It’s no secret that exams can be stressful for both students and parents alike. The pressure to perform well can often lead to anxiety and feelings of overwhelm. However, there are a few science-backed studying tips that can help your kids effectively prepare for their exams and reduce stress levels.
Understand Different Learning Styles
Another useful way to help your child study effectively is by understanding their unique learning style. For example, the honey mumford learning styles model identifies four distinct types of learners: Activists, Reflectors, Theorists, and Pragmatists. If you find that your child is an Activist, they might learn best through hands-on activities and interactive group discussions, where they can fully engage with the material. On the other hand, a Reflector may benefit from having time to observe and review information at their own pace, processing details quietly before they feel ready to apply them.
By identifying your child’s learning style with models like Honey Mumford, you can tailor their study techniques to align with their natural preferences. This approach not only makes studying feel more intuitive but can also reduce stress, boost retention, and build their confidence as they approach exams.
Take practice tests
One of the most effective studying tips on this list is to take practice tests. This allows students to see the material in a new light and get used to the format of the test. In addition, taking practice tests can help students identify their weaknesses and work on improving them. This is excellent exam preparation before a big test.
There are many ways to get access to practice tests. Some students prefer to use old exams, while others may opt for online resources. There are also online sites that provide past exam papers for the 11 Plus, 12 Plus, and various other types of examinations for young students. Whichever route you choose, make sure that the practice tests are as close to the real thing as possible.
To make the practice test more effective, encourage your child to take a practice test under timed conditions so that they can get a feel for how long they have to complete each section. This will help them pace themselves on the day of the test.
Let your child have enough sleep
It’s one of the most important studying tips you can implement to boost your brainpower. According to a National Sleep Foundation poll, 60% of parents say their children are not getting enough sleep. And it’s not just teenagers who are affected. The poll found that nearly one-quarter of parents report their preschoolers are also not getting enough shut-eye.
There is a growing body of research that shows sleep is essential for memory and learning. A study published in the journal Nature found that sleep helps cement new memories by strengthening the connections between brain cells. Another study, published in the journal Science, found that sleep helps clear away the brain’s “junk”—toxins that build up during the day and can interfere with learning.
So how much sleep do kids need? The National Sleep Foundation recommends that school-age children get 9 to 11 hours of sleep per night. For teenagers, the recommendation is 8 to 10 hours. A good night’s sleep is essential for both physical and mental health, and it can also help improve focus and concentration. Make sure that your child is going to bed at a reasonable hour and waking up at a consistent time each day. It’s also important to limit screen time before bed so that they can wind down properly.
Make sure that your child is eating a nutritious diet
A healthy diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for students during exam time. Eating nutritious foods helps improve concentration and memory, and gives the brain the energy it needs to function at its best. There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your child is eating well during exams:
- Make sure they’re eating breakfast. A nutritious breakfast will help them concentrate and remember what they’ve studied.
- Encourage them to eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day. This will help keep their energy levels up and avoid any blood sugar crashes that could affect their concentration.
- Pack healthy snacks for them to take with them to school or revision sessions. Good options include fruit, nuts, seeds, and whole-grain crackers.
- Make sure they’re staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Encourage them to avoid sugary drinks and foods, as these can cause energy levels to drop quickly.
Following a healthy diet will help improve your child’s concentration and memory, and give them the energy they need to do their best during exams.
Get organized
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for exams is to get organized. This means creating a study schedule and sticking to it. It also means keeping your study space clean and tidy so that you can focus on your work. A cluttered desk and messy room can make it difficult to focus on studying. Help your child create a study space that’s clean and organized, with everything they need within reach. This will make it easier for them to stay on task and find what they’re looking for when they need it.
Another great way to get organized is to use a planner or bullet journal to keep track of your assignments and due dates. This will help you stay on top of your workload and make sure that you are prepared for each exam.
Set realistic goals
One of the most important things that your kids need to do during their exam preparation is to set realistic goals. This means that they should not try to study for more hours than they actually have, or try to learn more information than they can realistically retain. Instead, they should focus on setting achievable goals that will help them gradually improve their understanding and performance.
Another important goal-setting studying tip is to make sure that your kids break down their goals into smaller, more manageable pieces. For instance, rather than trying to study for an entire chapter in one sitting, they should aim to cover a few pages at a time. This will help them stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the material.
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Encourage active studying
In addition to setting realistic goals, it’s also important to encourage your kids to adopt an active studying approach with the studying tips we’ve discussed thus far. This means that they should not simply try to memorize information, but should instead focus on understanding it. A great way to promote active studying is to have them explain the material to you in their own words, or solve practice problems.
This will not only help them better understand the concepts but will also allow you to identify any areas where they may be struggling. Additionally, you can also ask them questions about the material and have them explain the answers back to you. This will help them think critically about what they’re learning and deepen their understanding.
Encourage your child to take breaks while studying
It is scientifically proven that taking regular breaks while studying helps improve focus and concentration. So, make sure to encourage your child to take a few minutes of break after every 20-30 minutes of study. Let them use this time to stretch their legs, grab a snack, or simply take a few deep breaths.
Exams can be stressful, but by following these science-backed studying tips, you can help your child prepare effectively and reduce their stress levels.
