Study Smart, Not Hard!
- Courtney Thom
- Oct 31
- 7 min read
In today’s fast-paced educational environment, learners (and parents) are often overwhelmed with the large volume of information that needs to absorb. But studying doesn’t have to be about long nights of rereading notes. The key is not how much your child studies, but how they study.
When you and your child understand their learning style, how to pace effectively and create the right environment, you can help your child study smarter — and retain more with less stress.
The Importance of Study Skills
Did you know that students who use effective study techniques can improve their academic performance by up to 30%? Research shows that learners who actively engage in their learning — rather than just rereading notes — retain more information and achieve higher results.
During critical exams, like the matric finals, these strong study habits can make all the difference. But these skills do more than boost grades — they build confidence, independence, and a lasting love for learning. By developing good study habits early, you lay a solid foundation for future success.
Why the Way Your Child Studies Matters
Our brains are like muscles; they grow stronger the more ways we use them. When children only read their notes, they’re using just one small part of that learning muscle. But when they see, hear, say, write, and do something with what they’re learning, it becomes part of long-term memory.
One of my favourite visuals that explains this is The Cone of Learning. Developed by educator Edgar Dale, it shows how much more we remember when we actively participate in the learning process rather than just observing it.
(Source: Dale, E. (1969). Audio-Visual Methods in Teaching. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.)
The takeaway? The more your child actively participates in studying, the more effectively they’ll remember what they learn.
Three Learning Styles — and How to Support Them
Recognising how your child learns best helps you guide them toward study methods that truly work for them. When study techniques align with a child’s natural learning style, information sticks more easily, confidence grows, and studying feels a lot less like a struggle.
Have a look at the three main learning styles and some simple, practical ways you can support each one.
Learning Style | How They Learn Best | How to Support Them |
👀 Visual Learners “I need to see it.” | Absorb information through sight — charts, colours, and diagrams. |
|
👂 Auditory Learners “I need to hear it.” | Learn through listening and speaking. |
|
✋ Kinesthetic Learners “I need to do it.” | Understand best through movement, touch, or hands-on activity. |
|
So how to find out what fits best:
Experiment: Try visual, auditory, and kinesthetic strategies for one week each.
Reflect: Ask which method helped them remember more easily and felt most natural.
Combine: Mix styles — a visual learner might record themselves (auditory) explaining a diagram (visual).
Adjust by subject: Maths might be more kinesthetic (doing problems), while History suits visual or auditory strategies.
The goal isn’t to box your child into one style — it’s to build a toolkit of techniques that make learning enjoyable and effective. Think of the Cone of Learning!
Paced Learning
There are times to slow down, think deeply, and really understand a concept — and there are times to move faster, recalling information and testing what you know. Research shows that alternating between slow, deliberate learning and fast-paced recall practice strengthens both comprehension and memory.
This balance helps students shift information from short-term memory into long-term understanding — which is the true goal of studying.
When learners know when to slow down and when to speed up, studying becomes far more effective, less stressful, and ultimately more rewarding.
Pace | Description | Examples | When to Use It |
🐢 Slow-Paced Learning | Builds deep understanding through writing, explaining, or summarising. | Writing notes, teaching someone else, summarising chapters. | Early in the study period to build comprehension. |
⚡ Fast-Paced Learning | Focuses on quick recall and memory testing. | Flashcards, timed quizzes, redrawing mind maps, “brain dumps.” | Closer to exams to strengthen memory and confidence. |
Creating a Healthy Study Environment
Understanding how your child learns is just one part of the study puzzle — the where and when are just as important. Even the most effective study methods can fall short if the environment is full of distractions or if time isn’t managed well. Creating the right setting, structure, and rhythm for studying helps learners stay focused, motivated, and confident.
Create a Conducive Study Space
A calm, organised workspace helps children focus, think clearly, and study more efficiently. The environment in which a child studies can make just as much difference as how they study.
A well-designed study space sets the tone for effective learning.
Choose a quiet, well-lit area free from distractions.
Keep materials like books, pens, and highlighters neatly within reach.
Avoid studying on the bed — use a desk or table to encourage focus.
Limit background noise — switch off the TV and avoid music with lyrics that compete for attention.
Encourage your child to keep their workspace tidy and organised; clutter can add unnecessary stress and reduce concentration.
Research: Multitasking with media (like watching TV while studying) significantly lowers comprehension and memory retention (Ophir, Nass, & Wagner, 2009, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).
Encourage a Study Schedule
A study timetable helps children plan ahead, manage time, and avoid last-minute stress. It also builds consistency — one of the strongest predictors of academic success.
How to build one:
List all subjects and topics.
Estimate how much time each one needs.
Schedule study blocks of 45–60 minutes with short breaks in between.
Mix challenging and easier topics to maintain motivation.
Include time for review, rest, and recreation.
Post the timetable somewhere visible — like a wall or fridge — as a visual reminder.
Download a template and example below:
Tip: Consistency is key. For instance, your child might dedicate an hour each afternoon to mathematics, followed by 30 minutes of history. Over time, this structure becomes habit — turning studying into a natural part of the day.
Be Involved
Parental encouragement plays a vital role in study success. Show interest in your child’s learning journey — it helps them feel supported and accountable.
Ask about what they’re learning or reading at school.
Discuss ideas together or help quiz them before tests.
Celebrate small wins to build confidence and motivation.
Even brief daily conversations about schoolwork can inspire more effort and focus.
Teach Stress Managemen
Exam periods can feel overwhelming — for both children and parents — but small, consistent habits can make a world of difference in helping learners stay calm, focused, and confident. Teaching your child practical ways to manage stress not only supports their emotional well-being but also improves concentration and performance.
Deep breathing: Encourage slow, steady breathing — in for four counts, hold for four, and out for four. This simple rhythm helps calm the body and refocus the mind.
Get outdoors: Even a short walk or time in the garden can reduce tension. Fresh air and natural light help lift mood and improve energy.
Music and movement: Gentle background music or a quick stretch or dance break can ease restlessness and reset focus.
Create predictability: Keeping a regular study routine provides structure and helps children feel more in control.
Journaling and reflection: Writing down worries, to-do lists, or daily wins can ease anxiety and build perspective.
Positive connection: Talk openly about exam stress — remind your child it’s normal to feel pressure. Taking a few minutes to listen or check in helps them feel supported.
Sleep and rest: Rest is as important as studying. Aim for 8–9 hours of sleep and regular breaks to keep the mind refreshed.
Healthy fuel: Stable energy levels support focus — encourage balanced snacks like fruit, yogurt, nuts, and whole grains, and plenty of water.
Mindfulness and grounding: Try short mindfulness exercises or apps like Calm or Headspace to help your child return to the present moment when feeling anxious.
Reframe the pressure: Help your child change “I have to study” into “I’m learning so I can feel prepared.” This simple shift can turn studying into an empowering experience rather than a stressful one.
A calm mind remembers more and performs better.
Developing effective study skills is crucial for academic success. Techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and mind mapping can enhance the learning experience. Parents play an essential role in this process by fostering a conducive study environment, promoting a structured study schedule, and encouraging self-assessment.
Remember, the goal is to study smart, not hard. With the right strategies and support, students can face academic challenges with confidence. As they prepare for significant milestones like matric exams, these skills will serve them well throughout their educational journey and beyond.
If you’d like extra support, I offer study skills sessions for individuals and groups to help learners build confidence, manage time, and study smarter.
Also check out these additional resources!
Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/
Flashcards - https://quizlet.com/features/flashcards
Comments