How to Plan your Study for Great Results: 9 Tips for your Teen

‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail’

Benjamin Franklin

As a parent or guardian, you play a crucial role in helping your teenager plan their studies effectively, which is essential for their academic success. In a survey conducted by the National Union of Students, 68% of students reported that they felt stressed due to academic pressure, with many citing poor time management and study skills as contributing factors. The same survey found that only 33% of students felt that they received adequate support and guidance on developing effective study skills. A study by the University of Surrey found that students who used study aids such as flashcards and mind maps performed significantly better on exams than those who did not. These statistics illustrate the importance of developing strong study habits and organisational skills for your teenager’s academic success. Here are nine essential tips that you can share with your teenager to help them craft a successful study plan:

Establish a Study Schedule:

Encourage your teenager to create a consistent study schedule, allocating specific time slots for each subject or topic. A routine aids in better time management and prevents last-minute cramming.

Download our FREE STUDY SCHEDULE to help you on your journey.

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Set Clear Goals:

Help your teenager set achievable study goals, both short-term and long-term. Clear objectives provide direction and motivation, leading to a more
productive study session.

Prioritise Subjects and Materials:

Guide your teenager to prioritise their study material, focusing on areas where they need the most improvement or those with upcoming deadlines or exams.

Break Down Study Sessions:

Teach your teenager the benefits of breaking study sessions into smaller, manageable blocks, with short breaks in between. This enhances retention and
prevents mental fatigue.

Check this great guide to help you you with simple tips, tricks and techniques to help you ace your studies: The Only Study Guide You’ll Ever Need

Create a Distraction-Free Environment:

Encourage your teenager to find a quiet, well-lit study space away from distractions such as mobile devices, TV, or loud noise.

Sometimes just being surrounded by positive reminders can help with motivation. Check out these Motivational Posters that could be put up around your teen’s study area.

Utilise Effective Study Techniques:

Guide your teenager to use active learning methods like summarising, note-taking, and self-testing to enhance comprehension and memory retention of the material.

It’s important to check what your learning style is to know which techniques will work best for you. Work out your learning style here and then use techniques that will help you learn and retain more.

Use Study Tools and Resources:

Show your teenager how to effectively utilise study aids such as flashcards, mind maps, online resources, and educational apps to reinforce their learning.

Review and Revise Regularly:

Stress the importance of regular review and revision of study material to reinforce learning and prevent forgetting crucial information.

Seek Support and Assistance:

Encourage your teenager to seek help from teachers, tutors, and study groups if they encounter challenging material or need clarification on specific topics. By incorporating these tips, your teenager can develop a well-structured and effective study plan that enhances their learning experience and sets them up for academic success. As a parent, your guidance and encouragement can make a significant difference in their study habits, preparing them for future academic challenges.