Why Brains Are Funny: From A Jarring CSET Study Ordeal
To Your California Teacher Credential Now

I just got finished talking to a CSET study group (my friends) who were complaining, yet again, about not passing the CSET Test! It wasn’t until tonight, through talking to them, that I was finally able to convey exactly what it was that helped me in my CSET study. Now that I have the right words, it makes a lot more sense. Of course, because everyone is so hot to pass this test, I felt that I might need to share it with the rest of the world.

Brains are Funny

Seriously, it seems like you spend the years learning and going to school but learning about learning requires a degree in neuro-science. Maybe, in the future, we will all bypass getting a California teaching credential and just focus on brain science! This is probably not a bad idea because brains are funny. The CSET study guide materials that I bought for the CSET Test talked a lot about brains and how they learn differently when you are an adult.

Understand Your Brain To SAVE CSET Study Time

Of course, you don’t have a lot of time to sit around and learn neuro-science in your CSET study and CSET prep. However, a few basic principles to apply it. Primarily, anyone who studies adult education professionally knows adult brains just learn differently. That means if you learn how to study in high school or college you can't use the same methods in your CSET study and preparation.

Unhelpful Advice for Passing The CSET Test

Anyone who throws a bunch of flash cards in your face and tells you that this is the way to do your CSET study is crazy. They say that they are trying to help you, but flash cards are going to help you in your CSET study. Same goes for those test prep materials you used to study for the ACT/SAT. After all, you’re over the age of 21 now! It’s time to grow up and get some CSET study materials geared for California teacher credential candidates not kids.

Become A Learner for Life

Figuring-out the right CSET study tactics can be a jarring experience and put you off from learning other things after you obtain your California certification. However, it is said that we change careers at least twice in our lifetime. It is doubtful that teaching will be your last career. I found it extremely helpful to learn how to learn as an adult. I know that we’ll be using the knowledge I gained about myself and my adult learning style long after my teaching days are over.

Sandy Francis - former CSET test taker,
CA Credentialed Teacher and current
CSET Study Coach