How do you learn properly? To learn successfully, pupils need their own learning strategies. The following learning tips can help:
Set up a fixed place to study
A quiet learning environment is important. This does not necessarily have to be a room of one’s own, not even a whole desk, but the space should be reserved just for working. After all, fixed habits are a great learning aid. This also includes setting fixed study times.
Create a feel-good atmosphere
The learning space should be functional, but also comfortable. No distractions please, mobile phone and TV stay switched off. Your child may be able to concentrate better with soft background music. Some like background noise, others need absolute silence to get into learning mode.
Test learning methods
Find out together with your child which learning method he or she prefers. Take a difficult subject and read it aloud, draw a picture, talk to the child about it and have it explained, or do an experiment. This will help the child to learn which method is easiest for him/her to understand.
See difficulties as opportunities
Thoughts like “I can’t do this anyway” are real motivation killers. Do not put the child under pressure with too high expectations. The feeling of having to perform at a high level can block learning. The child should know that he or she is sitting in a learning space where mistakes are allowed. Saying “This is difficult, but I’m up for the challenge” also increases self-confidence.
Make a learning plan
To learn, our brain needs time and structure. A good learning plan takes into account the individual learning pace. First comes the preparation, then the learning phase, then the revision phase, and finally the review phase. If a test is due, several days should be planned for practice.
Switch to learning
When strong impressions and experiences overlay the mind, it is difficult to switch off and switch to learning. Small concentration exercises can help, 2 – 3 minutes are enough.
Prepare well for learning
The right preparation saves a lot of time and effort. This is how it can work: Always read the work assignment and the corresponding documents thoroughly first. Then reproduce the contents in your own words, by speaking, writing or sketching.
Set milestones
If you divide the learning material into portions and work on it in stages, you will learn in a more relaxed way. Because stage victories are successes that make you feel positive and avoid stress.
Start with something easy
When it comes to homework, many people find it difficult to get started. Difficult material is even more of a deterrent. Moreover, the brain needs about a quarter of an hour to get into top form. Therefore, the “warm-up time” should be used for a subject that is fun.
Pay attention to the sequence
Lack of variety can hinder learning success. It is helpful to alternate between different forms of learning, such as written and oral. Also, similar learning materials should not be learned one after the other, otherwise there is a risk of confusion. A short break for exercise in between helps to clear the mind.
Associate pictures
If a visual image of the subject matter is stored in the memory, what has been learned will stick much better. Associative word pictures also help with vocabulary learning. The content is thought through more intensively when the child invents his or her own examples for the learning topic.
Designing mind maps
Mindmapping is a great way to structure a new topic – and your own thoughts along with it. Visual aids such as arrows, squiggles and coloured markers create an overview. With simple, pictorial mind maps, younger children easily learn to form concepts.
Writing “cheat sheets
If you make a cheat sheet, you have to limit yourself to the essentials – and concentrate strongly on the important facts. If you would rather not address cheating, encourage them to summarise the learning material again in a condensed form, using colour markers. Often the child remembers the passage on the piece of paper visually in the class work.
Becoming creative
If the learning material is packaged in exciting stories, abstract topics are easier to understand. Many children love to draw or do handicrafts on a topic. If learning content is linked to images and emotions, it will be stored in the long-term memory all the more quickly.
Take breaks
If you take regular breaks, you will learn more successfully. The brain needs time to process and structure what it has learned. After an intensive learning phase, sport is just the thing. Leisure time, exercise in the fresh air and sufficient sleep help learning.