In today’s fast-paced world filled with distractions and constant screen time, learning effectively and remembering what one studied can feel like climbing a steep hill. The rise of tools like ChatGPT has certainly made information more accessible, but for students, real learning still requires active engagement, time and focus. Whether you're helping your child prepare for exams or simply helping them absorb new concepts, understanding how memory works and using the right strategies can dramatically improve their learning experience.
This feature explores science-backed techniques and expert advice from leading educators in Dubai to help your child learn faster and smarter.
Feel Like Your Child Is Wasting Time?
Ever felt like your child is wasting time by not constantly hitting the books? You’re not alone. Here’s an important fact that could change how you look at the learning process. Research shows that daydreaming, mind-wandering, or simply closing one's eyes for a few minutes can actually help the brain process and consolidate new memories.
According to a paper published in Nature Reviews Psychology by cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Erin Wamsley, 'offline' moments, like rest and light breaks, play a key role in cementing what one has just studied. In fact, short rest periods can sometimes have the same memory-boosting effects as a full night’s sleep. So, those short walks, closed-eye pauses, or even power naps aren’t wasted time.
And speaking of sleep, getting quality rest is crucial for remembering what one learnt. A study published in Psychological Science found that students who studied before bed, slept and then did a brief review in the morning had fifty percent better long-term retention. So, don’t underestimate a good night’s sleep.
Tips For Recollection And Boosting Memory
One of the most effective tools for learning is active recall. Active recall is the process of trying to remember information without looking at the notes. After reading a chapter, closing the book and writing or explaining what one remembers is a core exercise involved in active recall. This process strengthens neural pathways and builds memory that lasts.
Jane Clewlow, Head of Senior School at Brighton College Dubai, supports this approach: "We regularly use recall-based activities such as 'Do Now' tasks at the beginning of lessons and even playful strategies like 'Fish, Monkey, Elephant' to trigger retrieval from both short-medium and long-term memory. We’re also deliberate about what we no longer encourage. For example, passive techniques such as highlighting and rereading, which were popular a decade ago, are now known to be ineffective for durable learning".
Another game-changer is spaced repetition. This means reviewing material at increasing intervals over time, instead of cramming everything at once. It’s been scientifically proven to help the brain move information from short-term to long-term memory. Experts recommend using flashcards or tools like Anki and Quizlet to space your child's revision.
Craig Jeavons, Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning at The Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai (RGSGD), advises students to build routines around intentional recall. “We encourage our students to test themselves regularly and not just passively reread and highlight notes. We encourage them to return to key knowledge time and time again via the use of flashcards, which we then supercharge with methods like the Leitner system. Techniques such as turning dense pages of notes into clear visuals, mind maps, timelines or mnemonics also transform information for better long-term retention".
Smart Studying In Short Sessions
Are you children struggling with long study hours? Ask them to try short study sessions where they focus intensely on one task for up to half an hour, followed by a short break. This technique works well because our brains are naturally wired to focus better in short bursts. Craig Jeavons from RGSGD recommends the Pomodoro technique or 25 minutes of focused study followed by short breaks. "Breaking 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 no multitasking. After ten minutes, 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 from RGDGD 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.
- 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 crystallise memory 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.
- 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 evidence-backed 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.