CONNECTOR.AE 32 CONNECTOR.AE 33 KIDS AND EDUCATION KIDS AND EDUCATION Setting up a conducive environment for learning: A cluttered, noisy, or chaotic setting can severely impair focus and learning speed. In contrast, a clean, quiet, well-lit study area primes your brain for optimal performance. Try setting up a specific ‘learning zone’ at home, away from television and heavy distractions There’s no magic formula for mastering learning overnight. However by embracing these evidencebacked and expert-recommended strategies, you can help your children dramatically boost how fast and effectively they learn. Let them know that the key is always consistency. Small, deliberate changes in their learning habits today will compound into major gains tomorrow. Mind mapping: Visually connecting ideas and concepts is another crucial step to improve learning efficacy. Low-stakes testing: Taking mini quizzes to recall information without the pressure can help students crystallisememory and information-patterns more effectively. Prioritising sleep, exercise and healthy habits: While we have already covered the importance of sleep, studies have also shown that moderate daily exercise, like brisk walking, boosts blood flow to the brain, promoting better cognitive function, while a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruit, and vegetables supports overall brain health. Studies have also shown that short mindfulness exercises before learning tasks enhanced working memory and attention control among students. learning into chunks not only keeps the brain engaged but also avoids burnout”. You could also nudge your child to try an even shorter ten-minute rule in learning. Research shows that focusing intensely for just ten minutes on a specific learning task can yield significant improvements in memory and understanding. One can do this by setting a timer for ten minutes, choosing a micro-goal, like learning a single concept and giving it one’s full attention. No phones and nomultitasking. After tenminutes, you could ask them to take a two to five minute break. Repeating these mini-sessions can add up to very powerful learning over time. Also, it is better for your children not to spend too much time focusing on just one subject or topic. “Students need to be interleaving subjects and switching between topics to strengthen cognitive connections, again offering that variety that keeps the brain engaged and interested”, Craig Jeavons from RGSGD added. Build Better Learning Habits Some popular study methods, like highlighting or rereading, are no longer seen as effective. So, what are the habits that will work for your children? Craig Jeavons fromRGDGD and Jane Clewlow from Brighton College Dubai gives some additional recommendations to help your children learn faster and more effectively: Teaching others what they have learnt: This is known as the Feynman Technique. If one can teach a concept in simple terms to someone else, then it means that one has understood it well. Ask your child to try explaining their notes to you or a close friend. Studies have shown that students who prepared to teach learnt the material better than those who simply studied for a test. Chunking: Breaking large topics into manageable parts help students learn more effectively. Cornell notes: Structuring note-taking with cues and summaries is a proven method of effective learning, ensuring that the key concepts and information are easily recollected at crucial moments. “Breaking learning into chunks not only keeps the brain engaged but also avoids burnout.” ‘‘Small, deliberate changes in their learning habits today will compound into major gains tomorrow.’’
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