Current research shows that the traditional ways of studying may not always be the most effective ways. Students will study best in a variety through a variety of approaches that match their learning styles. Here are some twists on study tips and good study habits. Encourage our teens to figure out what works for them as individuals and set aside time committed to studying.
Study Tip #1: Move Before Studying
Maybe moms and dads expect their teens to do homework as soon as they get off the bus. Consider some type of physical activity as an energizer after a day at school sitting in class. Young adults can shoot hoops, take a walk, or even do some yoga moves. Students and parents need to understand this is not a direct means of procrastination. It's simply a practice of exercising your body to help boost brain energy.
Students in a Chicago-area school are assigned a physical education class early in the school day if they are having struggles with math or reading. They do much better on tests after they exercise. Moving before working on homework can help get the brain ready to study.
Study Tip: Pick A Study Spot
Parents may have set up a student desk in a quiet room. However, many young people feel more comfortable doing homework on the floor in the living room or in a bedroom. The important point is to find a place with few distractions so that the teen can focus on the task at hand.
A teen bedroom offers privacy. That's great if you have siblings who are doing their own activities around the house. But it's to be distracted by the comforts of personal space as well. That's why it's a good idea to have a specific, designated place to study. Or it can also be productive to break up the routine and try different locations until a student finds the best fit.
Study Tip: Listen to Music During Study
When it's time to do homework, the assumption is that it needs to be quiet. Teens like to listen to music. What's the best approach?
There's really no easy answer. Some students study better with music because it helps them ignore other sounds around them. Others focus on the the music itself and forget about what they're supposed to be doing. This will be one of those strategies that individuals will need to test and choose for themselves.
Saving music for a study break is an option. Even better, dancing for five to 10 minutes will add that physical energy to the needed brain energy.
Study Tip: Take Breaks During Study
Some can sit at a desk and do homework until it's done. That's one form of persistance. It is okay to balance and take a short break to help refocus concentration. When anyone works on something for a long time, he/she may start thinking about other things. These distractions from hard work send us daydreaming about fun activities like hanging out, playing a game, sending texts, or watching a show. So permission to take a break may help limit time off task. Students should take their own study pulse and plan a break to text or play a quick game or move around and then, it might be easier to get back to work.
Study Tip: Do NOT Cram for Tests
The biggest mistake a student can make is to wait until the night before a test to begin to study. When you have to remember information, it's best to review it many times over several days. Simple memorizing information is not going to help a student retain it. Understanding information and applying information requires practice in order to perform well.
The key is to figure out what works for each individual student when it comes to study habits. Good habits yield positive results! Parents and their children should talk about expectations and agree on a plan: the best place, prime time, and effective strategies. With a plan for studying, we can help our students overcome the stress of too little time, too much information, and daily work-life balance.