Study tips for kids

There are some things that parents can do to encourage effective study:

1. Group Work
Encourage your children to study in small groups (usually groups of 3-5). They can enjoy one another’s company, but also focus on the subject of interest. By quizzing one another on appropriate subject-matter, students can teach one another. Encourage your children to attend the group with questions and answers already prepared. As they ask one another their questions, they will usually cover most of the content in great depth, sharing answers and adding insight.
2. Goal Setting
Ask your child what he or she would like to achieve in a certain subject. By setting a goal and creating a pathway to obtain that goal, your child is far more likely to perform well. Goal setting is one of the most powerful ways to obtain positive outcomes in any area of life, including school.
3. Redefine success
By making success about effort rather than results, children will feel good for working hard. They are more likely to feel that they have been successful, regardless of the result, if their time is used productively in study. This is counter-intuitive in some ways, but emphasising results increases pressure and can lead to poor outcomes. Emphasising effort reduces pressure, often promotes MORE effort, and ultimately may bring about better results!
4. Removing Distractions
Internet, phones, games, television, and any number of other distractions can be harmful to study! Get them away from ANYONE who should be studying – until the study is over.
5. Just do it
Ultimately, study is really only going to be successful if your child will sit down, be dedicated, and put in the time that is required to learn the material.
The more a parent forces a child to study, the less effective the study will be and the less motivated the child will be. But the more the parent encourages the child to manage his or her own studies, work with other students on appropriate tasks, set goals, and minimise distractions, the more the child will study and be motivated to focus on worthwhile pursuits.