As middle school leads the way to high school, both us parents and kids alike start thinking about the future—higher education, internships, jobs, all of it! In doing so, it’s very easy to get carried away comparing our kids with other amazing students, pushing them to be more ambitious.
The reality of it is that no student is born with amazing learning skills—each kid is talented in their own way. Those who make it to the top are often simply more organized, and follow a set of patterns that play to their strengths. These patterns can help your child soar, clearing their path to the college of their dreams—be it Harvard or anywhere else!
With the strategies listed in this blog, our K12 kids can excel in school and beyond!
- Don’t Cram
While it's tempting for students to postpone studying until the last minute, research indicates that cramming fails to facilitate long-term learning. As per insights from the American Psychological Association, while students may achieve satisfactory results on last-minute tests, true comprehension and retention of material remain elusive.
Rather, emphasis should be placed on studying with the goal of long-term retention, underscoring the necessity for consistent and structured learning methods in K-12 education. Regularly revising and thoroughly understanding the learning material, instead of relying on last-minute cramming, is key. Additionally, seeking online course help or engaging in combined study sessions with friends can enhance comprehension and retention.
- Plan Ahead
Sounds like a cliche bit of advice, doesn’t it? But having a study plan with set goals can significantly enhance preparedness for kids and provide a clear roadmap to follow. Oftentimes, students are accustomed to less intensive workloads in high school, so planning and working accordingly will work for the win! If you and your child are unsure or overwhelmed about making a K12 study plan, you can employ the help of an online tutoring platform or experienced online tutors in the US, who will make a customized plan just for your goals!
- Seeking Help when needed
Kids don’t have to struggle through difficult material on their own—many students are not used to seeking help while in high school, but seeking extra support can significantly aid their understanding. There's nothing wrong with seeking help! Moreover, these days, numerous online platforms like Chegg or Khan academy, and online tutoring platforms like Mentor Match, are readily available to provide additional assistance to kids. Personalized tutoring can indeed be an invaluable aid.
- Finding their style
It might take some time, and a bit of trial and error, for you and your child to discover which study methods work best for their K12 journey. There are various ways to gauge your understanding beyond simply reviewing notes or flashcards. Experimenting with different strategies through the process of metacognition (i.e. reflecting on their own cognitive processes), can aid in determining which study methods are most effective for you!
Pro tip: Private online tutoring helps to optimize individual learning styles.
- Productive space
Cultivating a productive study space is crucial for effective learning. Where your child studies can be just as significant as how they study. It's essential to find a space that is free of distractions and equipped with all the necessary materials and supplies.
Additionally, ensure that they have a snack and a water bottle close by to keep themselves properly fueled and hydrated throughout your study session.
- Reward them
Studying can be mentally and emotionally draining for our children, and maintaining their stamina can be quite challenging. Research suggests that incorporating rewards into their study routine can make the process more enjoyable and engaging. According to an article from Science Daily, giving small rewards throughout the study session can help sustain motivation, rather than saving them all until the end.
So, the next time your child completes a particularly challenging study session, encourage them to reward themselves. Whether it's enjoying a scoop of ice cream or watching an episode of their favorite show, these small treats can provide the necessary motivation and rejuvenation to keep them going strong.
- Review
When it comes to helping our children excel academically, one key strategy stands out: review, review, review. Research shows that practicing the information they've learned is the most effective way for them to retain it. According to researchers Elizabeth and Robert Bjork, introducing "desirable difficulties" into their learning process can actually enhance retention.
For instance, while it may seem easier for them to simply read through a textbook, encouraging them to test themselves with flashcards creates a more challenging learning experience. Despite the initial difficulty, this method leads to better long-term learning outcomes.
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