Learning Archives - Daniel Wong

Spaced Repetition System: The Best Way for Students to Learn

May 9, 2023 By Daniel Wong 2 Comments

You’re taking an exam, and your mind goes blank.

No matter how hard you try, you can’t remember much of what you learned the previous night.

Does this happen to you sometimes?

As common as this practice is, cramming a few months’ worth of material into a night or two of learning isn’t the best study habit.

Think of it this way…

Let’s say that you’re going to participate in a marathon or sports competition. You would begin training at least a few weeks or months in advance.

While your brain isn’t a muscle, the same concept still applies. The best way to get good grades is to study over a longer period of time.

And that’s what the spaced repetition technique enables you to do.

What is spaced repetition?

Spaced repetition is a powerful memory technique and system that allows you to remember information better. This system involves reviewing information at increasing intervals. It also helps you to learn through active recall.

By using this study strategy, you’ll retain the information you learn for longer.

Read on and learn how to apply the spaced repetition technique to supercharge your learning!

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The science behind spaced repetition systems

Research studies have proven the efficacy of the spaced repetition technique. Scientists have found that spacing out your learning over time leads to superior long-term retention. It also enhances memory and problem-solving.

This is due to a phenomenon called the forgetting curve. The forgetting curve represents the process by which we forget information – and this happens quickly!

In fact, students will forget about 75% of what they learned, a day or two after reading a set of notes or attending class. Most of this forgetting happens within the first hour, and you’ll forget even more as time goes on.

But even though the forgetting curve is a natural process, you can disrupt it.

The solution is to learn the topic multiple times over a longer period. The spaced repetition technique enables you to do this.

Spaced repetition learning boils down to these three main aspects:

Review the material multiple times over an extended period. These reviews are done when your memory of the topic becomes hazy – not when you’ve forgotten everything about the topic. Each time you review the material, your brain will retain that information for longer. This enables you to overcome the forgetting curve.

Practice active recall. Active recall is the process of retrieving information stored in your brain. During active recall, you’ll recall what you’ve already studied by testing yourself after each review session. This helps you remember the information better. The science shows that students who use the active recall study strategy are more likely to remember the information they learn.

Progressively increase the interval between each review/active recall session. This gives your brain more time to absorb and consolidate the information learned. Additionally, this allows you to partially forget the information learned. As a result, the active recall process is more demanding, so you’ll reinforce your memory.

Types of spaced repetition systems

There are various ways for you to implement spaced repetition learning to help you study more productively.

Let’s explore the different types of spaced repetition systems that you can use to boost your learning.

Paper-based systems

If you’re a pen-and-paper learner, these ideas may help to get you started:

Flashcards: You can create flashcards by writing down a question on one side of the paper and the answer on the flip side. After each review session, you’ll test yourself using these flashcards and check your answer with what’s written on the back of each card.

Leitner boxes: This method involves sorting your flashcards based on how well you’re able to answer the questions on the front of the flashcards. If you answer the question correctly, the flashcard is sent from the first group to the second group. But if you can’t answer it, the card stays in the first group. Each group of cards is reviewed at different time intervals. The better you can answer the questions, the longer the interval between each review. (For a more in-depth explanation, check out this page.)

Post-review mind mapping: Researchers have found that mind mapping improves memory and learning. After a review session, take out a piece of paper and draw a diagram showing the relationship between different aspects of the topic. Do this with your books closed, of course.

Digital systems

Many apps and programs can help you study more effectively. Some are specifically designed to boost your learning using the spaced repetition technique.

For instance, Anki is an open-source flashcard app that allows you to build your own decks of digital flashcards. The app utilizes its spaced repetition algorithm to test you using the cards you’ve created.

Quizlet runs on the same concept, and you can share your deck of cards online or with friends.

Another example is the SuperMemo app, which is the first of its kind to use spaced repetition in language learning.

Memrise is yet another language-learning app that harnesses the power of spaced repetition.

Choosing the right system for you

Each system has its own set of pros and cons.

Paper-based flashcards are simple to create since you won’t have to learn to use a new program or app.

But digital systems often use advanced algorithms to optimize the order and interval at which the flashcards are displayed.

Some of these systems, like Anki, are also free to use. Plus, you won’t have to worry about losing your digital flashcards.

Finding the right system for you may take a little experimentation. But it usually comes down to personal preference.

Feel free to switch between different systems to keep your study sessions fun and engaging!

Creating effective flashcards

Creating your own flashcards will serve you better than using pre-made decks.

To make the most of your time and effort, here are some important tips to keep in mind when creating the flashcards:

Understand the concept of “atomic” information

The whole point of flashcards is to present short flashes of information that your brain can easily process and absorb.

Piling too much information into each card defeats the purpose of creating the cards. It also disguises recognizing a piece of information as knowing that piece of information.

Here’s an example…

What’s the answer to this physics question: “What are the three laws of motion?”

You might only remember the first and second laws. After flipping to the back of the card to read the answer, your brain recognizes the third law.

You then move on because you feel you got the question mostly right. But if this question were to appear in the exam, you might not be able to recall all three laws.

To avoid this mistake, you should break down the question into three parts, one for each law. This way, you’ll know exactly what information you remember and what information you don’t.

Apply this concept to all your flashcards.

Break down complex topics into smaller sub-topics. Also, keep the answer for each card short enough that you’d know for sure whether you got the question right or wrong once the card is turned over.

Draft clear and concise prompts

Like we talked about earlier, the best way to phrase a prompt on each flashcard is in the form of a question. Having a question instead of a phrase as a prompt will encourage you to think harder.

It’s also a good practice to ensure that each flashcard only has one question.

If you’re using flashcards to study for an exam, keep your questions closely related to the scope of the exam. You can look for possible questions to put on your cards based on past exams.

Write effective answers

Include a single answer to the question on the back of each flashcard. It’s best to keep the answer to three or four lines or shorter. This will prevent you from overloading the flashcard with too much information.

Split wordy or long answers into two or more flashcards with their own questions, whenever possible.

Concise flashcards help you pinpoint what you know and what you don’t.

Keep your flashcards engaging

One of the best ways to keep your flashcards engaging is to include sketches or diagrams. Here are some ideas you can try:

Stick figures to represent people
Flowcharts to describe a process
Sequence charts or timelines
Tables to compare two items
Maps to represent a place
Simple mindmaps
Venn diagrams

Of course, these pictures should be directly related to the information on the flashcard.

Don’t be afraid to add color to your cards, either. You can have different colored cards for various topics. And you can use highlighters to draw your attention to specific keywords on your cards.

How to use a spaced repetition system

Let’s explore how to apply the spaced repetition system to your learning process:

Create your flashcards

This is usually the most time-consuming step.

Determine which subjects you’d like to create flashcards for and estimate how much time you plan to devote to each topic.

Take your time to understand what you’re reading in the notes, textbook, etc. But keep in mind that you’re not expected to remember everything perfectly at this point.

Create a study schedule

Using a spaced repetition system requires consistent effort and some planning.

The next step is to plan your study schedule and the intervals between each review session (where you’ll check your knowledge using the flashcards).

The interval length will depend on various factors, such as the following:

How much knowledge you already have of the topic
The scope of the topic
How complex the topic is

Here’s a general guide to spacing out your review sessions after learning the topic for the first time:

1st review: 1 day after learning the topic
2nd review: 3 days after the 1st review
3rd review: 7 days after the 2nd review
4th review: 21 days after the 3rd review
5th review: 30 days after the 4th review

Of course, you can adjust this schedule depending on your progress. If you’re learning a topic quicker than expected, feel free to space out the reviews more.

Customize your review sessions

Focus on the areas you’re least confident in to make your review sessions more effective.

If you’re using physical flashcards, here’s a fantastic study tip you can use: After testing yourself, manually group the cards into three different categories as follows:

Group A: I couldn’t answer this at all.
Group B: I could answer this, but not confidently.
Group C: I could answer this confidently.

You should review the cards in Group A again, and you should review them one more time in the near future. The cards in Group B don’t need to be reviewed again so soon, and the cards in Group C don’t need to be reviewed until further in the future.

This means that the questions and areas to focus on will change from review session to review session.

As you master the topic, all your cards should eventually “progress” to Group C.

(This is basically the Leitner boxes system that we discussed earlier.)

You can also add more cards and questions to the pile to fortify your knowledge in areas you’re less confident about.

Deal with difficult or frustrating cards

It can be annoying when you’re dealing with cards you just can’t get right. These challenging cards should be reviewed the most often.

You can work on improving your understanding of these challenging areas by:

Reviewing supplementary materials
Doing practice questions
Learning with a friend
Drawing mindmaps
Making notes
Using online resources

Unfortunately, the spaced repetition technique isn’t magic. It will take time for you to get the results you want. So don’t let these roadblocks get you down!

Conclusion

The spaced repetition system is a proven study tool that will help you remember facts and improve your grades.

This method can even come in handy after you’ve graduated and have completed your formal education.

Plus, the spaced repetition technique is versatile, so you can use it to learn a foreign language and pick up a new skill too.

So give it a try today!

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Feynman Technique: The 4-Step System for Students to Learn Anything Well

April 17, 2023 By Daniel Wong 2 Comments

I learned very early the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something.

– Richard Feynman, Nobel Prize-winning physicist

I’m sure you’ve heard of the term “energy.” But can you explain how energy causes a car to move or what happens to energy when ice melts?

Many students confuse knowing jargon with true understanding.

We might know the name of a concept, formula, or idea. But this doesn’t mean we know how it works or how to apply it to solve problems.

Richard Feynman developed the Feynman technique for this exact reason – to test and refine our understanding of a topic.

The Feynman technique helps you learn through the act of teaching. The technique involves explaining a topic using your own words, as if you were teaching it to a child.

This study strategy encourages you to break down complex ideas using simple language. This enables real learning to take place.

In this article, I’ll discuss the pros and cons of using the Feynman learning technique. I’ll also explain the 4-step process you can use to apply this study method.

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Advantages and disadvantages of the Feynman technique

The Feynman technique is an excellent study method that almost anyone can use to learn a new concept. It’s best suited for complex topics that involve more than memorizing a list of facts.

Some of the biggest benefits of using the Feynman technique to study are:

It helps you distill a difficult subject into ideas that are simpler to understand. This allows you to engage with the new information in a meaningful way. It also helps to make you aware of possible knowledge gaps.
It improves your critical thinking skills. You’re less likely to take everything at face value. This study technique encourages you to dig deeper. The goal is for you to learn to form your own conclusions and analyses.
It encourages you to continually review new concepts. This will allow you to retain new information longer. As a result, you’ll get good grades on your exams.
Your study sessions will be more interesting and engaging. You and your friends can take turns explaining new concepts to each other. These group study sessions are a great way to switch things up and make studying fun.

Like any learning method, the Feynman technique has its disadvantages. These include the following:

This technique might not be suitable for certain subjects and topics. The Feynman technique isn’t effective for learning already-simple concepts. It’s also not ideal for topics that rely heavily on memorization.
It’s time-consuming. Learning a new concept, understanding it at a deeper level, then explaining it in your own words can take significant time and effort.

It may take some experimentation to find out if the Feynman technique is effective for you.

Let’s explore the 4-step process you can implement to apply the Feynman technique.

Step 1: Understand the concept

Select a topic you would like to learn. Start small, and be specific with the scope of the topic.

For instance, it’s obviously impossible to learn everything about “biology” or “chemistry.”

Instead, narrow the subject down to something that might appear on your exams. For example, “structure of an animal cell” or “digestion of protein in the body.”

Once you have your topic, you can brush up on your knowledge by reading about it thoroughly. Then, jot down what you know on a blank piece of paper.

When writing out these notes, keep the following pointers in mind:

Explain the concept using simple terms you understand.
Break down larger topics into smaller sub-topics with their own headers and bullet points.
Use mind maps to represent the relationship between different concepts. Mind maps have been proven to help learners understand and remember new concepts.
Use real-life examples to simplify the concept. For instance, using the lock-and-key model to explain how enzymes interact with substrates. Studies show that using analogies improves learning and retention of difficult concepts.
Explore how you can apply the concept. For example, applying a formula to solve a physics-related question or explaining how to make soap using a chemical equation.

Step 2: Explain the concept

This step is the heart of the Feynman technique.

You’ll need to talk about the concept using terms that are simple enough for a 12-year-old to understand.

For example, you might explain how an animal cell produces energy or how the greenhouse effect contributes to global warming. All your explanations must be concise.

To prepare for this step, use the Feynman notebook method. This is where you write down your explanation of a topic in your own words.

You can approach it like you’re organizing your thoughts or explaining it to someone else. You then discuss the concept out loud to see if it makes sense or if you trip up in certain areas.

Another option is to teach someone, preferably a friend studying the same topic as you. You can take turns teaching unfamiliar concepts to each other.

This creates a feedback loop.

Questions and comments from the other person can help you spot gaps in your understanding and increase your knowledge.

As you’re teaching your friend, watch for body language cues.

Nodding suggests that you’re on the right track. In contrast, blank stares and confused looks signal a lack of clarity in your explanation.

In addition, you can ask your friend to repeat what you taught them back to you, using their own words. If they’re unable to, you might need to simplify your explanation further.

Step 3: Identify and fill knowledge gaps

After completing Step 2, you’ll probably notice some gaps in your understanding.

Maybe you couldn’t come up with a simplified definition for cellular respiration. Or maybe you couldn’t contrast energy production in animal cells versus plant cells.

Identify these areas for improvement.

Were there any sections you couldn’t explain using simple language? Did your friends raise any questions or spot any inconsistencies?

At this point, you should go back to your learning materials to fill those knowledge gaps.

Here are some other things you can do to solidify your mastery of the topic:

Create study notes for the topic. Write these notes using your own words and keep them concise. Research has shown that taking notes improves focus. It also enhances the retention and recall of information.
Take advantage of technology. Search online for additional learning materials. These resources may come in different forms, such as a video presentation or an interactive website.
Test yourself on the concepts you’ve learned. Apply what you’ve learned by doing some practice questions.

Step 4: Review and simplify

Learning isn’t a one-and-done process.

Repeat the four steps as needed to deepen your understanding. By doing this, you’ll also commit what you’re learning to your long-term memory.

Fine-tune your explanation through repeated self-testing or teaching it to your friends to get feedback. Repeat the process until you’re satisfied with your level of mastery of the topic.

Using the Feynman technique properly can be time-consuming, so be sure to set aside enough time for each topic that you want to cover.

Conclusion

One of the best ways to test and improve your knowledge of a topic is to break down complex ideas using simple terms you already know.

The Feynman technique trains you to do this, allowing you to pinpoint the gaps in your knowledge.

I encourage you to give the technique a try as soon as you can! I’m sure you’ll find it useful. 🙂

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How to Make Studying Fun: 12 Tips to Enjoy Your Study Sessions

Updated on April 18, 2023 By Daniel Wong 16 Comments

Does studying feel like a chore to you?

If you feel unmotivated, bored, or anxious when it comes to studying, you’re not alone.

Studying does have its benefits. It helps you to get good grades, learn new things, and build much-needed life skills for teens and young adults.

And while balance is extremely important, studying will always be a core part of student life.

The good news is that any student can learn to make studying productive and fun.

Yes, you read that right. Studying can be fun!

Let’s explore ways to make studying more enjoyable.

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Tip #1: Stop saying “I have to study”

At times, we may not be attentive enough to the words we say to ourselves. But these words can shape how we view ourselves and the situations in our lives.

The next time you have an upcoming exam, observe how you speak to yourself about it.

You might say something like, “I have to study for the exam.” Once you say this, your brain is wired to think about studying as a chore you have to do – rather than something you choose to do.

What should you say instead?

Replace “have to” with either “choose to” or “get to.”

When you say “I choose to study for the exam,” it’s a reminder that nobody is putting a gun to your head and forcing you to study. It’s a decision that you get to make.

And when you say “I get to study for the exam,” you’re reminding yourself that there are millions of children and teenagers around the world who want to go to school, but who don’t have the opportunity to.

Tip #2: Remind yourself that grades aren’t what matter most

As a student, it’s easy to become too focused on your grades.

That’s understandable. There’s satisfaction you derive from seeing your test scores go up or from getting compliments from your teachers and parents.

Getting good grades is a positive goal and it’s something worth working toward. But it isn’t the only important part of your student life.

Becoming fixated on grades will only lead to unnecessary stress. This will hurt your academic performance too.

It’s the process of learning from your mistakes and improving that matters in the long run.

Tip #3: Study in shorter blocks

Do you find that your concentration wanes after 45 or 60 minutes of studying?

Pushing yourself to study for long stretches at a go takes the joy out of learning.

A practical study tip is to break down your study sessions into shorter blocks.

You can implement a method called the Pomodoro technique. This technique is a simple yet effective tool for focused work.

Here’s how you can apply it during your study sessions:

Set a specific task for your study session.
Set a timer for 25 minutes.
Work on the task until the timer rings.
Take a five-minute break. (Set a timer for the break too.)
Repeat the steps listed above.
Take a longer break of 15-30 minutes every four rounds.

Of course, you can experiment with the exact length of each study session to find what works best for you. An app like the Productivity Challenge Timer can also help you in this process.

Tip #4: Write down the tasks and assignments you’ve completed

We’ve all heard of a to-do list, but here’s another type of list you should keep: a “done” list.

Keep a record of the tasks and assignments you’ve completed. You can organize these tasks based on their completion date.

But how does a “done” list help? It reminds you to give yourself a pat on the back for what you’ve accomplished.

Keeping a “done” list will make you feel more motivated.

It will also allow you to keep track of the tasks you’ve finished – just in case you can’t remember what’s been completed and what’s still pending.

Tip #5: Cultivate a sense of curiosity

If you want to enjoy studying, you need to go beyond surface-level learning.

Yes, a significant part of studying involves reading the materials given to you and memorizing important bits of information.

But this gets boring pretty fast, doesn’t it?

So try this instead…

Ask yourself questions throughout the learning process. It’s an effective way to pick up new concepts.

This study found that participants who asked themselves questions and answered them during the learning process learned the material better.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself while studying:

How is this new concept related to what I already know?
How can this information be applied in the real world?
What are some real-life examples of this theory in action?
How was this concept or theory discovered?

If you run into a question you can’t answer, a quick online search is likely to yield an answer.

Tip #6: Get creative with your notes

You can use digital note-taking apps to make your notes more enjoyable to read. For instance, you can add colors, diagrams, icons, and creative fonts to a digital canvas.

If you prefer taking notes with pen and paper, try using colorful highlighters or markers to draw your attention to the key points.

This study suggests that color coding can improve your attention and memory when studying. It can also enhance how your brain processes and organizes information.

Mindmaps are another way to bring your notes to life.

Mindmaps are diagrams that represent concepts and ideas. Mindmaps demonstrate how these concepts and ideas are linked to a central topic and each other.

Mindmaps can encourage intuitive learning by structuring the information clearly.

Tip #7: Invest in stationery you love

If you love the stationery you use while studying, the process of studying will become more fun.

You might choose to invest in stationery like:

Special highlighters
Uniquely-shaped paperclips
Washi tape
Colorful sticky notes

You can also make note-taking more exciting by using cool notebooks and pens that are nice to write with.

Tip #8: Find a motivated study group

One way to stay on track academically is to study with friends who share the same goals as you. These study sessions can be done online or in person.

Study groups work because accountability can play a huge role in enabling you to form the right study habits.

Start by deciding when you’ll study together on a weekly basis. Then, you can keep each other accountable by encouraging everyone to show up for each study session.

Group study sessions help to break the monotony of studying. Through these sessions, you’ll learn from your friends and you’ll get to compare notes too.

Tip #9: Listen to music (but be wise about your music choices)

Listening to music can help to reduce stress. It can also improve concentration and enhance learning.

But you need to be cautious when curating your study playlist.

Not all kinds of music are helpful. Certain types of music can be distracting.

Loud and fast music (especially songs with lyrics) can reduce focus. In contrast, soft and slow background music without lyrics can improve focus.

Experiment with different playlists to find what works best for you.

Tip #10: Integrate interactive learning materials into your study plan

Sticking to just one learning format can become tiresome and boring. That’s why it’s a good idea to mix things up!

So, why not explore different formats and modes of learning?

If you have access to the internet, there are thousands of free resources at your fingertips.

These resources might come in the form of:

Video lessons
Interactive lectures
Printable worksheets
Learning apps and games
Downloadable resource kits
Online quizzes
Online and printable flashcards
Digital guides

Use at least a couple of these types of learning materials to make your study sessions more interesting.

Tip #11: Use apps that make it fun to focus

Here are a few apps I recommend:

Study Bunny: This app comes with a study tracker and focus timer. You’ll get a virtual study buddy bunny that you can customize with the coins you earn.
Habitica: This app uses in-game rewards to help you build good habits and stay consistent.
Forest: In this app, each time you start a focused study session, you plant a virtual tree that keeps growing as long as you stay on task. You can use the coins you earn to make a donation to plant a real tree.

Tip #12: Make your own flashcards

Flashcards incorporate both words and pictures to help you actively recall information.

How do flashcards work?

One side of the flashcard has a question, and the flip side has the answer. After you read the question, say your answer out loud before flipping over the flashcard to see if you got it right.

For example, one side of the flashcard could say, “What type of organisms are bacteria?”

The flip side could say, “Prokaryotes.”

Using flashcards is a better approach than just passively reading the textbook or notes.

You can make your own flashcards by using index cards or regular paper cut into smaller pieces.

Alternatively, you can use an app like Quizlet or Anki. These apps come with pre-made and customizable digital flashcards that cover a wide range of subjects.

Conclusion

Many students find studying to be boring, stressful, and tedious.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Studying can be fun. It all depends on the mindset you have and how you approach each study session.

Take a couple of the tips in this article and apply them in the coming week. I’m sure you’ll start to enjoy the learning process more!

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How to Overcome the Fear of Learning in 5 Steps

January 30, 2023 By Daniel Wong 4 Comments

Learning can be challenging at times – even scary.

But discovering how to manage that fear leads to growth, both as a student and a person.

If you’re looking for ways to overcome the fear of learning, you’re in the right place.

During childhood, resilience comes naturally. For example, toddlers learning to walk fall hundreds of times before they’re able to walk.

Yet they don’t give up and decide that they should just permanently go back to crawling.

Many students develop a fear of learning when they start taking tests and exams in school. The emphasis on getting good grades rather than on the process of learning can increase anxiety and stress in students.

It can begin to feel like the effort isn’t worth it. This is how the fear of learning can prevent students from pursuing meaningful goals and dreams.

This article will show you how to overcome this fear. Let’s begin by exploring how the fear of learning develops.

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Do you have a fear of learning?

Originating from the Greek word Sophia – meaning “wisdom” or “knowledge” – sophophobia is the fear of learning.

According to Healthline, a phobia is an excessive and irrational fear reaction. When confronted with the source of your fear, you may enter a state of panic and experience feelings of dread.

If you have a fear of learning, you may:

Feel uneasy before tests and exams
Lose focus when you’re studying
Feel uncomfortable about answering questions in class
Worry that you won’t be able to perform well academically

In addition to interfering with your studying, the fear of learning can affect your quality of life and future prospects.

Let’s break it down further to the fear of exams and the fear of studying. Let’s start with the fear of exams.

Fear of exams

Do you feel like you forget everything you’ve studied as soon as you sit down to take a test?

Or do exams make you feel nervous or even unwell?

When it comes to exams, students often place too much emphasis on the grade or outcome rather than the process. Feelings of overwhelm develop as the pressure builds, which can ruin your concentration during exams.

As expected, this gets in the way of being calm, present, and relaxed.

The key to overcoming the fear of exams is to shift your mindset. Focus on doing the things within your control: studying effectively, doing enough practice questions, getting enough rest, and eating right.

You can also learn how to relieve stress before a test so you can be a calmer, happier, and more successful student.

Focus on learning the necessary information and mastering the key concepts. Whatever the result, you’ll know you put in an excellent effort. From there, you can find ways to adjust your studying strategies to reduce your anxiety.

Fear of studying

As the exams approach, students become all too aware that they should be studying. For many students, this is when fear starts to build.

Sleep issues, unhealthy food choices, and stress can influence how focused you are when studying. These factors can also increase the negative emotional associations you have with studying.

Research shows that stressful experiences affect learning and memory processes. It’s common for cortisol – the stress hormone – to kick in when you have an important exam or deadline coming up.

Many students turn to avoidance as a coping mechanism. But the better approach is to take control of negative feelings by applying effective study strategies.

Start by identifying your bad study habits and changing them one by one.

How to overcome the fear of learning

Fear can be a motivator for success, but the key is to never let fear take control. You must take productive action despite the fear.

Here are the five steps to overcome the fear of learning:

1. Identify and understand the fear

To overcome the fear of learning, you must specifically identify what causes you to feel afraid.

Students often experience the fear of failure, fear of blanking out during exams, or fear of being unable to meet deadlines or expectations.

Take a step back so you can identify the fear, assess it, and determine what’s at the root of it.

2. Create a plan

Once you understand the fear, create a plan to work through it. This plan should be practical and actionable.

You can work with a coach or teacher to build your confidence and improve your study skills. Test-taking strategies can also help to ease your anxiety.

Write down a list of specific actions you plan to take. For example, you might decide that you will:

Read through your class notes once you get home from school every day
Do at least three practice tests/exams before every test/exam
Review all of your graded assignments
Make flashcards for specific subjects

When you focus on what you can control, you won’t feel as afraid.

3. Implement and refine the plan

When it comes to dealing with the fear of learning, you need to implement your plan and break it down into manageable chunks.

For example, if you have a biology exam coming up, you might decide that you’ll review all your class notes twice. You’ll also do three timed practice exams.

As you study, highlight anything you have questions about or need clarification on from your teacher. Change up the memory techniques that you use too.

Implement these strategies gradually to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

It’s also easier to avoid feeling overwhelmed if you do things in smaller chunks.

For example, if you have an upcoming math exam, you can start by choosing 15 practice questions for each topic that you’ll be tested on. Each time you get to work, choose just five practice questions and focus on completing them – don’t worry about the rest of the questions. You’ll get to them eventually during your upcoming study sessions.

4. Don’t be in a hurry

If you feel pressured to make many huge changes now, it will lead to underperformance. You may also find that your fear of learning has increased!

Give yourself time to put your plan into practice, and make progress at a comfortable pace. Set aside time each day to study, review your notes, and visualize yourself calmly taking the test.

Remember that school and life aren’t a competition. Put one step in front of the other, and you’ll eventually reach your destination without burning out.

5. Develop a process-oriented mindset

We all like rewards. In fact, you may have a routine in place where you give yourself a reward after completing each assignment.

There’s nothing wrong with using this approach once in a while. But if you overdo it, your intrinsic motivation will decrease because you’ll be too focused on the reward and the outcome.

Reframe your approach to focus on the process instead. Find joy in the process of learning and attaining mastery. When you acquire knowledge and understand concepts, be satisfied with the progress you’re making on your journey of education.

This is easier said than done, but it will pay off in the long run, both in terms of better grades and greater fulfillment.

To become more process-oriented, don’t tell yourself that something is “too hard.” Instead, tell yourself that it’s an opportunity to challenge yourself and grow.

As you change your thoughts and perspective, your fear of learning will diminish.

Conclusion

Fear is a normal and natural part of life.

But as the title of Susan Jeffers’ bestselling book recommends, we ought to feel the fear and do it anyway.

If you follow the 5 steps outlined in this article, you’ll be on your way to managing and overcoming your fear of learning.

Today’s the day to get started!

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How to Choose the Right Coach for Your Teen

Updated on May 23, 2023 By Daniel Wong Leave a Comment

Every teenager needs guidance to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

But as a parent, you’ve probably noticed that your teen often rejects your guidance.

The more you tell your teen what choices he or she ought to make, the less likely your teen is to listen.

So what should you do?

Connect your teen with an experienced coach. A skilled coach and mentor can transform unmotivated teens into motivated and responsible young adults.

These positive changes can ease the tension in your relationship with your teen. For many parents, this is the biggest benefit of finding the right coach.

How should you choose the right coach for your teen?

Every teen has unique challenges to overcome and opportunities to make the most of. So it’s important to look for a coach who has the right combination of skills and experience to meet your teen’s needs.

Here’s what to do first…

Identify the goals to be achieved through coaching

When a coach works with teens, the focus isn’t usually just on academics. If school performance is a concern you have about your teen, a holistic approach is most effective.

A coach can work with your teen to develop the intrinsic motivation needed to do well in school. A coach will also help your teen to develop the mindset and practical skills necessary to thrive.

This process involves many aspects of development for your teen. So it helps to start your search for a coach by listing the main concerns you have about your teenager.

Think about the outcomes you want to achieve through the coaching sessions. Ask yourself questions like:

Why am I looking for a coach for my teen?
What do I want my teen to learn through the coaching sessions?
Which areas does my teen need the most guidance in?

Below are some common areas for improvement that I help my teenage coaching clients to make progress in:

Common area for improvement #1: Motivation

A lack of intrinsic motivation is a common but serious problem that many teenagers struggle with.

A coach can help teens to find the inner drive to learn and improve. As a result, these teenagers will be able to reach their full potential in school and life.

Common area for improvement #2: Responsibility

Do you think your teen sometimes behaves irresponsibly?

If so, you’re not alone.

Teenagers need to learn to make wise decisions, but the desire to do so has to come from within. A coach can help teens shift towards more responsible and mature behavior.

Common area for improvement #3: Sense of purpose

Many teenagers coast through life without a strong sense of purpose.

A lack of direction can lead to frustration for both teens and their parents. It’s difficult for many teens to understand how to make meaningful choices and lead a meaningful life.

At a time when they’re making important decisions about the future, a sense of purpose can guide your teen in the right direction.

A coach can help your teen to cultivate passion and live a life that’s founded on the right values.

Common area for improvement #4: Attitude and mindset

We all know how important it is to develop mental strength. But many teens lack the fortitude to overcome challenges and setbacks.

Coaching can enable teens to become more process-oriented and resilient. Instead of focusing too much on grades or achievement, they’ll learn to find joy in the process of attaining mastery.

As such, they’ll develop a more positive attitude toward school and other areas of life.

Common area for improvement #5: Respect

Respect for authority figures – especially parents – can be dramatically improved through coaching.

You’re probably already aware that teenagers’ disrespectful behavior can damage relationships and cause frustration for everyone involved.

The right coach can help your teen to understand the importance of respect, such that your teen will change his or her behavior for the better.

Common area for improvement #6: Time management

Coaching will equip your teenager with the skills needed to manage his or her time effectively.

Your teen will learn how to reduce procrastination and overcome distractions. Your teen will also learn how to stay organized and prioritize well.

These time management skills will benefit your teenager both in the short term and the long term!

Common area for improvement #7: Study skills

As a parent, you know it can sometimes be hard to get a teen to study.

Some teens lack the motivation to study, while others need more practical support. Coaching addresses both of these issues.

If your teenager doesn’t know how to study effectively, ensure that the coach you engage is able to teach study skills.

Here’s what to look for in a coach…

The right coach is uniquely qualified to guide teens to become motivated, confident, and responsible. The right coach empowers teens to thrive and to maximize their potential.

So what factors should you consider when looking for a coach for your teen?

1. Experience and background

Look for a coach who specializes in working with teens. Choose a coach who has experience working with teens who face similar problems as your teen.

2. Expertise

Take a look at the articles and books the coach has written, the videos the coach has published, the interviews the coach has done, the talks the coach has given, etc. These should demonstrate the coach’s knowledge and expertise.

3. Professional development

You’re looking to engage someone who will inspire your teen to grow and develop. So the coach you choose should be an example of someone who embraces lifelong learning. Coaches who continually strive to improve themselves are in the best position to mentor your teenager.

4. Proven results

Read the testimonials and success stories of the coach’s previous clients to see if the coach has a proven track record.

Questions to ask a potential coach

If you’ve found a coach for your teen who seems suitable, here are some questions to ask:

Question #1: What coaching methodology do you use?

Find out how the coach plans to guide your teen toward making positive changes.

What approaches or techniques does the coach use? What is his or her coaching philosophy? What makes his or her approach effective?

Question #2: Do you offer a trial session?

A trial session is a great way to see how well your teen and the coach get along. The better the connection, the more likely it is that your teen will benefit from the coaching sessions.

Question #3: What’s your availability like?

Given your teen’s schedule and commitments, does the coach have available slots to work with your teen? Can the coach start the sessions right away, or is there a waiting list?

Question #4: What’s the structure of the coaching sessions?

Here are some related questions:

What’s the recommended frequency of the coaching sessions?
How long is each session?
Will you provide periodic updates to the parents?
Do I pay for the sessions one at a time, or do you offer some kind of package?
What’s your refund policy?

Conclusion

No matter what challenges your teen is currently facing, I hope you’re now convinced that he or she would benefit from coaching.

And after reading this article, I hope you also know how to choose the right coach for your teen.

Over the past decade, I’ve spent thousands and thousands of hours coaching teens 1-to-1. It brings me incredible joy to see my teenage coaching clients become motivated, confident, resilient, purpose-driven, and responsible!

To find out more about the 1-to-1 coaching program I offer for teens, visit this page. Or you can also click the link in the box below…

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Coaching for Teens: Can It Help My Teen to Become Motivated?

Updated on May 23, 2023 By Daniel Wong Leave a Comment

Are you having a difficult time getting your teen to study, do chores, or participate in family activities?

Maybe you’ve noticed that your teen seems unmotivated and directionless.

You’ve been watching your teen avoid challenges, behave irresponsibly, and spend hours on his or her phone.

As a parent, you’ve been doing everything you can think of to get through to your teen.

If this sounds like the situation in your home, it’s time to consider engaging a coach for your teen.

Your teen’s performance in all areas of life will dramatically improve when he or she connects with an experienced coach.

This article explores the purpose of coaching, so you can decide if it’s the right solution for your teen.

Signs that your teen needs a coach

Here are some indicators that your teen would benefit from working with a coach:

Sign #1: Your teen lacks motivation or has a negative attitude

A particular situation or event can cause teenagers to develop negative thoughts and a negative attitude.

For example, your teen may dislike a particular teacher, so he or she stops attending class.

Or maybe your teen feels overwhelmed by everything going on in school, so he or she procrastinates as a way of escape.

A coach can help your teen to become more self-aware, and inspire your teen to change for the better.

Sign #2: Your teen lacks organizational skills

Here are some signs that your teen lacks organizational skills:

Your teen forgets to submit homework on time
Your teen misplaces his or her personal items
Your teen doesn’t plan ahead
Your teen doesn’t prepare well for tests and exams
Your teen doesn’t keep track of events and deadlines
Your teen doesn’t prioritize well

A coach can work with your teenager to equip him or her with the planning and organizational skills needed to cope with the demands of school, extra-curricular activities, etc.

This process will also prepare your teen for the future, where organizational skills will matter even more in the workplace and in managing adult life.

Sign #3: Your teen is addicted to texting, gaming, social media, videos, shows, etc.

Do you frequently find your teen in front of the TV, computer, or on his or her phone?

It’s easy for teenagers can get caught up in the digital world, which is often entertaining and addictive.

A coach can work with your teen to find the right balance. A coach can also enable your teen to develop healthy habits when it comes to screen time.

Sign #4: Your teen gives up easily or struggles with anxiety

Teens who lack resilience often give up when they’re faced with challenges or with tasks that require significant effort.

If this describes your teen, a coach can work with him or her to get to the root of the issue. A coach can guide your teen toward developing perseverance and a strong work ethic.

Sometimes teens need to learn strategies to break down big projects into smaller tasks. They may also need to learn to view challenges positively instead of negatively. A skilled coach will be able to help your teen in these areas too.

What benefits will your teen receive through working with a coach?

An experienced coach is trained to help teenagers overcome their struggles so they can confidently face the future.

Here are some benefits your teen will receive through working with a coach:

Benefit #1: Your teen will develop a sense of purpose

Coaching will change your teen’s perception that school, extracurricular activities, family commitments, etc. are boring or pointless.

When teens have a strong sense of purpose, they naturally develop intrinsic motivation in all areas of their lives.

Benefit #2: Your teen will find a renewed passion for learning

At times, it may seem impossible for you to motivate your teen to study. But with support from a coach, your teen will take ownership of his or her education.

A coach will guide your teenager to develop traits like focus, confidence, and discipline. Your teen will start to take school seriously and will become an effective student.

Benefit #3: Your teen will become responsible and will make good decisions

Irresponsible choices can lead teens down the wrong path in life. Coaching will help your teenager develop responsibility and make wise decisions.

A coach will ensure that your teen has the right foundation for becoming a trustworthy and competent adult. When faced with tough choices, your teen will be equipped to choose the best path forward.

Benefit #4: Your teen will build healthy habits

Healthy habits are the building blocks of a successful and balanced life. But it isn’t always easy for parents to get their teenagers to develop new habits or eliminate harmful behaviors or thought patterns.

This is where coaching comes in.

A coach will teach your teenager how to develop the right habits and will ensure that the habits formed are permanent.

Benefit #5: Your teen will plan for the future

A coach will guide your teen to think long-term instead of short-term. Your teen will plan for the future effectively and will set meaningful goals that he or she feels inspired to work toward.

At the same time, your teen will implement customized strategies to reach those goals.

Conclusion

At some point, most teenagers will lack motivation, focus, and direction.

I encourage you to get help for your teen as soon as possible, before the situation worsens.

After reading this article, I hope you’re now aware of how your teen would benefit from coaching.

To learn more about choosing a suitable coach for your teen, read this article next. Alternatively, you can click the link in the box below…

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Unmotivated Teenagers: What’s Really Going On? (And How Parents Can Help)

Updated on May 23, 2023 By Daniel Wong 5 Comments

Are you concerned that your teen isn’t making the most of his or her potential?

Or do you worry that your teen lacks focus?

Unmotivated teenagers cause their parents lots of stress and frustration.

During adolescence, teens often deal with challenges like peer pressure, bullying, school-related stress, etc. These issues can affect teens’ motivation by causing them to feel overwhelmed or lost.

Parenting teens is hard, and you’re not alone if you feel like you’ve tried everything to motivate your teenager.

This article explores the possible explanations for what’s going on with unmotivated teenagers. We’ll also explore what you – as a parent – can do to help.

Of course, there are times when unmotivated teens will need professional support. This is something that we’ll discuss toward the end of the article.

Let me start by asking this question…

Why does your teenager lack motivation?

It’s essential to understand what your teens are going through before concluding that they’re “unmotivated.”

Perhaps you even wonder if you are doing enough to keep your teenagers motivated.

So let’s take a closer look at these 8 common reasons for teens’ lack of motivation.

Reason #1: Your teen feels discouraged or overwhelmed

Growing up and developing into a young adult is a journey that has many ups and downs. Teenagers frequently feel overwhelmed, both in school and in their personal lives.

When it comes to school, the workload alone can feel daunting. Whether they’re struggling to focus in class or are unable to keep up with the work, your teenagers may be feeling distressed.

As teens get older, the material they learn in school gets significantly harder. At the same time, they become busier with extracurricular activities and their social life.

As such, most teens struggle to lead balanced lives.

Over time, self-doubt can arise in teenagers. On the outside, this may look like a lack of motivation, when the underlying emotion is actually discouragement.

Here’s where you can guide your teenagers toward understanding the power of focus and time management. Talk to them about which activities they could focus on and which to scale back on.

Of course, you should make it clear that you’re there to support your teens, but that they are fully responsible for their choices.

Reason #2: Your teen isn’t taking care of his or her physical health

Teenagers crave independence and want to make their own choices. Teens want to exercise their decision-making abilities in many areas, including their food choices, the physical activities they participate in, and when they go to bed.

Teens who consume sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks will have poor energy levels. The same thing will happen if they don’t exercise regularly.

Research shows that sedentary behavior can lead to anxiety, depression, poor mental capacity, loss of concentration, and even a decline in memory. Being sleep-deprived – which most teens are – doesn’t help the situation!

Considering the factors above, you can see why your teen might lack enthusiasm or seem listless. Proper diet, exercise, and sleep are essential elements for students who are motivated to give their best.

To help your teens lead a healthy lifestyle, you can try organizing family outings that involve hiking or biking. Even going for a walk as a family once or twice a week is a good start.

You can also plan healthy dinners. Remove junk food from your home and keep healthy snacks on hand.

And it’s vital that you lead by example in taking care of your own physical health!

Reason #3: Your teen feels like he or she is being micromanaged

Nobody likes to be micromanaged.

Statistics show that 59% of adults have experienced being micromanaged at some point in their working life. Of those who reported working for a micromanager, 68% said it had decreased their morale, and 55% claimed it had hurt their productivity.

Your teens aren’t your employees, but you may be treating them like they are.

Teens crave independence and being trusted to make their own decisions.

So if you talk down to your teens, it can result in rebellious behavior. They may start to act out and defy your instructions.

Be mindful not to control every aspect of your teenagers’ lives. If safety isn’t an issue, allow them to make their own choices as far as possible. Some relevant areas would be clothes, food, choice of friends, and when they do their homework.

The more control you exert, the more likely they’ll be unmotivated teenagers.

Instead, include your teens in the decision-making process as much as possible. This would be applicable when it comes to establishing rules and boundaries.

By doing this, your teenagers will be more likely to comply with those rules. This means that you won’t be forced to micromanage them, so it’s a win-win situation!

Reason #4: Your teen doesn’t see the purpose of what he or she is being asked to do

How often have you asked your teens to complete some chores or to stop using their phone so much?

And how often have your teens ignored your requests?

Teenagers won’t want to do these things if they don’t understand or agree with the reasons you give them.

You may think you’re dealing with unmotivated teenagers. But maybe they just don’t see why they need to do the chores now instead of later, or why they should stop using their phone when they’ve already completed their homework.

Focus on the intrinsic value of what you’re asking your teens to do, e.g. contributing to the family, becoming a more disciplined person, developing traits like commitment and perseverance.

Of course, it’s important that you periodically talk to your teens about what values matter to them. It’s also important that you appreciate your teens sincerely when they fulfill their responsibilities.

When your teens focus on the intrinsic value of what they’re doing – not just on the practical benefits they’ll receive – they’ll develop a sense of purpose. They’ll also find the inner motivation to do the things that matter.

Reason #5: Your teen doesn’t know how to prioritize

The concept of organization doesn’t just apply to items your teens own. It also refers to how your teens prioritize their tasks.

Prioritizing allows your teens to sort through everything on their agenda and decide how best to complete those tasks.

Teens who haven’t learned how to prioritize often feel like they don’t know where to start. They end up getting distracted instead, which causes them to seem unmotivated.

If your teens know how to create lists and keep track of events and deadlines, they’ll be less stressed. They’ll procrastinate less, and they’ll stay on top of their tasks.

According to research, people who finish their most difficult tasks first are more productive than people who start with their easy tasks.

Reason #6: Your teen feels forced into doing things

No one likes to feel pressured into doing things they don’t want to do – teenagers especially.

So don’t spend too much time trying to force your teen to behave in a certain way, or you’ll both end up feeling frustrated.

Many parents use rewards to motivate their teens to perform certain tasks. But if you use this approach frequently, your teens will become outcome-oriented instead of process-oriented.

They’ll start to focus on the benefits they’ll receive if they perform the task, rather than focusing on the intrinsic value of the task. This will result in long-term negative consequences.

What’s more, your teenagers are likely to become more unmotivated over time.

So what should you do instead?

Try having a problem-solving conversation with your teens. Understanding their perspective will help you learn what support they need. You’ll also learn how you can be a better parent to them.

Make sure to use active listening techniques when speaking with your teenagers, e.g. maintaining eye contact, paying attention to body language, asking clarifying questions. Your teens will be more willing to share how they feel if they know you’re really listening to them.

Reason #7: Your teen has a learning disability

Learning disabilities can hinder a teen’s ability to comprehend or retain information.

Simple equations may be challenging to remember, or basic grammar rules may cause confusion.

Here are a few common learning disabilities:

Dyslexia. This is a learning disorder in which people find it hard to read. This is because of problems identifying sounds of speech and how they relate to letters.
Dyscalculia. This is a learning disorder that causes people to have trouble learning math. These difficulties can include problems doing both basic and abstract math.
Dysgraphia. This neurological condition makes it difficult for people to turn their thoughts into written words. This can also affect handwriting and writing speed.

A related condition is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to poor planning and time management, impulsiveness, a lack of concentration, disorganization, etc.

Reason #8: Your teen doesn’t have a mentor or coach

A mentor or coach is the little-known factor that enables teenagers to become successful and happy.

It’s hard for parents to mentor their teens. This is because teens often interpret parental advice as nagging or lecturing.

Having a mentor benefits teenagers as they navigate their educational and life journeys. Research even shows that teenagers with mentors experience higher levels of life satisfaction.

Finding someone to fill this role can be challenging because it’s rare to have a family friend or relative who can serve as a mentor. Few adults can fully understand your teen’s challenges and guide your teen effectively.

This is where a more formal arrangement – like engaging a coach – can help.

Professionals who can help your unmotivated teen

If your teenager lacks motivation or faces other related challenges, you might be considering engaging a professional to help him or her.

Professional support comes in many forms, each serving a different purpose.

Here are the professionals who may be able to help your teen, depending on what issues your teen is dealing with:

1. Therapist or counselor

Main objective: To help teens work through trauma or emotional distress.

A therapist or counselor can help teens work through emotions related to trauma, physical abuse, or other situations causing ongoing emotional distress.

2. Psychologist or psychiatrist

Main objective: To treat teens who have mental disorders and mental illnesses.

A psychologist can help teens who have emotional problems and provide treatment for mental health-related issues. This often involves some kind of behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who treats mental illnesses. Psychiatrists frequently prescribe medications that they think may help the patient’s condition.

3. Tutor

Main objective: To help focused and driven teens improve in specific academic areas.

Engaging a tutor is a good option for teens who are already motivated and focused, but who just need some additional assistance in a specific subject.

4. Coach

Main objective: To equip teens with the mindset and tools needed to become motivated, focused, confident, resilient, and responsible.

Engaging a coach is a solution that many parents haven’t considered.

Coaches specialize in guiding teens who are going through a difficult time, who have a learning disability, who lack motivation, or who are struggling to overcome various challenges.

Coaches help teens to become more resilient, understand the importance of education, overcome a negative mindset, develop planning and organizational skills, etc.

So if your teens don’t have a strong sense of purpose, give up easily, frequently get distracted, or lack self-confidence and a sense of responsibility – then connecting them with a coach will benefit them tremendously.

A coach might be just what your teen needs!

To learn more about how your teen might benefit from coaching, read this article next. Or you can also click the link in the box below…

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Coaching for Teens: Can It Help My Teen to Become Motivated?