Getting children motivated to learn is a challenge for many parents. Many factors can cause a lack of motivation, including seeing no purpose or value in studying, boring teaching methods, a lack of relevance, inappropriate levels of challenge and an uncomfortable, unsafe or unsupportive learning environment, amongst others.
Parents know the importance of their children being motivated to learn and to achieve; however, they often do not know how to get them motivated.
As we reflect on our students’ outstanding results in the recent Cambridge International examinations, and on their emotional well-being, we would like to share some ideas to help you motivate and empower your child to achieve academic success.
Whilst we believe that Cambridge International is an excellent qualification and it offers an international standard, choice, and flexibility, the guidelines provided here can be applied in general to any qualification.
Start with the end in mind
It is important for your child to know why they are learning and what their end goal is.
Explore future careers
Would they like to pursue a professional career? Do they wish to run their own business one day? Would they like to learn a trade? They should start considering these questions as they progress on their academic pathway and it is essential that they do so before they need to choose subjects.
Once they have an idea of possible career options, they should start finding out about career paths, and what is required to qualify for possible career choices.
They should start researching different careers and qualification requirements, speak to people in the workplace about their careers and how to qualify, find job-shadowing opportunies, and contact professional associations and further education institutions.
Consider further study options
Once they have an idea of possible career options, they should start contacting further education institutions to find out about the qualifications offered and the entry requirements.
Would they like to attend a college or university? Would they like to study in South Africa or at an international institution?
Encourage your child to search the internet to find career and qualification information and contact the different institutions to start finding out about possible courses and admission requirements.
Choose the right subjects
For admission into South African public universities, specific USAF minimum admission requirements apply for exemption for Bachelor degree purposes. Each educational institution also has their own admission requirements for their different courses. Make sure your child chooses subjects which will enable them to meet these requirements.
Individualise learning
Every child is unique. They have their own interests, strengths and preferred way of learning. Help them design their unique academic plan to meet the admission requirements and to achieve the best possible result in each subject. This plan can be adapted, so that your child enrols for an examination when they are fully prepared and has the best chances of meeting the requirements.
Assist your child to plan their study timetable and schedule according to their pace and when they learn best. Some students prefer to focus on one or two subjects a day, whilst others prefer to work on all their subjects every day. They might prefer to start and finish early, or to start and end their academic day later.
Provide a structure
A sound academic framework helps children to study effectively to achieve their goals. Ensure that realistic timeframes are set to prepare for their planned examinations and that they complete each section of work within these timeframes. Make sure they maintain a regular study routine.
Utilise quality resources
Ensure that your child makes full use of the syllabus documents, endorsed resources and past examination papers to prepare well for their examinations.
Select qualified, experienced subject specialist tutors to guide and support their learning and to inspire them.
Encourage active learning
Research shows that children learn better if they are actively involved in finding something out, rather than listening and trying to memorise the information and being given the answers. In our experience, an adaption of the “flipped classroom” approach is extremely effective. Using this approach, learners work through the material independently. They then utilise their tutoring time for instruction only in those topics or with problems which they do not understand. Tutors also check learners’ understanding so that they know which areas or topics to revisit.
Delegate responsibility for learning
Whilst it is important to guide children and to check that they are on track, it is very motivating for children to have control of their learning experience. Allow them to have direct input into their learning and to set their own pace. We find that children learn more effectively and they achieve better results as they are gradually empowered with the responsibility to determine the pace and quality of their learning.
Guide and support
Parents should gauge the guidance and support each child needs and keep providing this according to their needs as they progress on their academic pathway. Whilst children like to feel in control of their learning, they also need to know that they are not on this journey on their own. Share and celebrate in their successes, continue to keep an eye on their progress, and bring them back on course when necessary.
Enjoy the journey with your child.
curriculum aligned programmes with course material, video lesson links,
activities with answers, assessments with memorandums, and examinations with memorandums.Students have access to our Google Classroom where all their
material is loaded.Our bespoke approach to education empowers each child to become a self-directed learner and to learn as they learn best.
- HOW TO ENROL FOR CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS - August 11, 2022
- HOW TO APPLY TO UNIVERSITY WITH CAMBRIDGE QUALIFICATIONS - June 8, 2022
- PREPARING CHILDREN FOR A FULFILLED AND SUCCESSFUL LIFE - April 11, 2022
Definitely preparation is key as it can become overwhelming also competition between class mates can also be a factor. Supporting your child also plays a big role in their academic success. Showing that you interested and up to learning from them will also act as motivation.