Most teenagers want to succeed
in terms of exams and will, particularly when encouraged to study for them.
Parents can be instrumental in
encouraging teenagers to study for exams, as may other family members and
friends. Teachers, mentors and tutors continually try to encourage teenagers to
study for exams and teach them appropriate and effective study methods
like key point note taking, organization or help them to learn definitions.
A professor can look around an
examination room and immediately recognize teenagers who are on time,
organized, prepared and ready to write examinations. Many teenagers appear to
be motivated without a great deal of encouragement from others, but most
teenagers need some degree of encouragement.
The question then becomes one
of how
to encourage teenagers to study for exams.
“Top
study tips to motivate teens” suggests
that organization is the key, but while organizational
tips may prove beneficial, teenagers still have to take the initiative and
responsibility when studying for exams.
Consider the following
suggestions.
Offer appropriate incentive to
teenagers studying for exams.
For some students, passing
exams appears to be sufficient incentive, but additional incentives may
motivate a teenager who does not appear to be interested or willing to study
for exams. Parents can offer incentives of different kinds including projects a
teenager might enjoy like a future bicycle trip for obtaining good marks. Some
teenagers respond well to positive incentives like new computer programs or
games. Teenage girls may find motivation in a shopping trip in the future.
Rewards work better than punishment.
Provide a quiet time and place
for the teenager to study for exams.
Teenagers normally have many
things going on in their lives and these tend to take precedence to
studying for exams, even though not studying may mean not passing. Providing a
quiet time and place for the teenager to study shows the teenager that
studying for exams is important. Avoiding interruptions allows the teenager to
concentrate on his or her examination material.
Set priorities with teenagers
in terms of studying for exams.
While parents cannot always set
the important priorities in terms of teenagers studying for exams, there are
others who can. When teenagers know the priorities and expectations of their
teachers, mentors and tutors, studying for exams becomes easier. At times, it
is a good idea to have teenagers talk to their teachers, mentors or tutors. A course
curriculum is usually set out in such a way that teenagers know what material
to study for exams. Allocation of marks in certain parts of course curricula,
gives direction to teenagers. It helps them focus on what to study. Making
additional resource material available for them may prove helpful.
Recognize symptoms of fatigue,
illness or burnout in teenagers studying for exams.
Parents, other family members
and friends may recognize these kinds of symptoms in teenagers who are studying
for exams; so will teachers, mentors and tutors. There are times, when a
teenager may need more sleep or rest. A visit to a medical professional may be
necessary, if a teenager appears ill.
Avoid criticism, arguments and
negative feedback.
Each teenager has to find his
or her own way to study for exams and no degree of criticism, arguments or
negative feedback will help. Teenagers learn differently and thus, how they study for
exams may differ. Auditory learners study differently than visual learners, when
it comes to exams.
Discuss problems with teenagers
who want to talk about their feelings related to studying for exams.
Kindness, compassion and
concern can go a long way in encouraging teenagers to study for exams. Every
teenager needs to feel the support of parents, other family members and
friends, as well as that of teachers, mentors or tutors. Offering comfort foods
or appropriate drinks at various intervals may prove beneficial in that way and
help teenagers to relax. At the same time, what they really need is time to
study for exams, either alone or with friends.
Unconditional love as opposed to tough love, may be the
best way to encourage teenagers to study for exams.
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