Smooth Studying Ahead
© 2007 Resources for Educators
by Rod Wittmer
March 04, 2008
Everyone knows studying is important to doing well in school. But does your teen know how to make the most of the time she spends reading and reviewing? You can help her be confident and prepared with this “road map” to smart studying.
Hit the road. To tackle study sessions, your child needs the right materials, as well as a schedule. Textbooks, class notes, and old quizzes can help her prepare for a test. Have her allow enough time to study by counting the days until an exam, consulting her calendar for commitments (club meetings, sports practices), and working out a plan. Tip: Suggest an hour a day — students tend to retain the most in the first hour of studying.
Use a map. Encourage your high schooler to create study guides for each test. She can use colored pens (or color highlights on the computer) to define geography terms or identify characters in novels. These guides will help her quickly focus on the important information.
Take a friend along. A “study buddy” brings a fresh perspective to work sessions. One partner might have notes on something the other missed or understand a section better. By exchanging study guides and information, they'll each be able to review more thoroughly. They can also quiz one another.
