I enjoy the fresh start that new quarters and semesters provide to our students. It’s also a good time to review basic but critical study skills for continuing to improve academic performance. Here are some questions to consider in evaluating study skills (questions need to be adjusted based on a child’s age and grade level).
Does my child have an adequate place to study at home?
Ideally this is a quiet place without distractions (television, phone, computer games, internet) with a desk or table, chair, good lighting, books, supplies, and a clock. If online access is required for homework or study, consider ways to minimize that potential distraction, such as making it available for a limited time during the study period. Until a child demonstrates that he focuses well and can successfully complete homework and study tasks independently, this study place functions best when it is also monitored by parents.
Does my child have an adequate plan for study time?
Students need a plan—clear (which usually means written) goals for what needs to be accomplished during study time. For students who have weaknesses in completing homework, for example, a parent might have the student write down the homework that is due in each class, check it off when it is completed, and make another check when it is turned in. Hopefully this would help the student learn to organize his work and complete tasks, eventually becoming more and more independent.
Starting early and then taking short breaks during the study time will help a young person stay refreshed. Of course, adjust the length of study sessions in an age-appropriate way. Even high school students can profit from a short break every 20 to 30 minutes.
Does my child make adequate preparation ahead of time?
Daily review of material, rather than cramming right before a test, is the best way to prepare. Long-term assignments are better accomplished by breaking them into parts and working on them little by little for several weeks.
Check out our website for additional study helps. And have a great semester!
Bob Jones Academy exists to assist like-minded Christian parents in challenging students to love Jesus Christ, to embrace God’s truth, to exercise integrity, to pursue excellence, and to serve others.
Comments are closed.