7 Habits to Adopt for an Effective Student
With the new school year well underway, it’s crucial to make sure that your student’s study habits are established for the upcoming year. While “just winging it” may seem like the easier way, we promise that getting in the routine of following these habits will result in a less stressful, more successful year.
#1: Set a Goal
By having an end goal in mind, you’ll be able to visualize the steps you need to take along the way to achieve that goal. This will help frame every assignment and give structure and purpose to your weeks. With an end goal to aim for, your student will feel motivated and remain focused on the goal. You can also practice setting mini goals with them to conceptualize what goes into achieving a goal. For example, if your goal is to end the semester with an A in math, you can help your child realize that they need to achieve certain grades on their homework and tests along the way to achieve their goal. Encourage your child to stay dedicated to their goal and not give up if they get off track. Ask them what makes their goal challenging, but also what would make it rewarding to achieve.
#2: Create a study schedule
Stay on task by mapping out what each day should look like. This will prevent you from getting overwhelmed with what’s to do in the week because you have reserved time for each task. Creating a study schedule also helps your child visualize what their day looks like. They can see that there is an end time to each segment, and that they will get to move on to something new soon. Make sure to plan enough time for each subject and to keep your study space and time consistent.
#3: Take Breaks
A child’s mind needs time to decompress and relax throughout the day. They can’t be expected to perform at maximum capacity for the equivalent of a workday at their age without being given mental, emotional and physical breaks. These breaks will actually help reenergize and refocus them for more effective and engaged learning. You should build these right into your study schedule so that your child knows when to expect a break. Don’t dictate what your child should do during this time. Let them explore or rest however they need to so that they can recharge.
#4: Remain Focused
Part of the beauty of creating a study schedule is the structure it provides to focus on one subject at a time. Don’t try to multitask or flip too rapidly between materials. This abrupt transition can be confusing to students and can derail them and cause them to lose focus. Additionally, it’s important to study in a distraction-free environment, free from devices, toys, passing family members, and other distractions. We understand it’s impossible to avoid every possible temptation (we’re looking at you, cuddly puppy who wants attention), but ideally you would create a study space that is as clean and focused as possible.
#5: Frequently Review Materials
Reviewing old material shouldn’t be saved for one big cram session the night before the test. By periodically reviewing the material, you will ensure that your child’s comprehension of material is cemented in their brain. It also allows you the opportunity to proactively address any skill gaps that may be forming. We don’t want a child to lose their understanding of a previous topic, as this can prevent them from fully understanding something new. Frequent review of the material can reinforce these concepts and solidify your child’s grasp of the material.
#6: Be Positive
We don’t need to tell you all the benefits of having a positive attitude. It’s obvious that being optimistic yields more encouraged and successful students. Encourage your child to avoid feeling discouraged if they are struggling with a topic. That happens to everyone! Rather, it’s important to stay hopeful and determined to learn this topic.
#7: Get Help When Needed
Lastly, don’t try to do all of this alone. We can’t all be experts in everything, which is why we share our knowledge with others. Staying stuck on a problem will only increase frustrations and reinforce self-doubts. By getting help, you can learn the material in a new way and gain a deeper understanding.
These habits are meant to be a guide, and should be adapted as needed for your child. Use these as a framework to build your study habits around, and start up a conversation with your child about how they define success and what they prioritize in their learning. Make sure to think about what success looks like for your student, and set your goals accordingly. Contact us today and mention this blog to see how you can try our center for free to see if we could help provide any support in your journey to effectiveness.
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