time to get bored.
SPACE TO WRITE RESPONSES underneath each lesson. We ask you a question that allows you to reflect on the information, and we recommend you write out a thoughtful response. It's not required, but definitely suggested.
"What I learned from the Anti-Boring Approach was helpful, especially the study senses. Before I would just take notes and study off of those; now I draw a bunch of different pictures, and talk to myself, and teach myself the information.”
- Mel, high school junior who sought Gretchen out to help his stress level at a rigorous independent school
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
You’re about to learn the EXACT SAME SYSTEM I’ve used over and over to consistently help my student clients manage their time, organize their things, and become test-taking powerhouses.
I know from experience that the anti-boring system is the most effective way to take a big leap beyond stress, overwhelm, low grades and lackluster learning.
I’ll show you how to rock your learning…and your grades.
This program is designed for stressed out students who are finally ready to make changes. You want to feel smart, confident and ready to rock school without losing your life to school and studying, right?
If you follow this step-by-step system, you’ll have all the information you need to end the semester prouder, smarter, and less stressed.
Here’s a list of what you'll learn in this course.
Module 1: The Study Cycle
Start with the brain science. Understand the 3 steps you MUST take to rock your learning...and your grades.
In this module, you’ll learn:
- How to set yourself up for success in this course
- The key difference between "homework" and "studying," and why that difference matters
- The 3 crucial steps your brain needs you to take to learn, summarized by the Study Cycle
- Time investment: 15 minutes
Module 2: Train Your Brain
Train your brain so you can learn anything you are taught no matter how good (or bad) you think your teacher is.
In this module, you'll learn:
- The single biggest reason why you struggle to learn
- Some surprising brain facts that will help you turn this around immediately (Hint: related to something fancy called "neural pathways," which I'll explain in a fun way)
- Two keys to learning anything you set your mind to, regardless of how well your teacher taught it
- Time investment: 30 minutes
Module 3: Get Active With the Study Senses
Discover the four keys to active learning, so you can banish boredom forever.
In this module, you’ll learn:
- A four-step checklist to making learning more interesting, which I call the Study Senses
- The surprising power of "verberization" to help you feel more motivated to study and do homework
- Fun and varied ways to switch up your study strategies so you don't get bored while you memorize
- Time investment: 30 minutes
Module 4: Take Powerful Notes
Take creative, powerful notes that make key points stick every time.
In this module, you’ll learn:
- My unique two-step formula for taking notes that will ensure you’re learning the material
- Simple strategies I’ve used my entire life to make the info in my notes memorable
- The secret to making note-taking so interesting you'll actually look forward to doing it
- Time Investment: 45 minutes
Module 5: Design Quizzable Study Tools
Save time by making quizzable study tools that help you prove what you know way before you take the test
In this module, you'll learn:
- The characteristics of a good "quizzable study tool"
- Simple tweaks in how you do your homework so you are prepping for the test as you go, rather than cramming at the last minute
- 7+ different techniques for quizzing yourself so you never have to be bored again by the overuse of flashcards
- Time investment: 45 minutes
Module 6: Make a Rock Solid Study Plan
Make studying so interesting and fun that you are 100% ready for every test.
In this module, you’ll learn:
- The mistake most students make when preparing for tests, and exactly what you should do instead
- A clear formula for how to create a study plan that is effective and inspires you to follow through
- How to think like a detective and “prove” that you’re ready for the test, so you’re not surprised by low grades anymore
- Time investment: 45 minutes
Module 7: Overcome Procrastination
Finally overcome procrastination and/or disorganization and take charge of your life in a way that's easy and fun.
In this module, you’ll learn:
- How to organize your time more efficiently so that you have time to do all your homework...and have a life, too!
- 2 simple routines that help you stop procrastinating, and start working on your biggest priorities
- A sure-fire organization system that helps you find what you need for all your classes... and rock your finals, too
- Time Investment: 60 minutes
YOU'LL RECEIVE:
Let's make a list. When you purchase this course, you will receive:
- Access to the Anti-Boring Approach to Powerful Studying™ online course
- 7 modules and 25+ short videos that divide all the Anti-Boring toolkits into short, easy-to-learn pieces
- An overflowing toolbox of 41+ tools that will be relevant for the rest of your life
- Lifetime access to the course, so you can revisit the information as you graduate into more rigorous learning experiences
- And more! I'm always adding ideas and updating videos, so you might get into the course and discover some bonus material
REASONS YOU MIGHT NEED THIS INFO RIGHT NOW
- You’re a scattered student who has just realized you can't keep up with school. You need new tools, and can't keep doing the same ol' same ol.'
- You’re a perfectionist student who doesn't have a life, because you spend all your time on school. You realize there must be some things you can do to save time, but you don't know what they are.
- You're a "middle of the road" student getting decent grades in high school. However, you know that college will ramp up the rigor big time, and you want to be ready.
- You're a parent who is worried about your student's skill level in regards to time management, organization, and study skills.
- You're a parent who knows your student might ultimately need coaching, but you're looking for a low cost alternative right now. You're willing to work through this online course with your student, and help them brainstorm how to apply it to their school lives.
- You're a human being curious about how to learn more effectively! You'd love to learn the basics of the newest brain science of learning combined with actionable strategies. You don't need the full educator training, but you'd like to be exposed to the basic Anti-Boring Approach.
- What else? Are there other reasons you're considering taking this course that I didn't mention here? I'd love to hear.
Are you ready to stress less and have more success ... at school and beyond?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
+ How much time will this course take?
Everyone works at a different pace, so it is hard to give a one-size-fits-all answer. Most modules will probably take 30-60 minutes. Some folks charge through all the materials in a single weekend; others work more slowly through the course. As soon as you register, you have access to all the modules, so you can take it at your own pace.
+ What age groups are the Anti-Boring™ tools appropriate for?
All ages! Every student needs (1) a handbook for how their brain works, and (2) some concrete strategies to put these concepts into action. The Anti-Boring Approach to Powerful Studying is geared towards middle school students and higher. I’ve even had grad school clients benefit from these tools, and many parents have mentioned they've used the Anti-Boring toolkit to improve their experiences at work.
+ What if I get bored easily? How long are all the videos?
I have been an academic coach working with students with ADHD for 15+ years now. I know my audience. :-) I've done my best to keep each video to 5 minutes or under. Sometimes they're longer, but rarely. My hope is that you don't get bored as you watch. And if you do, you can apply some of the anti-boring strategies to your learning! So you have double the reasons not to be bored.
+ I'm a parent. I know my student needs these tools, but I'm not sure I can get them to work through the course. Should I still register?
There is a lot of value in you working through these materials, learning the tools, and then sharing your learnings with your student. Once you've purchased the course, you have it for life. So you can work through it once on your own, and then revisit with your student when/if they become motivated to.
+ Is this course suitable for teachers?
If you are a teacher, tutor, or other kind of educator, I highly recommend you take the Art of Inspiring Students to Study Strategically instead. When you register for that course, you also gain access Anti-Boring Approach to Powerful Studying, plus a number of critical resources to help you integrate these tools in your classroom. If your goal is to learn practical tools to teach your students, the course for educators is the one to take.
+ Can teenagers really learn from an online course?
This is a great question! One I've thought long and hard about. For most teenagers to get the maximum value out of this course, it works best to work through it with at least one other person. I've seen the most success when that person is an adult who is also interested in learning and discussing the tools with the teenager. This adult could be a parent, tutor, or coach. A super motivated teenager will definitely get a lot out of this course on their own, but I find that most students need help brainstorming how to apply these lessons to their academic lives. For this reason, I highly recommend that parents prioritize working through the course with their teen.
+ What are the best ways for parents and teens to work through this course together?
So much depends on the nature of your relationship with your teen (if you're the parent). One way is to simply put time on the calendar for a weekly Anti-Boring Approach date together. At that point, you sit and watch the videos together, and then discuss your major take-aways. Each person (even the parents!) can commit to one new strategy you're going to "play with" in the upcoming week. One parent I know took the course alone, but with permission from their student, they then re-taught all the key lessons to their student, showing some of the videos to their teen, but not all of them. This teen really appreciated their parent's investment of time. Parents and teens can simply work through each module separately, but then discuss their take-aways over the dinner table, or when driving to extracurricular activities. The question is: what method will enable the student to be the most present, motivated, wiling to learn, and also willing to apply what they're learning to their lives?
GOT A DIFFERENT QUESTION? ASK AWAY!
Write an email to gretchen@gretchenwegner.com and copy my team officewiz@gretchenwegner.com. One of us will help you out as soon as we can!
Are you ready to inspire your students to study strategically?
WHO I AM & WHY I CREATED THIS PROGRAM FOR YOU
I’m Gretchen Wegner. I’ve been an Academic Life Coach for students for over ten years.
During that time I’ve worked with hundreds of students and peeked into thousands of classrooms all over the country. I’ve seen what teachers assign that works -- and also what gets in the way of students’ ability to learn independently and study strategically.
Before that, I was a middle and high school social studies teacher.
Before that, I wrote curriculum for non-profits serving kids all over the country.
Before that, I was an egg-head student who got bored easily, and had to invent all kinds of interesting tricks to keep myself focused during school and studying.
So I come by this work naturally -- with 33 years combined experience that has culminated in my signature method for helping students become rockstar learners: The Anti-Boring Approach to Powerful Studying™.
Why did I create the companion course for educators, The Art of Inspiring Students to Study Strategically? Because you asked.
Well, not YOU exactly. But lots of educators like you. Thanks to the success of my YouTube Channel and my podcast, I started getting tons of emails from other teachers and Academic Life Coaches, asking me if they could “pick my brain” about how I teach study skills to students, and how I run my academic coaching business.
I didn’t have time for a lot of complimentary one-on-one chats with folks… and so I created this course, and my Anti-Boring Approach Coach Training Program, to answer everyone’s questions.
But that’s not the only reason I created this course.
I was fired from my teaching job.
Well, not exactly fired. More like: the administrator in charge at the Independent School where I worked chose not to re-contract me. He saw I was a creative educator and out-of-the-box thinker, but was trying to rebrand the school with more “traditional” approaches to teaching and learning.
Turns out, this was the best thing that ever happened to me. When I got over my disappointment, I discovered the fields of cognitive science and academic coaching, and I’ve never turned back!
The Anti-Boring Approach to Powerful Studying pulls together every tool I've learned about how to have less stess -- and more success! -- at school and in life.
Please join me! Together, let’s change the world one creative study skill at a time.