Term 2 Weighted Assessments (WAs) are over, and the June holidays are fast approaching us! Naturally, teens will be thinking of dropping their studies and spending their holidays playing, watching shows, or hanging out with their friends. But if they are already lagging behind in their studies, or in an important year in school, you might not want them ditching their studies completely during the holidays.
So, how should you motivate your teen to study even after the exam?
We’re not saying that students should always be studying – but losing all momentum and getting rusty during the holidays isn’t a good thing, either. The key is to find a balance and help them feel like they still want to learn.
1. Find their ‘why’
Teens don’t like to do just what they’re told. At this age, they are beginning to question why they should be doing something. If the reason is not convincing, they won’t do it!
Try to talk to them about why studying is important. Instead of telling them why you think it’s important, let them reflect and find a reason that is important to them. The goal could be as ambitious as getting into a particular university, or something more simple like maintaining their current grade in school.
If none of the reasons can motivate them to study, you can create extrinsic motivations for them, like promising to give them extra allowance or letting them buy that new game if they put in the effort to study hard.
2. Balance study with freedom
It’s right after the tests period, and your teen is likely looking forward to a break. Even if you want to encourage them to study, setting up a strict study timetable won’t work. Instead, you can set a loose guideline to help them keep track of their studies. For example, tell them that they should review 1 chapter of their weakest subject every week. This way, they know that there is work to be done, but they can choose when to do it and still have time to do other things.
If they seem like they are slacking off, remind them of their goals and why they shouldn’t ignore the need to study.
3. Incorporate fun into learning
Learning shouldn’t always mean being stuck in a classroom, burying your face in a textbook. Reignite your teen’s love for learning by creating fun learning situations, which could mean exploring the great outdoors, going to a museum, getting hands-on with science experiments, or attending a holiday camp where they can meet new people and learn in an interactive setting.
Encourage them to read books and watch movies about what they are learning, and make it feel exciting to share about one new thing they learnt every day.
4. Talk about consequences
What happens if they don’t study? Some teens are motivated by fear. They may not care about getting excellent results or about the importance of education, but they know that failing isn’t a good feeling. Having to panic last minute before the exam isn’t a great experience. Having to retake the exams or move to a different class from their friends or failing to get promoted isn’t something that they want.
Recall past examples where they actually studied and got good results. Give them proof that studying works! Instead of regretting it later on, it’s better to sacrifice some free time and put in the work now.
Conclusion
It’s not easy at all to motivate your teen to study – especially after the exams. However, every small step counts in building up their motivation and fortitude to study. Usually, the biggest challenge lies in not being too pushy or naggy, as that might turn them away instead of motivate them. Try out different ways to motivate them until you find a way that works. Every child is different!
For providing them some structure and avenues to learn in an interaction (and perhaps even fun) setting, our Future Academy tuition classes and holiday programmes might be just what they need. Check out our most popular IP Math tuition classes or offerings like our Combined Science Tuition. Our education ethos is built on friendliness, understanding, and confidence-building, which has worked for hundreds of students in helping them enjoy studying more and get better results. Contact us today to schedule your class!