Schools offer more than just extra-curricular clubs; they are the arenas where effective study habits are forged.

Every parent relishes seeing their child academically excel, yet guiding them to develop a proper study routine presents its own set of challenges. With so many distractions and pressures, finding the most effective approach is indeed no small feat.

We understand your struggle which is why we’re here to explore secret methods for studying that can transform your child's learning experience and boost their grades. This blog offers a preview of seven tried-and-true study methodologies to ultimately improve retention for students. 

Join hands with Mentor Match's personalized tutoring platform today! Your child will acquire the skills they need to achieve academic success as well as enjoy the process of learning along the way. 

The 7 Secret Weapons to Boost Your Child's Learning!

Before we have a look at the secret methods for studying, let’s understand the key term, retention.  

What is Retention?

Retention for students refers to their ability to absorb, understand, and recall information over time. It involves the processes by which students retain knowledge from their studies, allowing them to apply what they have learned in exams, assignments, and real-life situations. 

Effective retention is crucial for academic success. It enables students to:

• Build upon their knowledge foundation
• Integrate new concepts
• Achieve long-term educational goals

Here's a sneak peek at 7 transformative techniques that can enhance their learning experience and boost retention:

1. Active Recall
2. Spaced Repetition
3. Mind Mapping
4. Pomodoro Technique
5. Teach to Learn (The Feynman Technique)
6. Optimizing Your Study Environment
7. Gamification of Study

Stay tuned for a deeper dive into each technique, and discover how to implement them for optimal results!

1. Active Recall

Why highlighting textbooks doesn't always translate to stellar grades? 

There's a powerful learning technique called ‘active recall’ that goes beyond underlining. 

So, what exactly is active recall?

Picture your child is studying for a history exam. Instead of passively re-reading or memorizing the chapter, active recall encourages them to engage hands-on with the material. 

What does science say about this?

When students actively recall information, they strengthen the neural connections in their brains. Think of these connections like mental pathways. The more they're used, the stronger and clearer they become.  This leads to better memory retention and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

How can you encourage your child to use active recall?

• Flashcards: Lessons aren't just for vocabulary anymore! Help your child create flashcards with questions on one side and answers on the other. Encourage them to test themselves regularly.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Find online quizzes, tests, or create your own practice questions to challenge your child's knowledge.
• Summarize It: After reading a section, have your child summarize the key points in their own words. This forces them to process and retain the material they've studied.

While the method might sound simple, students can ace their tests, and also develop strong learning habits that will benefit them throughout their academic journey.

Click here to know more about Mentor Match’s 1-on-1 online tutoring program. 

2. Spaced Repetition

Ever notice how information seems to vanish from your child's brain the moment the test is over? 

Cramming for exams might get them through the night, but it rarely leads to long-term learning. ‘Spaced repetition’ is the key for memory retention.

So, what is spaced repetition? 

Think of planting a garden. Watering your plants every day might seem like the best approach, but it can actually drown them. 

Spaced repetition works similarly. Instead of cramming information all at once, you review it at gradually increasing intervals. This strategy capitalizes on the spacing effect, a scientific phenomenon that strengthens memory retention when information is reviewed over time.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation:

• The first time you read new information, it's like planting a seed in your brain. 
• Reviewing it soon after helps the seed take root. 
• Spacing out those reviews is like watering the plant at just the right intervals, allowing it to grow strong and flourish in your memory.

How can you use spaced repetition with your child?

• Digital Tools: There are many apps and online platforms to help with spaced repetition. Your child can review key concepts in a fun and interactive way.
• Create a Schedule: Help your child develop a study schedule that incorporates spaced repetition. Start with shorter intervals and gradually lengthen them as their memory strengthens.

For more information about giving a personalized tutor for your child’s academic wellness, read our blog on: Key Elements Of Individualized Learning Strategies To Know

3. Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a dynamic study tool that transforms complex information into visual sketches, making it easier for students to grasp and organize their thoughts. This method involves creating a central node for the main subject and branching out to cover related topics and subtopics. 

Benefits of mind mapping:

For parents watching their children manage large volumes of schoolwork, introducing them to mind mapping can be a game-changer. The benefits of mind mapping are manifold. 

By visually mapping out relationships and hierarchies, students can:

• Keep track of vast amounts of data in a structured way
• Recall and connect various pieces of information during exams in a simpler manner
• Simplify complex subjects, breaking them down into manageable parts for easier understanding
• Push themselves to think about the connections between concepts while enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills 

In particular, mind mapping is beneficial in subjects such as science or literature that demands a thorough understanding of relationships and hierarchies.

Also Read: Is Online Tutoring ACTUALLY Better?

4. Pomodoro Technique 

Do you ever feel like your child gets sucked into a black hole of textbooks and notes? Hours fly by, but their concentration seems to fade faster than a sandcastle on the beach. 

Discover the simple yet powerful "Pomodoro Technique" that combats study fatigue and transforms your child into a productivity pro!

What does Pomodoro Technique mean? 

Did you know? Pomodoro is Italian for tomato! So, just like the slices of a tomato, this secret method for studying breaks down study sessions into focused intervals. Typically, each "slice" is 25 minutes long, followed by a short 5-minute break. 

These quick bursts of intense focus, followed by refreshing breaks, help your child maintain concentration and avoid burnout. Children can grab a healthy snack, stretch their legs, or even do some jumping jacks!

By breaking down studying into manageable chunks, your child can give their brain focused attention without feeling overwhelmed. 

Next time your child complains about studying, suggest they give the Pomodoro Technique a try. They might be surprised at how much they can accomplish while enjoying the process!

While study slumps are perfectly normal, Mentor Match knows the trick to get your child out of them as quickly as possible. Our experienced tutors help them tackle complex concepts with confidence, fueled by their own interests!

5. Teach to Learn (The Feynman Technique)

What if your kid got tangled in a concept and needed a friend to explain it in a way that suddenly made everything click? 

That's the essence of the "Teach to Learn'' method. The Feynman Technique, much like explaining a concept to a friend, is based on the principle that teaching is one of the most effective ways to identify gaps in your own understanding.

Let’s break it down for you:

• Assume the Role of the Teacher: Students select a topic they wish to master and explain it as though they are teaching it, either to an actual audience or an imaginary one. This method helps solidify their understanding by articulating the information out loud.
• Simple Language is Key: The goal is to explain the concept in the most basic terms possible. Using clear language and relatable analogies makes the information easier to grasp.
• Breakdown is Essential: Teaching forces students to break down complex information into its fundamental parts. This deeper understanding is crucial for long-term retention.
• Identify Knowledge Gaps: As they explain, students often stumble upon areas where their understanding is shaky. This "teaching struggle" highlights exactly what needs further study.
• Built-in Feedback Loop: Identifying knowledge gaps allows students to target their review and focus on areas that need improvement. This self-assessment creates a powerful feedback loop for effective learning.

Please note: The Feynman Technique is highly useful for parents to enhance the communication and pedagogical skills of their children.

6. Optimizing Study Environment

Quite often, doesn't your kitchen table transform into a battleground during study time? Papers scattered, phones buzzing, and children barging in – it's enough to make anyone lose focus! 

The truth is, creating a dedicated study space can be a cornerstone for your child's learning journey. It's not about having a fancy home office, but about crafting a conducive environment that minimizes distractions and maximizes focus. 

Here are some secret tips to turn your child's study space into a haven for learning:

1. Banish the Buzz! Distractions are the enemy of focus. Find a quiet area in your house, away from the television and high-traffic zones. Encourage your child to silence their phone notifications, and create a distraction-free zone for optimal concentration.

2. Comfort is Key! Imagine trying to concentrate on complex math problems while perched on an uncomfortable chair. Set your child up for success with a comfortable chair that provides good back support. Proper lighting is also crucial – a desk lamp can help prevent eye strain, especially during long study sessions.

3. Personalize it! A sterile, bland environment won't necessarily inspire learning enthusiasm. Let your child personalize their study space with elements that motivate them. This could be a favorite inspirational quote, a calming picture of nature, or even a small plant to add a touch of life (just make sure it doesn't become a distraction itself!).

Sign up for Mentor Match today and give your child the academic boost they deserve!

7. Gamification of Study 

Traditional studying can feel about as exciting as watching paint dry for many kids. But what if learning felt more like playing their favorite video game? 

Enter gamification of study, the top secret method for studying that transforms your child's study routine from a chore into a fun adventure!

Gamification involves incorporating elements of game design like points, badges, and leaderboards into the learning process. The goal? To make studying more rewarding, engaging, and ultimately, more effective!

How does it work?

• Rewards Fuel Motivation: Set up a reward system for completing study goals. This could be anything from extra screen time to choosing the movie at the next family movie night. Rewards add a fun element and motivate your child to keep pushing forward.
• Challenges Spark Interest: Turn rote memorization into an exciting quest! Create daily or weekly study challenges, like mastering a specific set of vocabulary words or answering a certain number of practice questions correctly. These challenges keep your child engaged and focused.
• Tracking Progress Provides a Boost: Help your child create a visual way to track their learning journey. Paste a simple chart where they mark off completed tasks or a fun progress bar that fills up as they reach their goals. Seeing their progress builds confidence to keep learning.

Gamification doesn't have to be complicated. You might be surprised at how much more engaged and motivated they become with it. 

Also Read: Gamified Learning In Elementary School Can Boost K12 Success

To Sum Up 

It's important for parents to encourage their children to experiment with and personalize the seven secret methods for studying according to their individual learning styles and needs. 

Every student is unique, and what works best for one might differ for another. By trying out these secret methods for studying, students can find the suitable technique that resonates the most with them. Embracing these personalized approaches will boost their academic performance and help find their perfect study strategy.

Not convinced about enrolling your kids in Mentor Match? Hear from real parents!

Serena was searching for personalized tutors for her daughter, Kelly, and repeatedly heard about Mentor Match from her friends. Curious, she looked us up and discovered that we are an online after-school service with tutors from all over the world.

Feedback: “Honestly, Mentor Match exceeded my expectations. Our MM tutor followed the GCSE curriculum and outperformed any other tutor we've tried!”

And the result? After just three months of classes, Kelly’s CGPA improved significantly, rising from 3.2 to 3.8.

Ready to see similar results for your child? Schedule a free 60-minute trial class with Mentor Match and connect with a top-tier educator. We'll create a customized one-on-one teaching plan that caters to your child's unique needs and learning style.