Success In The Classroom: Effective Study Skills; Success In The Classroom: Effective Test-Taking

Both of these programs are fairly pedestrian approaches to their subjects, without enough real information to offset the limited production qualities. Using a pointless framing device of an Action News Team reporter (an adult) reporting on Mrs. Fields class at Peabody High School, Effective Study Skills gives common sense advice broken down into needless categories on the subjects of listening (a 3-part process involving: 1) preparing to listen, 2) having a positive attitude, and 3) controlling your thoughts), notetaking, and outlining. The second program is similar with the same kinds of rudimentary suggestions: attend class regularly, take good notes, get a good night's sleep, eat a light breakfast on test day, etc. A workbook, Getting Smarter by Lawrence J. Greene and Leigh Jones-Bamman, which is not tied in to the video, is included. Junior high level schools might be interested in these, but even they would do better, and save money, by choosing Effective Study Strategies (1987, 58 min., $39.95, Academic Resources Corporation, reviewed in the April '89 issue). For public libraries, these titles are not recommended. (See BABYSITTING THE RESPONSIBLE WAY for availability.)