shirts, satchels full of books, and seeing old friends again.

It is about education -- that vital passport to a successful future. Whether it's listening to a teacher, researching a project in the library, completing a test, or writing an essay, students must learn in order to progress.

In school, studying is easier because the days are structured and the students are under supervision.

The greater challenge comes outside the classroom when students are required to complete homework assignments on their own. Depending on the age of the child, these can be fairly light or rather onerous. Either way, time must be set aside in appropriate conditions for the student to succeed.

This week Taste discussed with school psychologist Dr. Steven Eberhart the secrets of acquiring good study habits and how to put them into practice.

"The responsibility of teaching these skills is shared between teachers and parents. When a child comes home parents need to know how to be supportive -- to ask how their day went, and to check on their progress with homework.'' In acquiring good study skills, Dr. Eberhard said the following practices were helpful -- or unhelpful: Highlighting Facts, Making Notes: "Outline the most important passages in text and note books. Make your own notes. This way, instead of 1,000 pages you may have 500 pages of manageable material. Making your own notes really aids in remembering and learning.'' Long reading assignments: "1. Survey the information. Go over it really quickly, looking at headings and summaries of chapters.

2. Read through the material, thinking of questions as you go. This helps you to really think about your subject. Then try to find the answers as you go along.

3. Read at a comfortable speed and re-read any difficult sections.'' Remembering what you Read: "1. After reading something, look away and try to summarise the main ideas in your head, or recall the questions you asked while reading and see if you can remember the answers without looking at the material. It helps to recite summaries and answers out loud.

2. Take notes during classes.

3. Outline important passages in text books.

4. Tackle assignments in a way designed to get the best possible grades.

5. Don't cram. It is not an effective, long-term study method, and is also very stressful.'' Parental Support: "Take an active interest in your child's progress. Check that everything is going well both in school and with their homework. If you have any questions about either, contact the teacher. For students to do well, parents must share responsibility with the teachers. Give guidance and support to younger students with homework assignments.

"The most important thing parents can give their children is time and attention. They are ways of showing that they love them.'' ON ASSIGNMENT -- Whether it's doing research in a library, or completing a homework assignment, good study skills are an important part of the learning process. Organisation, routine, rest and recreation also help students to be successful.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST Dr. Steven Eberhard: "The most important thing parents can give their children is time and attention.''