548: Three Pillars of Academic Success

The College Prep Podcast

In this episode Edward Coronado III joins Megan to discuss his Three Pillars Philosophy. Understanding these areas (learning & study strategies, productivity & executive function, and mindset & motivation) can help students and educators pinpoint areas for improvement to find the right strategies.

Introduce the Three Pillars Philosophy

• Learning & Study Strategies, Productivity & Executive Function, Mindset & Motivation.
• Weakness in one area can hinder success
• Examples of having two (perfectionist student; Ashley organized and positive mindset)
• Self-awareness is KEY for choosing strategies in each bucket.

Actionable Strategies Rooted in Self-Reflection

• Learning and Study Strategies
  • Define Metacognition (Dr. McGuire)
  • HOW? Reflect on Successful Learning Experiences:
    • Identify classes where they excelled and analyze why.
      • Was it the instructor’s approach, their own study habits, or a combination?
      • How can they replicate those strategies in other classes?
      • Example: Making Calculus more like Art History.
• Productivity and Executive Function Strategies
  • Identify Strengths & Weaknesses:
    • What works and what doesn’t in terms of productivity?
      • Go beyond surface-level answers like “I procrastinate” and dig deeper into the “why and HOW this affects them.
      • Where exactly do things fall apart? What are the specific roadblocks?
      • Example: writing the essay and waiting. Aware they will wait until the last minute. What can we do to stop the pattern?
    • Once aware of the problem areas, students can brainstorm solutions and implement new strategies.
• Mindset and Motivation Strategies
  • Gauge Feelings About School:
    • Instead of focusing solely on grades, majors, careers, etc. ask students how they feel about school.
      • Do they feel belonging, connection, and purpose?
      • Are they progressing towards their goals?
    • If not, help them unpack the negative feelings.
      • This opens the door to addressing underlying issues and fostering a positive mindset.

Conclusion

• Self-reflection is the KEY to unlocking the right strategies for each student.
• Students need metacognitive awareness to choose effective strategies.
  • Build a personalized toolkit for success in all three areas.
• Encourage parents and educators to facilitate these reflective conversations and guide students in developing self-awareness.

Edward is a higher ed administrator turned founder of Alma Modern, where they equip college success pros with the training and resources to empower their students to not just survive in college, but thrive.

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