Many teens fall into the trap of studying for hours on end but still not getting everything done. The good news is that there are simple tools and techniques that can help teens study smarter, not just longer. Susan from Savvy Teen Academy shares 3 important study tips every teen should know, so the time spent studying is actually productive.
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At Savvy Teen Academy, we’ve talked to lots of teens over the years about tackling exams, and here are three important study tips that should help.
#1. Time Management
Start practicing time management as early as you can.
The English exam is notorious for putting students under pressure — you might feel like you have to write until your hand falls off, or worry you’ll run out of time before finishing your poet discussion.
But time management isn’t a talent some lucky people are born with. It’s a skill that can be practised and perfected.
- Set yourself a reasonable time limit, using the timer on your phone, to do this evening’s homework — and try to beat it.
- If you needed longer, jot down why:
- Did your concentration wander?
- Did you need to look up something you were unsure of?
- Did you set yourself an impossible task and need to adjust your expectations?
- Learn from this experience and try again tomorrow night.
You’ll be surprised how quickly you learn to estimate how long individual tasks take, and how quickly you take control of the clock.
Bonus: if you spend a focused, optimum amount of time on study and homework, you’ll be left with a lot more free time.
You might also enjoy reading: 41 Revision Techniques to Help Kids Study Smarter
The Savvy Teen Academy offers a five-day Summer Camp for teenagers entering their senior cycle years. Over an intense week, this hands-on learning camp helps teens build confidence, with plenty of fun and new friendships made along the way.
After five days at Savvy Teen Academy, students come away with practical tools they can use in many life situations — passing exams, applying for jobs, networking and confidently taking their life in the direction they want. Courses take place in Dublin.
#2. Teachers Are Your Allies
Treat your teachers as your allies, not your enemies.
At the start of secondary school, it can feel like your teachers are out to get you — piling on homework and pulling you up if it isn’t done.
Now that you’re a young adult, you can probably see that your teachers are simply guiding you through your course, so you get a little bit closer every day to the exam result that opens the path you want after school.
Teachers signed up willingly to help you progress, and if you treat them as being on your side, your relationship with them gets a lot easier.
Get as much help as possible by asking questions in class. If you don’t understand something, you have options:
- One, do nothing, and let misunderstandings pile up until you get that sinking feeling looking at an exam paper — never mind an answer, you don’t even understand the question.
- Two, spend a lot of time and energy trying to figure it out alone.
- Three, cut to the chase and ask questions in class (or after class if you’d rather others didn’t hear).
Every time you hesitate to ask a question in class, remember that at least five of your classmates are struggling with exactly the same thing — so go for it.
You’ll get credit for making a move when others aren’t brave enough to, and they’ll all be secretly relieved someone asked. It’s time to leave first-year thinking behind.
#3. Look on the Bright Side
It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself looking at a bag full of homework after a tiring day at school — but there’s so much to look forward to too.
Take five minutes to write down what you’re grateful for, like:
- Friends you get to see every day.
- Teachers who help you understand new concepts and speed up learning.
- Future opportunities in college and work.
- The weekend, when you can have a lie-in.
- Your favourite show to catch up on.
- Being able to message your friends for free, any time.
- Team sports, where you catch up with people and think about something other than school.
Adopt a positive perspective on school and study, and life gets a lot easier. Instead of dwelling on everything you have to do, think about everything you get to do.
As you look ahead to a new day, remember what’s on your side: skills and abilities, people who’ve dedicated their career to helping you, and control over your own attitude.
It’s called a growth mindset, and research backs it up. Adopt it, and you’ll find you can tackle far more than you think.
You might also enjoy reading: 6 Best Tips to Help Avoid Exam Stress
Over to You
Do you have any more invaluable study tips? Share them with us in the comments below — other parents and teens would love to hear what’s worked for your family.
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