The human brain takes in massive amounts of information every single day. Now, think about all of the possible distractions, and it is no wonder that telling our kids to go to their room and study does not work.
The concept of studying to study seems redundant. However, think of it as an art or a science. The skills and habits that come with learning how to study stick with a child for the rest of his life, and they go a long way towards general problem-solving in the future.
Cracking the Code
Rarely does a person naturally know how to study. Most people have to practice and then practice some more to find the right combination of habits, techniques, and overall attitude. Once someone unlocks the gateway to learning, it becomes more about gaining knowledge than it does about grades. “A”s are simply the side effects.
Everyone learns differently, and the same steps will not work for every child. It takes patience and creativity to tweak an existing framework that builds your student up, and does not lead to burnout.
Learning About Learning Styles
The first thing to understand is that there are different ways we learn. Repetition might work wonderfully for one student, while it may confuse another. Auditory or language learners thrive on lectures and discussions. It is not only about listening. Students who learn this way like to be a participant, because speaking about a concept or idea aloud helps them intake the information and process it.
Other students are visual learners and simply respond to stimuli differently. The design of most classrooms and curriculum utilize this method the most. It is these types of kids who always have a pen and paper handy, and while it seems like they are doodling rather than listening, they are merely mapping out what they hear so they retain it.
Tactile learners are another type of student. It is all about touching and doing for them. For example, just listening is not enough. They benefit from actively applying a concept and are literally hands-on learners.
Finally, you have the analytical learner. To some extent, we all respond to this method without realizing it. However, for this type of student, it becomes the primary way he intakes information. It is all about patterns and understanding how things relate to one another. This type of kid will take apart a computer to understand how it works.
Steps Towards Healthy Study Habits
Distractions are the enemy of learning. Reducing them is not easy, and eliminating them is nearly impossible.
Where does your little human study? Is it consistent? A designated and well-lit study space goes a long way to rid them of distractions, for at least a little while. It helps with more than their learning habits, too. Let them decorate the area, show them how to organize their supplies, and watch as they develop self-worth and independence with the added benefit of learning.
Most of us have time management issues. A homework planner helps to reduce last minute cramming and general procrastination. It is a great habit, too. You can help them break down projects and assignments into milestones that keep them from feeling overwhelmed with their lessons.
Multitasking is not an easy skill, even for adults who do it for a living. For a student, it is a habit that can create unnecessary roadblocks. Develop a schedule or planner around the idea that they know what time to put away their devices and what tasks need to be focused on for the day. Planner or no planner, without structure, the ability to learn becomes more difficult.
One of the most critical skills a learner develops as he improves his approach to studying is to ask for help. Your student needs to know that he can ask for assistance without judgment. It will carry over into everyday life and empowers him to learn.
You Are Not Alone
Parents grapple with only having so many hours in the day. It does not reflect on you if you need a hand helping your child learn. Tutors are out there waiting to help you and your student develop study skills and healthy learning habits.
Tutoring services like Sylvan Learning Academy apply tried and true strategies to bolster confidence in your learner. The expert tutors provide a range of services to teach your child how to study. They customize lessons based on how your student learns, what subjects he wrestles with, and sharpens the skills he already has.
Studying effectively will not happen overnight, but it is more than possible to unlock with the right combination. The biggest benefit of healthy studying habits is that the skills your child learns today will stay with him for a lifetime.
