Study smart, not hard; that is the mantra for the modern century!
Many students use different methods while studying and preparing for exams. But which of these are actually helpful? How can you help your children optimise their prep and studies? We have some tips to guide you.
Be organised
- Make a study plan
Having a plan is vital to performing well in any exam. Make a timetable that is best suited to your children’s needs. A timetable is not writing down the number of days left until the exam date nears and equally dividing the days for different subjects. You have to identify your children’s strengths and weaknesses, understand their goals and tailor a plan to suit their needs. You can also help them in preparing study notes and revision material.
- Keep the room and materials organised
Before your children start studying, tell them to gather and order all the materials they need to prepare for the exam. It can save time and avoid panicking when something is not found. Also, having everything organised around you will help your children be calm and concentrate on the task at hand.
Keep away the distractions
Set them a study environment where they won’t be disturbed. Try to stay away from social media. While studying, ask your children to put their phones in “Do not Disturb” mode. You can also download apps that help you turn off unwanted notifications and functionalities for specific time periods. Use them so that your children’s attention will be only on studying during the assigned time. Make sure to notify your family and friends not to intrude on their study time.
Make goals
Ask your children to write down their goals. Fix it in a position where they can see it easily. It can help remind them why they need to follow their timetable and work hard.
Have breaks
It is not how many hours of effort you put in but the quality of your effort that matters. Continuously reading and learning for hours without a break won’t do you any good. If anything, it will only do you harm. Your brain needs rest to process information and retain it better. So, schedule breaks in between sessions. It will help you focus better during the time you are studying. You can use study techniques like the Pomodoro method to make optimal use of the study time.
Know how you study best
Like we mentioned in our previous blog, everyone follows different styles of learning. Some learn by reading, some by writing, and some by listening. It can vary from person to person. Identifying and including it in your children’s study plan will help them make the maximum use of their time.
Make connections
Instead of memorising facts, tell your children to learn by connecting different topics. Finding the connection between different topics can help your children understand them better. Once they understand the topics, they will not easily forget them. When your children are learning something, encourage them to find examples for it. It can also help your children to understand concepts and topics better.
Learn by teaching
It is seen that when you try to teach others something, you understand it better. It is a learning method that many people apply. Take a portion you need to learn and then try to present it like you are teaching someone. Try it out for yourself and see.
Revisit what you have learned regularly
Ask your children to revisit portions they have learned and refresh them in their memory. Schedule your study timetable to include time for these revisions. The best method for your children to revise and review what they have learned is through mock exams. Make your children attend as many mock exams as you can. It can help them understand how much of the portions they have truly understood. It can also help them in managing time and stress during the exam.
Make use of Online Learning Platforms
There are plenty of online learning platforms available on the web. Make sure you pick the right one – a platform that has experienced teachers, easy-to-learn study materials, lots of practice questions and mock exams. Do thorough research before you zero in on the platform that perfectly suits your studying needs.
Take care of your health
Over-exerting oneself and falling ill can hinder your performance in the exams. Keep an eye on your children’s health. You should make sure that they eat their meals on time and have a proper sleep schedule. Try to ensure that they stay physically active. Get them to exercise, play outdoor sports or even practice meditation.
Review and adapt
It is not possible to make a perfect study plan. Every plan will have its flaws. So, reviewing your plans and making changes is how you can improve. Periodically check in on your children’s progress and see which of their short-term goals they have achieved and what seems to be hindering their progress.
Don’t be all work and no play
Don’t force your children to focus only on their studies. Allow them to go out with friends and have fun. Encourage any hobbies they have. Reading a book, playing video games, going to the park with friends- all these can help them relax and feel refreshed. Forcing your children to forgo things they like to do will not do you any good. It will only have adverse effects.
We hope you found these tips helpful. Let us help our children in becoming smart workers rather than hard workers. It is definitely going to help them in the long run!
Video: 3 ways to study SMARTER, not HARDER!
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
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