4 Tips to Help Your Teen Study Like a Pro!
Final exams are coming up! Want to help your teen study smarter, not harder? Here are a few simple strategies to help them get ready.
Published
It’s official: the countdown to the end of the school year has begun. And that means one thing: final exams! Now’s the time to put an effective study plan in place. The secret? Preparation that combines structure and strategy.
1. Don’t Rely on Rote Memorization
Did you know the brain can only stay focused for so long? One of the biggest traps during exam season is trying to memorize everything word for word. But effective studying is about making sense of the material, not just repeating it without really understanding it.
Rote learning relies on repetition without real understanding. It taps into short-term memory, which isn’t very reliable. If the information isn’t reviewed soon after, it tends to fade quickly.
2. Find a Study Rhythm That Works
Studying for exams is more like running a marathon than a sprint. The most important thing is endurance.
A solid study plan depends on time management that matches your teen’s personality. Some students can focus for 2–3 hours straight, while others need shorter sessions. Some are early birds; others work better late at night. The best rhythm is the one that aligns with their concentration levels.
Pro tip: Taking regular short breaks is essential to clear the mind and recharge the brain. Even brief pauses help refresh your child’s focus, making it easier for them to return to their studies with renewed energy and concentration.
3. Pick the Right Study Spot
The best study spaces are free from distractions. Noisy rooms usually don’t work because very few people can focus with background chaos. Your child’s brain has to work extra hard to block out distractions.
That said, some students find that soft instrumental music (like jazz, for fans of Miles Davis!) helps them concentrate. The key is knowing what works and choosing the right environment.
4. Make Summary Sheets
It’s no secret: writing things down makes them easier to remember. Organizing the material in a written format enhances understanding and recall. Plus, it stays longer!
A good study session often includes creating summary sheets. Keeping a written record of what they’ve studied helps your teen to review anytime, especially the night before the exam. The goal: activate working memory and retrieve what they’ve learned in the past days and weeks. The best approach is to use concise sheets with short explanations, keywords, relevant links, and so on.
Keep it simple!
BONUS: Two Heads Are Better Than One!
Discussing a tricky topic or something you've just learned with friends, family, or a tutor can also be a huge help for remembering and understanding it.
As long as there’s some structure, study sessions with a friend can be super helpful. Here's something to keep in mind: what's easy for one student might be tough for another. When your child gets the chance to explain something to a friend, they understand it better themselves. It's a great learning experience. On the flip side, if they're struggling with something their friend knows well, their friend might be able to explain it in a way that clicks better than you can. It's a win-win situation!
Resources
- To help your teen focus their efforts during study sessions while still remembering to take breaks, we suggest exploring the Pomodoro Technique.
- To quickly and effectively create flashcard-style review sheets, we recommend checking out the Anki app. Besides being user-friendly, your child can create their own questions based on the material and practice answering them.