The Vital Study Skills System
A Systematic, Evidence-Based Approach to Learning Strategies
Our holistic approach to learning addresses the 3 fundamental strategies that allow you to not only repeat the material for a test but to actually know it for life.
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Time Management
How you spend your waking hours
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Body Management
Getting proper sleep, nutrition and exercise
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Mind Management
Learning focus, concentration, and self-talk
Books Sold
Workshops
Students
Our Clients
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What People Are Saying...
Workshops
Intensive Training for Better Course Comprehension
In a Vital Skills Workshop, students learn to:
- manage their time
- get the most out of lectures
- organize study notes
- improve long-term memory
- increase concentration
- reduce test anxiety
- prepare for exams
Notes:
- These workshops are sponsored by universities, for their own students.
- If your school doesn't offer VSS workshops yet, order a book. Better yet, work through it together with a friend.
Books
Skills and Strategies for Mastering the Material
We’ve taken our years of research and workshop experience and distilled it into workbooks for self-study.
We present self-diagnostic tools and strategies that can be applied by students of any discipline. These skills are a must for any student embarking on a rigorous course of study.
For students who do not have access to one of our workshops, our workbooks can be used in a small group setting. Our books are also an excellent resource for counselors and teachers.
Learn MoreConferences
A popular speaker for both faculty and students groups, Kathleen Straker knows her audience and subject matter well. She presents her work on learning strategies in a way that is interesting and memorable.
Kathleen regularly speaks at international conferences and is the go-to person for local student organizations.
Some of the organizations that have invited Ms. Straker to present include:
- Generalists in Medical Education (GME)
- Student National Medical Association (SNMA), UT Chapter
- Undergraduate Medical Academy (UMA) Pre-Health Science Summit
- National League for Nursing (NLN)
- Professional Nurse Educators Group (PNEG)
- Camp Cardiac
- Education Policy Institute (EPI)