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In our Senior School, our staff and students work with Dr Jane Genovese, a psychologist passionate about helping young people learn and study effectively. She provides us with regular informative articles. One recent one was “How to make studying part of your daily routine”.

Over the years, many parents, families, and guardians have asked what they can do to help their children study or do home learning. Below are some strategies suggested by Jane and come from sound scientific research.

Good study habits can start in Early Learning with our Home Learning Program.

We understand that supporting your child’s study habits can sometimes be challenging. That’s why we want to offer some guidance on how you can help your children study more effectively. By doing so, you can play an essential role in their academic success and overall learning experience.

Studying can be confusing for many students, and they may not always know the most effective methods. As parents or guardians, you can provide valuable guidance in this area. Here’s a breakdown of how you can assist your child in developing solid study habits:

Create a conducive study environment: Help your child set up a distraction-free study space. Remove any potential disruptions and ensure they have all the necessary study materials readily available. 

Identify what needs to be studied: Encourage your child to identify challenging topics or areas where they feel they need to improve. This self-awareness will help them focus their study efforts more effectively. 

Choose effective study strategies: Advise your child on choosing the right study techniques. Active learning methods, such as explaining concepts aloud or creating visual aids, are more beneficial than passive techniques like re-reading. 

Overcome study discomfort: Studying might sometimes feel difficult or overwhelming. Help your child to embrace this discomfort and persevere through challenging study sessions. Using a timer for study intervals and incorporating regular breaks can make the process more manageable.

Establish study habits: Encourage your child to create small, enjoyable routines around studying. Consistency is key, so help them develop study habits that fit their individual preferences and schedules.

You can also play a role in reframing the idea of what ‘study’ is for your child. Please encourage them to view it as an opportunity to strengthen their cognitive abilities and expand their knowledge. 

Remind them that learning takes time and practice, and it’s okay to encounter difficulties along the way.

Furthermore, avoid putting undue pressure on your child with unrealistic expectations. Learning is a gradual process, and supporting their progress, no matter how small, can significantly impact their confidence and motivation.

Finally, please encourage your child to approach each study session as an experiment to discover what study methods work best for them. This growth mindset fosters a positive attitude towards learning and empowers them to take ownership of their education.

By collaborating with your child in their academic journey and providing a supportive learning environment, you can help them develop effective study skills that will serve them well throughout their education and beyond.