
S3EP10-Dr. Stephen Jones-We Stole College Hacks: Summer Camps, Math & Scholarship Tips Dr. Jones Swears By
I sat down with Dr. Stephen Jones and we tore open the mystery of studying like we were peeling a banana—simple, nutritious, and a bit slippery if you don't know what you're doing. I tell you, Dr. Jones had that classic first-gen college arc: stellar high school, confused freshman year, then a whole-life pivot into helping students and parents not repeat the same faceplant. He walks us through the basics that actually matter: reading for comprehension (not just volume-of-words flexing), asking open-ended questions at the dinner table, and turning passive absorption into active application. We geek out over how experiential learning—plays, museums, STEM kits—makes concepts stick, and why finding your child's learning style (visual, tactile, or memorizer-extraordinaire) is a game-changer. We also get real about logistics: time management, procrastination spirals, and the absolute power of routines (bag-by-the-door, clothes-out-the-night-before—tiny rituals, massive ROI). Dr. Jones peppers the chat with concrete tools—Pinterest boards full of activities, Stemfinity for hands-on experiments, and the magic of summer college programs that let kids try on campus life without committing to the whole adulting package. Parents take center stage here: we learn that being involved, curious, and humble about asking for help models the exact behavior we want our kids to internalize. Bottom line: studying isn't a mythical, soporific ritual—it’s a set of practical habits, exposures, and conversations that parents can scaffold from day one. Dr. Jones is an Associate Dean in the College of Engineering at Villanova University and owner of SAJ Publishing and education services. For thirty-seven years, Dr. Jones is a teacher and eduprenuer who has helped students, parents, and professionals to reach their dreams. He has delivered presentations on numerous topics including how to study, finding scholarships, leadership, effective communication, organization, time management and innovative management practices. He is the author of five workbooks titled “Seven Secrets of How to Study” the “Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide” the “Ultimate Scholarship Guide” “Seven Secrets of How to Study.” These books provide an easy understanding of the essential skills a student and parent needs to succeed as k12 students and in college. Dr. Stephen's Facebook page Dr. Stephen's Website Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt. If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app! Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home. Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids Follow us on these socials: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education Support Bringing Education Home Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
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