Synopses & Reviews
“This book is a must-read for every college student, as many students today do not know what it takes to take ownership of their education! Megan has done a brilliant job in presenting what is needed to be a successful college student: commitment, endurance, and motivation. Her book serves as a blueprint that the students can use not only for success in college, but success in life.”
--Dr. Heather Schoffstall, Executive Director of Academics/Associate Professor, Center for Academic Support and Advising Services, Liberty University
"One of the most challenging tasks as an educator of students in a high poverty area is to teach them the skills required to take ownership of their own education and create their own success. Megan Stone has created a tool for students to not only evaluate their own strengths and areas of need but also to allow them to enjoy educational and career success."
--Suzanne Keefe, Director of Special Projects, Division of Special Populations, Tennessee Department of Education
“Megan has done a masterful job incorporating specific study skills with the challenge to students to take ownership of their education. In a world when many young people have not been taught the value of commitment, hard work, and motivation, she emphasizes how these characteristics relate to many of their necessary study habits and consequently their success in college. Her book is very timely, applicable, and to the point!”
--Mrs. Denise Green, Assistant Director for Academics/Assistant Professor, Bruckner Learning Center, Liberty University
"This book begins with the most important part--taking ownership over your own learning--and supplies the tools and strategies necessary to be the successful student you can be. A great read for anyone wanting to get more from their education."
--David Newell, Assistant Director for Community-Based Service and Learning, Center for Servant Leadership, Gustavus Adolphus College
"Those who want to seize control of their academic experiences and their life will find help in Own Your Education! Megan Stone provides tools to help you understand why you might not own--or want to control--your life and academic experience and then supplies useful resources so you can increase your commitment to and motivation for your education. The book equips those who choose to own their education with a variety of critical skills that will benefit them throughout life."
--Constance Davis, Ph.D., Dissertation Advisor
"Students: If your goal is to take charge of your life, following this book's advice will not only give you the skills you need but will show the adults who care about you that you indeed are ready. Parents: Use these pages to ensure you're readying your children to venture out on their own."
--Jane Kise, Ed.D., author and education consultant
"Own Your Education! is a valuable tool for helping students understand that school is their job. It gives numerous strategies for making the most of all opportunities. Real-life examples in each chapter make the information relevant, and key questions trigger important discussions. Students learn to take responsibility for their own futures."
--Barbara Z. Carlson, President, Putting Family First
"Gain a competitive edge and realize greater success in your academic journey. Megan Stone offers proven strategies for helping students take ownership of learning. I cannot think of another resource that so clearly organizes practical insights for increasing student commitment, endurance, and motivation. The book format is designed to help the reader check their understanding of the content, assess skills, and move forward with continued skill development. The common obstacles to learning are addressed in a straightforward manner, and proven solutions are organized into manageable segments. Engaging stories and clear visuals bring the content to life and reinforce learning. Readers of all ages are sure to gain renewed energy and commitment for educational goals."
--Grady St. Dennis, College Chaplain/Director for Church Relations, Gustavus Adolphus College
"Megan's straightforward strategies prepare students for success not only in high school, but in college, grad school, and life. Our three children are still using these principles with great success. As our children used these strategies, their confidence in themselves skyrocketed, allowing them to set and reach their goals in school and life. None of this could have happened without the skills taught in Own Your Education!”
--Laurie Muehlbauer, parent
"Megan Stone's method of teaching students to take ownership of their lives has really worked for my kids. Both of my boys have utilized this method all through middle school and high school and are now successful college students."
--Cindy Wood, parent
"Megan Stone's strategies for success and ownership work! She has developed a method of assisting children to own their decisions, whether in school, sports, or life. The child is in the driver's seat, exactly where he or she belongs. This is an excellent resource for students, parents, and educators."
--Scott and Becky Danielson (M.Ed., Licensed Parent and Family Educator), parents of two teenage boys
"Megan worked with me for many years. The ideas in this book changed how I felt about school and myself. I continue to use these concepts today and have used them for over 10 years. These strategies not only help you take ownership of your education but also your life."
--Erin Deakyne, past student
You Have the Power
You can take control of your education. You can stop blaming others, stop feeling helpless. You can build yourself a better future.
If you don’t do it, who will? It’s called taking ownership.
It’s not magic. You just need the right skills, attitudes, and principles. You can learn them. Thousands of students already have. They walk into school with true confidence. Real pride. Because they’ve earned it. That’s a great feeling. Want it? Get it. Learn how. Own Your Education!
Motivation. Commitment.
BUILD IT.
Confidence. Pride. Control.
EARN IT.
Your education. Your life.
OWN IT.
Success in school isn’t about luck. Or fate. Or what other people do. Ultimately, success is about you--and you can make it happen. This book will help you change the way you see your entire school experience...so you can strengthen your motivation, build your confidence, and put yourself in control.
It’s called taking ownership. It works...in school and in life.
Megan Stone has taught thousands of students the skills and attitudes they need to take ownership. Those students are more successful now, and you can be, too.
If you’re frustrated...if you’re not satisfied with school...if you think you could do better…you’re right. Do something about it: Own your education!
- “I’ve got this!” : That great feeling...and how to get it
- True ownership, true pride, true confidence: Stop “renting” and start “owning,” starting today
- Get beyond “last minute” and “can’t catch up”: Plan your time, reduce your stress, and get better results
- Study smarter, not (just) longer: Learn, remember, and understand more of what you study
Synopsis
Success in any endeavor is not a matter of luck, fate, or happenstance. And that is just as true about succeeding at school. This book will help you learn to look at your school experience from a new vantage point, one that allows you to increase your motivation and commitment, build your confidence, and take control over your educational experience instead of depending on others to get you where you want to go. How? You’ll learn to take ownership over your education. When you take ownership, and only then, you will succeed – and you will be more likely to succeed in other arenas of you life, as well. This book will teach you how to do that, and do that well.
About the Author
Megan Stone, M.Ed., Founder and President of Stone Foundations of Learning, Inc. (www.stonefoundations.net), has worked with students and faculty across the country for more than 17 years.
Her company’s mission is to provide the organizational strategies and study skills students need to excel in academics and throughout life. Her program’s foundations are self-advocacy, responsibility, and ownership.
Along with coaching students and families, she consults with school districts, colleges, and universities to better equip faculty to work with students who lack the tools to “do the job” of being a student and to build educational ownership.
Megan has also created and written a college curriculum for students and faculty called the Ownership Series (www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/series/Ownership-Series/13402.page ). The series helps to reinforce the concept of student ownership so students are more likely to take responsibility for their success and failures in school and life.
Before launching her company, Megan taught science in the highly ranked Edina and Eden Prairie Public Schools. She holds a B.S. in human biology and an M.S. in life science education from the University of Minnesota.
Megan enjoys spending time at her cabin, being outside, and helping others. She has been married to her husband, Rick, for 19 years. They have two children.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Chapter 1: Characteristics of Ownership 5
Chapter 2: Who Are You? 13
Chapter 3: Why Should You OwnWhen Renting Is Easy? 21
Chapter 4: The Education Pyramid: What Bricks Are You Missing? 27
Chapter 5: What Has Caused You to Rent? 33
Chapter 6: Why Do You Lack Pride and Confidence? 39
Chapter 7: The Key to Ownership...It’s All in a Circle 43
Chapter 8: What Does Ownership Look Like? 51
Chapter 9: Accountability: How Do You Own It? 57
Chapter 10: Critical Thinking: How Do You Own It? 75
Chapter 11: Effective Planning: How Do You Own It? 95
Chapter 12: Study Strategies: How Do You Own Them? 115
Conclusion: You Are in Charge! 131
Index 135