CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS =. ‘WORKOUT FOR THE BRAIN By Kimberly Lumipkin any of us have made a habit of going to the gym to keep four bodies in shape. But what about the most important ‘organ we have ~ the brain? Sure it gets a workout when we're wrestling with ‘a complex assignment or when there is ‘atest coming up, but we don’t think a whole lot about it otherwise The truth is, just as your muscles atrophy if you don’t use them for a long time, your brain needs regular stimulation to be in peak condition. And, also like muscles, your brain needs both consistency ‘and variety So how often should you work out your brain? While there is no fone size fits all answer, a good rule of thumb is about the same ‘amount of time you devote to physical workouts, and at least three times a week. But in any case, some is better than none. The key is to be aware of when your brain is most receptive to tackling new challenges and taking advantage of it, As for variety, try secking ‘out mental challenges you might not have considered before. Volume 2, Issue 1: Fall 2010 ‘We all have ways of learning that come more naturally to us than others, and many of us have learned to use those methods to help us do our best on tests and other classroom tasks. However, many studies have shown that we can actually change the wiring of our brains by trying games, puzzles, and other exercises that are outside of our comfort zone, making our overall brain functioning, ‘more flexible and efficient. If you're not sure just how to begin your mental fitness program, the Center for Academic Success can guide you towards & wide variety of exercises like speed reading and memory enhancers (many of which would cost big bucks if you bought them yourse!f) that can boost your mental power and agility with regular use. If writer's block is an issue for you, even something as simple as regular freewriting exercises with constructive feedback can. help get the ideas flowing. And it doesn’t have to be tedious; if certain mental tasks, like doing math problems or leaming a language, have always been difficult for you, regular practice with a game- like format can make the effort much more enjoyable. Already feel pushed to the limit time-wise? Just 15-20 minutes of brain exercises before of after a regular study session can go a long, ‘way. Of course you could do this on your own; but much like a fitness coach can help you reach your maximum potential, a knowledgeable tutor can htelp you make the most of your precious mental workout time. Make it a habit and, just like ph exercise, mental workouts are an investment that will pay off for the rest of your life. (w The Spotlight Fee R. Lastra has been a Reading tutor at the Center for ‘Academie Success for a little over two years now. Since then, he has developed a number of exciting workshops that enhance student performance. Some of the more popular ‘workshops include Test Taking & Study Strategies, Stress & Time Management, Memorization and HESI Reading. He greatly enjoys working closely with students, in fact, Federico says that: “there isa great joy in fostering students’ growth and aiding them in achieving their academic goals. It’s great to look forward to going to 5 work and being surrounded by a team Federico R. Last of people who truly care about FIU.” Dr. Susana Mandel, candidate for the FIU foreign doctor's, Physician to Nursing Program, said: “Thanks to Federico and the Speed Reading lessons, I scored 89% in reading comprehension. He is a kind and caring person. It was very nice to work with him. And, Dr. Marie Jussome, said: “He prepared me for the HESL Reading...made me more confident in myself, improving my knowledge, and I passed successfully...” Federico has been working closely with these students, and so far has a 97% suocess rate in their passing the Reading portion of the HEST exam. Federico is also a published poet and writer. He won 1" place in the 2010 FIU Literary Awards Competition for Poetry, is a contibuting ‘writer for The Beacon and volunteers for the Miami Museum of Science, HRC, SAVE Dade and the Miami Beach Women’ Conference. sa professor of Chemistry and Biology with over 30 years of ‘classroom teaching experience, I have found that tutoring at the Center for ‘Academic Success provides students with the one thing that is most often missing in the time-constrained conventional classroom =~ that is the Dr. Chaves Clement opportunity to receive individualized one-on-one tutoring. This individual and small ‘group support is often needed in order to fully grasp complex ‘opies in chemistry and other science subjects and is critical to academic success. 1 continue to sce the significant improvement that students make in their test scores after receiving tutoring at the Center. Students identify, among others, two main factors which contribute to a suocessfll tutoring session; tutors with in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and the conducive atmosphere of the Center which allows them to ask and respond to questions without feeling rushed or intimidated. My students often ask me the question, “Why can’t classroom teaching be like what we receive at the Leaming Center?” to which I always reply,” It’s because of the time constraints of the classroom,”