11 Tips to Get Better at Math

Updated on May 11, 2023 By Daniel Wong 10 Comments

Are you struggling with how to get better at math?

If you’re like many students, you find math frustrating and overwhelming.

Maybe your palms get sweaty just thinking about solving equations and memorising formulas. Or maybe you feel like you’re not a “math person” — like no matter how hard you try, you’ll never understand the fundamentals of geometry or algebra.

I get it. Math is tough, and it only gets more difficult as you progress in your studies.

But you don’t have to love numbers to learn how to get good grades in math. With the right attitude and strategies, anyone can learn how to become better at math.

Plus, math is one skill you’ll use long after you complete your formal education. From managing money to filing taxes to baking cakes, confidence with numbers will help you every day.

So, how do you get better at math for long-term success?

Let’s explore these 11 tips that will help you exchange anxiety for confidence, regardless of what problem your teacher (or life) throws your way.

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1. Relate math problems to real-life situations

Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.
– Shakuntala Devi, writer and mental calculator.

What do you see when you look at a complicated math equation? A random jumble of letters and numbers?

No wonder you feel stressed because of math!

One simple tip to get better at math is to make practical connections to real-life scenarios whenever possible.

If your teacher writes a difficult equation on the board, ask yourself how you might use the formula outside the classroom.

It’s always more challenging to memorise something we don’t understand. But getting better at math becomes purposeful and relevant when we make it meaningful.

Here’s an example…

B = 60 + 0.25M, where B = 300

This equation doesn’t mean anything to you. Maybe you can solve it, but you probably don’t care much about it.

Now, what if I told you this math equation represents your phone bill. M = minutes used; B = total amount due.

You suddenly have a real-life connection to the problem. It’s not just an assortment of letters and numbers but a practical scenario involving money.

Remember that a valuable reason to get better at math is to make everyday decisions easier. So start relating your math assignments to real-life situations whenever you can.

If you do this, those tricky formulas might start to make more sense.

2. Master basic math skills

Sometimes, studying math can feel like learning a foreign language. So why not treat it like one?

You wouldn’t attempt an entire conversation in Spanish if you didn’t already know a few essential words. Instead, you’d learn words like hola and gracias.

Then, you’d practise stringing a handful of words into a sentence. Eventually, after some repetition, you’d have a solid foundation to advance your language skills.

Complex math computations build off of foundational skills, too.

Develop and maintain the basics, such as fractions and decimals. Avoid moving on to higher levels of math until you fully understand the underlying principles — even if that means doing a few extra practice problems along the way.

You’ll soon discover that you can learn how to get good at math.

3. Break down intricate problems

There’s no way around it: you’ll face tricky math problems on your academic journey.

It’s easy to get flustered by complex questions, but remember that these questions build off skills you already possess.

Ask yourself this question:

How can I break this math problem into smaller, more manageable parts?

Read and reread the question carefully. Take a deep breath.

Do you recognise any familiar concepts or formulas within the larger problem? By “chunking” a challenging problem down into bite-size sections, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re still stuck, consider simplifying the numbers. Does the problem become more manageable if you’re working with 10 instead of 10,000? 2/3 instead of 37/52? (Just don’t forget to revert to the original numbers before writing your final answer!)

When faced with challenging problems in life and in math, ask yourself how you could simplify the situation.

You might be surprised at how obvious the answer becomes!

4. Make the most of practice tests

Education isn’t mainly about getting good grades. That being said, exams are an unavoidable part of your academic career.

Practice tests are a powerful tool to help you prepare well, but there’s a problem.

Many students learn how to tackle a tough question on their practice test weeks or even months before the exam. They then sometimes forget how to solve the same type of question when it shows up later on the actual exam.

Here’s what I recommend that you do:

Place a sticky note on the page whenever you encounter a tricky question. Get the help you need to understand the problem. Regularly review all the practice questions you flagged with a sticky note in the days and weeks leading up to the exam.

If you add this to your list of test preparation and test-taking strategies, you’ll see an improvement in your math grades.

5. Establish a consistent study routine

Studies show that cramming doesn’t work.

If you cram, you might be able to memorise equations or formulas for a while, but you won’t retain the information for long.

What should you do instead?

Establish a consistent study routine to review math problems and formulas.

Try setting up a study group with three to four other motivated students if you need some accountability.

After a lot of research and experimentation, here’s a routine for periodic review that I’ve found works well for most students:

1 day after learning the new information
3 days after the first review
7 days after the second review
21 days after the third review
30 days after the fourth review
45 days after the fifth review
60 days after the sixth review

Use this schedule to commit fundamental math concepts and formulas to long-term memory. You should only need about 10 to 15 minutes for each review session for each topic.

(For more tips on how to improve your study habits so that you learn how to be better at math, here are the rules I followed to become a straight-A student.)

6. Write down each step

We’ve all been there before…

You get your math exam back and you review the questions you got wrong. You realise you did everything right for a number of questions — except for one tiny mistake. This means that you still got the final answer wrong.

Rushing through the process of solving math problems doesn’t help your accuracy.

So it’s crucial that you write down each step. This way, you can check your intermediate calculations on the way to your final answer. By doing this, you’ll avoid errors and uncover mistakes you made along the way.

Here’s another tip: It makes a difference if you’re organised and neat. If you can’t read your handwriting, you can’t check your process. Try working vertically, and only use one line on your paper for each step.

7. Practise mental math

Now, some of you might be thinking:

“Isn’t practising mental math the opposite of writing down each step as you work through a problem?”

Well, not exactly.

When I talk about mental math, I’m referring to simple calculations that you can do in your head.

Your brain is like a muscle. To keep it strong, you’ve got to use it and challenge it.

Mental math is an excellent way to do just that. Plus, it will enable you to strengthen your understanding of numerical relationships.

Try using mental math while you’re out shopping or dining at a restaurant. Help your parents calculate a tip without using your smartphone. Estimate what the sales tax will be at the grocery store.

Keep practising, and eventually, complicated mental math will seem simple!

You’ll stop wondering to yourself, “How do I get better at math?” Instead, you’ll start revelling in your newfound confidence with numbers.

8. Improve your number sense

Number sense refers to how comfortable you are with numbers and basic math.

Some people have better number sense than others, and that’s okay! With practice, anyone can improve their number sense.

Here’s a fun trick to cultivate number sense: Make guesses or estimations.

As you go about your day-to-day activities, think about the distances, amounts, and measurements you encounter.

How many miles do you need to travel to get to soccer practice? How many gallons of water does it take to fill a swimming pool? How many tablespoons of sugar could fit in that bowl?

Whenever you can, do the actual calculations to see how accurate you were.

The more you make estimations about the world around you, the better your approximations will get — and the more comfortable you’ll feel about dealing with numbers.

9. Focus on the process of solving problems

I’ve said it before in many articles: Students who succeed in school concentrate on learning the information, not on getting straight A’s.

Sure, it feels nice to get good grades. But what’s far more important are the positive habits that shape who you’re becoming through the process of learning effectively.

The same principle applies to learning how to get better at math.

Getting the correct answer on an exam is great. But what matters is that you understand the process that brought you to that right answer.

These are the same kinds of processes that will help you navigate the world outside of school.

As you tackle increasingly tricky math topics like calculus and complex numbers, remember why you’re learning specific formulas. If you don’t understand the process behind a calculation, approach your teacher for help.

Plus, when you swap memorising facts for understanding processes, you’ll get better grades too.

10. Ask questions

When it comes to getting better at math, there’s never any shame in asking for guidance when you need it.

If you have a question, go to your teachers or parents for support. They want to help you succeed!

Here are some helpful tips for asking better questions so that you can get better at math:

Be as specific with your questions as possible.
Listen attentively.
Take notes so that you have additional information to refer to later on.
Repeat back to your teacher what you heard to check your understanding.
Clarify your doubts early on; don’t wait until the day before an exam to seek help.

11. Stay positive

Getting better at math might seem impossible in the beginning. But with the right mindset and tools, you can improve your understanding of numbers — and get better math grades, too.

Your mindset is vital, and the phrases you say to yourself will shape how you feel. In other words, positive self-talk will help you become a more successful and resilient student. Negative self-talk will achieve the opposite.

Here are a few mantras that I’ve found to be especially helpful:

“The harder it gets, the harder I try.”
“I don’t stop when I’m tired. I stop when I’m done.”
“Progress, not perfection.”

If you’re struggling to maintain a positive mindset about math, you can give these phrases a try too.

And if you’d like some help to become a focused, motivated and resilient student, you can learn more about the one-to-one coaching programme I offer. It would be my joy to work with you!

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How to Take Notes Effectively (So You Get Better Grades)

Updated on January 18, 2023 By Daniel Wong 1 Comment

Wondering how to take notes more effectively?

You’re not alone.

Taking great notes isn’t easy. A lot is going on in the classroom, and knowing what to write down (and how to organise it) can be confusing.

Maybe you take notes during class, only to get home and find a jumble of facts and dates.

Or maybe you feel as if you’re constantly behind because you can’t take notes fast enough while the teacher is talking.

Don’t worry. Learning how to properly take notes is easier than you think.

With the right study tips and note-taking techniques, you’ll improve your focus in the classroom. You’ll also recall information more effectively and get better grades.

In this article, we’ll explore different note-taking styles, so you can choose the system that works best for you. Then, we’ll review my top 12 tips for better note-taking.

Let’s get started!

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Note-taking strategies

There’s no perfect note-taking technique. Try a few of these popular strategies to determine which system works best for you.

You might want to use different note-taking methods for various situations and subjects — that’s great!

What matters most is that your notes help you understand and remember the information more easily.

Here’s the first strategy…

Outlining

Outlining is a helpful way to break down complex ideas into logical, bite-sized points.

It creates a well-organised and hierarchical structure. As such, you can easily pick out the main ideas and supporting information.

Here’s a quick example of what an outline might look like:

Main topic

Subtopic 1

Supporting point
Supporting point

Subtopic 2

Supporting point
Supporting point

Using Roman numerals, bullet points, or dashes to structure your outline is not essential. But you should be consistent with the symbols you use.

Outlining is one of the most popular note-taking methods for a reason. It’s easy to learn, and it works well for most subjects.

But this method might not be suitable for topics or subjects that don’t follow a linear structure. So here’s the next strategy you can try…

The Cornell Method

The Cornell Method is a simple system for taking, organising, and reviewing notes.

The technique was created at Cornell University in the 1950s and is a popular way for students to take notes.

Here’s how the Cornell Method works:

Divide a sheet of paper into four sections: a small area at the top and bottom with two columns in between. The right column should be about three times as wide as the left column.

The top section is for the title or header so that you can keep your notes in order.

Your notes go in the two columns.

Use the column on the left for questions, ideas, or main topics. The right column is your primary note-taking column. Finally, summarise all the information in the blank space at the bottom.

When reviewing your notes after class, return to the left-hand column to establish connections and write down key facts or insights.

Many students enjoy using the Cornell Method because their notes become a handy study guide. Simply cover up your notes in the right column, then use the questions and cues in the left column to recall the key information.

Like outlining, the Cornell Method might not be well suited to every single topic or subject. But if you need to break down complex subjects into core concepts, the Cornell Method might be for you.

Let’s move on to the next method…

Make a mind map

Are you a visual learner?

Then you might like using mind maps when taking notes.

This note-taking strategy is a diagramming technique used to brainstorm ideas and show the connections between key concepts.

You can think of a mind map as a tree.

The central topic is the “tree trunk” – write it in the centre of your paper. All major themes and points branch out from your main idea. Sub-points and smaller ideas grow off your branches.

You can use lines, bubbles, or arrows to show connections between different topics. The idea is to structure your thoughts by relationships rather than linearly.

A mind map is a helpful solution to the question of how to take notes when you’re visualising ideas, connecting concepts, or outlining essays.

Here’s another note-taking approach that you can use…

Create charts of key information

Do you like to see your notes sorted into clear blocks of information?

If so, you might gravitate towards using charts when you take notes.

With charting, you’ll split your sheet of paper into several columns and rows. Each column gets its own category; use the rows for summarising information and writing down details.

Charting is an efficient way to take notes if you’re comparing topics and information. But it might not be the best approach when you’re learning complicated topics that discuss many interrelated ideas.

Here’s what I want you to keep in mind…

Different note-taking techniques (and memory techniques too) work for different students.

Don’t worry about choosing the perfect method. There’s no such thing! Try out a few different strategies and see which ones help you understand and recall information the best.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how to take better notes and improve your overall strategy when it comes to studying.

12 tips to take better notes (and make the most of those notes)

Getting good grades isn’t mainly about studying harder. It’s about studying smarter.

Use these note-taking tips to set yourself up for more productive study sessions.

You’ll retain more of what you learn, so you’ll stop getting bad grades — and you’ll enjoy a better school-life balance, too.

1. Don’t copy what your teacher says word-for-word

You’ll never be able to keep up if you try to do this.

Plus, your notes will be a mess to work through later on. Instead, focus on writing down the key phrases and ideas that matter most.

2. Add visual interest to your notes

Make it fun and satisfying to look at your notes!

Highlights, diagrams, and bullet points are just a few ways to make your notes visually appealing.

You definitely don’t have to go overboard and spend many hours doing this.

But if you put in the effort to add visual interest to your notes, you’ll enjoy the process of studying more too.

3. Write notes that make sense to you

Memorising the words and sentences on a page will only get you so far.

You’ll retain more information when you understand the concepts. So process and summarise what your teacher says by taking notes that make sense to you.

4. Take notes by hand

Using a laptop to take notes is a sure-fire way to get distracted.

Studies show that students who take notes by hand tend to perform better on tests and exams. So, if you’re asking how to take notes effectively, then swap the computer for pen and paper.

5. Review your notes later that same day

Don’t wait until the day before an exam to discover that you don’t fully understand a topic.

As far as possible, review the notes you took in class later that same day. This will help to keep the material fresh.

If you realise that you have doubts to clarify, approach your teacher the next day or as soon as you can.

6. Takes notes during every class

We forget about 40% of the new information we learn within 24 hours.

So I encourage you to always take notes, even if you think you already have a firm grasp of the subject material.

You might be surprised at what information you need to reference later on.

7. Use mnemonic devices in your notes

A mnemonic device is a system or trick that helps you better understand and remember information.

“Rebecca Of York Gave Birth In Vietnam” is an example of a mnemonic device you can use to remember the colours of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet).

Create your own mnemonic devices or word associations in your notes to help you remember key points while you’re studying.

8. Connect new concepts to ideas you’re already familiar with

You’ll learn new information faster when you connect it to a concept with which you’re already familiar.

So write down handy references or topics in your notes that bridge ideas together.

9. Stay organised

We’ve all been there before… frantically searching our backpacks or desks for that particular set of notes we need, the night before a huge exam.

Avoid this type of unnecessary stress by using organisational tips for students. Keep your class notes organised, separated by subject, and sorted by date.

Here’s a simple trick for how to take notes more effectively: Write the date, subject, and topic at the top of every page.

You’ll be glad you did later on because there won’t be any confusion about when you created that set of notes, etc.!

10. Use abbreviations and symbols

Use abbreviations and symbols (like e.g., @ and arrows) when you’re taking notes.

These shortcuts will allow you to focus on what the teacher is saying without falling behind.

11. Sit at the front of the class

Studies show that students who sit at the front of the class tend to get higher exam scores.

So, if you have a choice, grab a seat at the front!

You’ll be able to see the board more easily and hear the teacher more clearly. You’ll be able to focus better, too.

This way, you’ll make the most of every class you attend.

12. Compare notes with a classmate

Do you have a study buddy?

Or at least a classmate you get along with fairly well?

Periodically review your notes with this classmate. You might discover that he or she picked up valuable information that you missed — and vice versa.

Conclusion

When you learn how to take notes effectively, you’ll set yourself up for success for years to come.

You don’t need to implement every single tip in this article right away.

Get comfortable with a note-taking style that works for you, then try incorporating a new tip every week. Soon, you’ll master the art of note-taking!

Taking better notes is an excellent start to attaining academic excellence.

But if you want to become a focused student who doesn’t procrastinate and who aces every exam, you need a proven, step-by-step system.

If you’re ready to become a successful student who consistently gets straight A’s, check out my study skills course called The Perfect Study Plan.

Through taking the course, you’ll get better grades, cultivate lifelong habits for success, and find time to do the things that matter most.

The course comes with a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk at all. Give it a try today!

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The 10 Most Dangerous Things That Students Can Say to Themselves

Updated on July 6, 2024 By Daniel Wong 12 Comments

The way you talk to yourself has a huge impact on how you handle challenges.

It affects how you perform in every area of life, including your academics.

Negative thoughts sometimes become so much a part of your “self-talk” that you’re barely even aware of them.

In this article, I’ll show you the 10 most dangerous things that students can say to themselves, and why these 10 things prevent students from achieving their goals.

(To learn 3 bonus tips, download the free PDF summary below.)

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1. “I don’t feel like it”

There will be times when you don’t feel like doing something that you ought to.

One thing that successful students all have in common is that they don’t allow themselves to be driven by emotion.

To succeed, you must be able to put your feelings aside and follow through on your commitments, even when you don’t feel like it.

For example, if you’ve made a commitment to study for at least 1 hour every weekday, do everything necessary to keep to that commitment.

Or if you’ve decided to go for a 20-minute walk every evening, make sure you do it, regardless of how you feel.

To make it more enjoyable, you could listen to an audiobook or podcast during the walk. (That’s what I do during my walks, and it helps a lot!)

Doing things only when you feel motivated to do them isn’t a reliable way of reaching your goals.

This is because you definitely won’t feel motivated all the time.

It’s important to be able to do productive and meaningful things even when you don’t feel like doing them.

Over time, you’ll build self-discipline.

2. “I’ll do it later”

Procrastination is the enemy of success, because it prevents you from being prepared to perform at your best.

To combat procrastination, the first thing to do is recognise that you’re engaging in it.

If you find yourself frequently saying “I’ll do it later” or “I’ll do it the day before it’s due”, these are common signs of procrastination.

The most effective way of dealing with procrastination is to make specific commitments, e.g. “I complete all my assignments at least 2 days before they’re due”, “I start studying for every class test at least 1 week in advance”.

You can go even further than this and prioritise the very things that you least want to do. This turns procrastination on its head: the things you want to avoid doing, you do first.

Another way of dealing with procrastination is to say no to perfectionism.

Sometimes we procrastinate because we feel that something has to be perfect. The fear of falling short of perfection is what causes us to procrastinate.

If you find yourself falling into this trap, tell yourself every day that progress and the process are what matter most, not perfection.

3. “I don’t have enough time”

We all get 24 hours a day. How is it that some students are so productive while others aren’t?

The answer boils down to planning and prioritisation.

If you feel you don’t have enough time to study and do other meaningful things, the problem could be that you aren’t doing enough planning.

Planning means allocating your time to specific tasks so that you achieve your goals.

When you have a plan, you “make” the time you need to accomplish a particular task.

So when you say “I don’t have enough time”, check that you’ve set aside time in your daily and weekly schedule for the task.

If you haven’t, this would explain why it feels as if you don’t have enough time.

The second aspect is prioritisation.

It’s often the case that students who say they don’t have enough time to study, read, exercise, etc. do have enough time to play video games or watch shows or go on social media every day.

If this is the case for you, then it’s a matter of priorities.

Prioritising is the act of deciding that some things in your life are more important than others.

For example, when thinking about doing fun activities like playing video games, ask yourself: “Will this help me get to where I want to be in 5 years or 10 years?”

Of course, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t play any video games at all.

I’m just saying that the way you spend your time should reflect what you claim is most important to you.

4. “It’s too late to…”

There’s a famous Chinese proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

This principle applies to almost everything we do.

For example, you may feel that it’s too late to learn to play the guitar. Yes, it would have been good if you’d started learning to play the guitar 3 years ago.

But don’t let that thought prevent you from starting today.

Or you may feel that it’s too late to build a better relationship with your parents, because you’ve had a bad relationship with them for the past 5 years.

But without a doubt, today is the best day to start improving your relationship with your parents.

5. “I’m just not good at this”

When you’re learning a new skill or area of knowledge, do you ever think to yourself that “I’m just not good at this”?

If so, that’s a limiting mindset that will prevent you from growing and developing.

If you have this mindset, you’ll find excuses not to do your homework or to try to master a new topic.

Dr. Carol Dweck of Stanford University has identified two kinds of mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset.

People with a fixed mindset tend to fear failure. They frequently avoid challenges or anything that makes them feel bad about their level of ability.

On the other hand, people with a growth mindset take on challenges. They accept the discomfort that goes along with challenges, because they know it’s part of the learning process.

So the next time you’re learning something new and the thought “I’m just not good at this” pops into your head, remind yourself that this feeling of being stretched is a good thing.

Feel the discomfort and push through it as you put in the effort to improve!

6. “Nothing ever goes my way”

We all experience setbacks, and we all have days when nothing seems to go right.

But if you find yourself frequently thinking that “nothing ever goes my way”, ask yourself if this is accurate.

This kind of thinking is an example of what psychologists call all-or-nothing thinking.

Look back over the past month and make a list of all the situations that turned out well.

Maybe you did better than expected on a test, or maybe you made a couple of new friends, or maybe your physical fitness improved.

Through the process of making this list, you’ll begin to see that this kind of all-or-nothing thinking is rarely objective.

7. “If only…”

A limiting belief that will prevent you from succeeding as a student is the notion that something is holding you back.

This often takes the form of thoughts that begin with the statement “If only…”

For example, you might think to yourself:

“If only I was born into a wealthier family…”
“If only my parents gave me more freedom…”
“If only I went to a better school…”
“If only I didn’t have to travel so far to get to school…”
“If only other people made an effort to understand me better…”
“If only I was better-looking…”

These thoughts are sometimes based on valid observations.

You’ll always be able to find someone who has something you don’t. At the same time, there are always countless things for you to be thankful for.

Don’t let these “if only” thoughts become an excuse for not doing your best.

History is full of people who made profound contributions to the world, but who had to overcome huge obstacles along the way.

8. “I’m not __________ enough to…”

This is another kind of limiting belief that will stop you from making the most of your potential as a student.

It might take the form of something like “I’m not smart enough to get good grades” or “I’m not confident enough to be on the school debate team”.

These thoughts will stop you from even attempting something challenging.

If you struggle with these thoughts, there are two aspects to focus on.

First, ask yourself if the belief is accurate. Is it really true that you’re not smart enough or confident enough?

Second, even if there’s some truth to the belief, what’s to stop you from improving and putting yourself in a better position to succeed?

For example, if you lack confidence, you can take practical steps to become more assertive, improve your communication and leadership skills, contribute to the community, etc. As a result, you’ll become more confident.

Remember that the thoughts you have about your abilities are often self-fulfilling.

As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.”

9. “It’s my teacher’s/parent’s/friend’s fault”

There will be times when people let you down. But at the end of the day, we’re fully responsible for our lives.

After all, if you’re not responsible for your life, then who is?

So even though your friends, teachers and family members may not live up to your expectations, there’s no point blaming them.

Instead, think about what you can do to take ownership of the situation.

For example, if you’re tempted to blame your teacher for not explaining the material clearly, hold your tongue.

Decide what you can do to learn the material. Are there notes you can refer to? Are there videos that you can find online? Would it help if you clarify your doubts with your teacher outside of class time?

If you take this proactive approach, you’ll find that there’s almost always something you can do to take ownership of the situation.

Taking responsibility for your life may seem scary at first.

But it will actually give you a greater sense of control and autonomy, because it puts you in the driver’s seat of your life.

10. “I’ll try to…”

When you say that you’ll “try” to do something, you’re not making a firm commitment to take action. All you’re promising to do is “try”.

This gives you a convenient way out if things don’t go smoothly.

Instead of saying that you’ll try to take notes in class, say that you will take notes in class.

Instead of saying that you’ll try to get to bed before 10 pm, say that you will get to bed before 10 pm. If you need to, set an alarm for 9:45 pm every night as a reminder for you to get ready for bed.

Make an unwavering commitment to the positive changes you want to see in your life.

Conclusion

Are you guilty of any of the negative thought patterns listed in this article?

(To learn 3 bonus tips, download the free PDF summary below.)

If so, don’t be discouraged. It’s all too easy to give in to such thoughts.

The first step in changing these thought patterns is to become more aware of them.

The next time you find yourself falling into one of these thought patterns, ask yourself these two questions:

“Is this thought objectively true?”
“Is this thought helpful?”

Most of the time, the answer to those two questions is no. You can then start to have a healthier internal dialogue with yourself.

By becoming more intentional about the thoughts you think, you’ll be on your way to developing better beliefs.

In turn, this will enable you to find meaning, fulfilment and success in your life as a student!

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What Is Educational Coaching? 10 Ways It Can Help Your Teen Today

Updated on August 6, 2024 By Daniel Wong 1 Comment

You might be familiar with the concept of tutoring, but what about educational coaching?

More than a buzzword, educational coaching is a unique approach to empowering teens to make the most of their potential.

It can dramatically improve your teens’ performance and put them on the right track to reach their academic goals and more.

What is coaching in education?

Think about what a sports coach does.

Let’s say that your children join a basketball team. There are numerous skills your kids must learn, like how to dribble, pass, and shoot.

A great basketball coach wouldn’t just teach these individual skills and nothing else — the team would never win any games!

Instead, the best coaches understand the value of a holistic approach, where the players are motivated and self-driven, and understand how they should operate in the context of a team.

The same is true of an educational coach.

Educational coaches don’t just teach students the subjects they’re struggling with or force them to memorise math formulas.

Instead, educational coaches teach students how to learn. They enable students to become self-motivated, focused, and proactive.

As a result, not only will your teens discover the value of education, they’ll also gain the fundamental skills and character traits they need for long-term success.

Let’s take a closer look at educational coaching and how it can benefit your teens today.

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What is educational coaching?

Educational coaching helps students become better learners by motivating them to solve their problems in an encouraging and empowering environment.

Rather than prioritising a particular outcome (e.g. get a good grade in a certain subject), educational coaching focuses on the process of how to become a self-driven and independent learner.

Through this process, students achieve sustainable and lasting success — both inside and outside of the classroom.

What is the difference between coaching and tutoring?

Educational coaching and tutoring might sound similar, but there are key differences between these two approaches.

Let’s take a look at these two models in education, so you can choose the right one for your teen.

Tutoring

Do your teens struggle with getting good grades in a couple of specific subjects, despite their hard work?

They’re putting in a lot of effort, but they just can’t master quadratic equations.

Or maybe, no matter how hard they study, they can’t seem to do well on their English exams.

In these examples, you might consider engaging a tutor.

A tutor is typically someone who is skilled in a specific subject, like math or English. A tutor would work with your teen to achieve an outcome-related goal, such as passing the next exam.

If your teen has an excellent learning attitude but is struggling with one particular subject, then tutoring might be helpful.

But if your teen lacks focus and intrinsic motivation, then tutoring isn’t going to help.

This is where educational coaching comes in…

Educational coaching

Parents regularly come to me and say things like:

“My teen is smart, but he doesn’t work hard and he gets bad grades.”
“My teen constantly complains about school. I feel like I’m always nagging her to study!”

If this sounds like the situation you’re in, don’t worry — you’re not alone.

Problems like these are all too common, but there’s good news:

Educational coaching can equip your teens with the mindset and skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Unlike tutoring, educational coaching walks your teens through the process of developing intrinsic motivation and cultivating the right learning attitude.

Your teen will learn how to learn, no matter what the subject.

Rather than focusing too much on grades, educational coaching is a collaborative, process-oriented approach that will enable your teen to become more motivated, focused, and disciplined.

Naturally, your teen’s grades will improve too!

How does an educational coach help teens?

The power of educational coaching is that it equips your teens with the skills they need for success long after they graduate from school.

Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 benefits of one-to-one educational coaching for your teen:

1. Cultivate inner motivation and drive in your teen

Do your teenagers procrastinate on their homework and assignments?

When they finally sit down to study, do they get easily distracted?

It’s not easy to cultivate long-term motivation and drive — especially when your teen isn’t inspired to complete the task at hand.

Educational coaching helps students to cultivate important traits like:

Perseverance
Hard work
Focus
Discipline
Confidence

2. Help your teen to understand the importance of education

Do your teenagers struggle to understand why they need to learn history or geography?

Do they complain about having to memorise pointless facts — ones they’re confident they’ll never use in the future?

When we don’t understand why we’re learning something, it’s easy to get frustrated. That’s why process-oriented learning is so vital.

It shifts the focus from the outcome (memorising a set of facts) to the process of learning (finding joy in understanding concepts, developing new skills, mastering the material, etc.).

Educational coaching is a powerful method to instill in your teen the value of lifelong learning.

3. Guide your teen to set meaningful goals that he or she feels inspired to work toward

Some students enjoy planning for the future. Other students get overwhelmed by the thought of doing such planning.

Educational coaching helps your teens to develop short- and long-term goals that are meaningful and inspiring.

Rather than relying on temporary motivation to get things done, your teens will develop a sense of purpose and will set process-based goals they’ll want to work toward.

4. Enable your teen to eliminate negative attitudes and limiting beliefs

Limiting beliefs are false beliefs that stop us from pursuing our goals.

If your teen has a negative attitude toward school, it could be due to a limiting belief. For example, let’s say that your teen keeps getting bad grades on his English essays. He might start to internalise a limiting belief like:

“I’m just a bad writer, so there’s no point trying to improve.”

In reality, your teen might be a decent writer — he just needs to learn how to better structure his essays.

With the right educational coach, your teens will learn how to overcome negative thinking with science-backed techniques, so they can make the most of their potential.

5. Teach your teen responsibility and respect

Do you feel like your teenager doesn’t show you much respect?

Every parent wants to teach their children the value of respect, which will lead to a more harmonious family life.

After all, it’s frustrating to be continually arguing with your children when you just want what’s best for them!

Educational coaching teaches students responsibility and respect by equipping them to invest in their own personal development.

This is done in an empowering environment where the student feels supported, heard, and valued.

When your teenagers feel like they’re in control of their lives and their opinions matter, they’ll become more responsible and respectful, both at school and at home.

6. Build resilience in your teen

It’s not about the goal. It’s about growing to become the person that can accomplish that goal. – Tony Robbins

Academic success is a worthwhile goal to work toward, especially if students want to pursue scholarships or higher education.

But what’s even more important than getting good grades?

The character traits, mindset, and skills your teens will develop along the way to accomplishing their goals.

Resilience is the ability to work through life’s difficulties with determination — and it’s definitely a crucial life skill to develop.

Educational coaching provides students with the guidance and support they need to persevere through challenges, build resilience, and develop a growth mindset.

7. Teach your teen proven techniques to learn information effectively

Homework. Extra-curricular activities. Chores. Social engagements.

It’s hardly any wonder that most teenagers feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day!

Fortunately, getting good grades isn’t about studying more. It’s about studying smarter.

I’ve spent countless hours reading the best articles and research journals to discover how to study more effectively.

These are the tactics I used to get straight A’s throughout my formal education — and the proven techniques I now teach students in my one-to-one educational coaching sessions.

8. Provide step-by-step systems so your teen will prioritise tasks and manage time more effectively

I know I just said that students today are juggling a myriad of responsibilities.

Your teens might feel overwhelmed by their packed schedule, and I don’t want to downplay how much they have on their plate.

At the same time, I also want to say this:

We all get the same 24 hours in a day.

Some students know how to effectively manage their time and prioritise tasks, while others lack the step-by-step systems necessary to be as productive as possible.

I slept eight hours a night and still graduated from Duke University with a GPA of 3.98/4.0. I don’t say this to boast, really! I just want to show you that it’s possible to lead a balanced life while doing well in school.

The key is to implement the time management strategies that I share with my clients in my one-to-one educational coaching sessions.

9. Teach your teen test-taking strategies for less stress and better grades

It’s not a secret that tests are a significant part of your teenager’s life.

Yet many hardworking students underperform in exams due to anxiety, careless mistakes, and a lack of test-taking skills.

There are powerful test-taking strategies your teenager can use to start doing better on tests today.

An excellent place to start is my complete guide to taking tests and exams. For additional help, educational coaching is the best approach.

After all, nothing beats personalised support catered to your teenager’s individual needs and challenges.

10. Empower your teen to improve focus and overcome distractions

We live in an increasingly distracted world.

Statistics on teenagers and social media addiction are worrying, with 57% of teens saying that social media distracts them from homework.

Over time, these statistics will only become more worrying!

Through educational coaching, your teens will:

Eliminate distractions
Improve focus
Create an effective daily plan
Stop feeling unmotivated and overwhelmed
Pre-commit to the healthy behaviours they want to engage in

Here’s the thing…

Distractions and technology aren’t going anywhere. But with the right support through one-to-one educational coaching, your teenager will develop healthy habits and routines, and become an effective student.

Wondering if educational coaching will work for your teen?

If you’re interested in taking the next step, you can learn more about my one-to-one coaching programme for teens here.

(You can also read about my coaching clients’ success stories here.)

I’d love to personally coach your teenager to become motivated, focused, responsible, and resilient!

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16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

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20 Test-Taking Strategies and Tips for Anxious Students

Updated on July 14, 2021 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

Looking for the best test-taking strategies to stop anxiety in its tracks?

Let’s imagine the ideal morning of your next exam for a moment.

It’s early when your alarm goes off. You stretch as the sun peeks through your window. Usually, you’d hit the snooze button a few times, but today you don’t. You feel well-rested and ready to conquer the day.

As you climb out of bed, you realise there’s no swarm of butterflies fluttering about in your stomach.

Instead, you feel successful and resilient. You’re calm as you eat a leisurely breakfast, chat with your parents, and head out the door. Maybe you’re not excited about the big exam, but you’re not worried about it, either.

Now you’re seated at your desk with the test in front of you.

You feel prepared. You know which test-taking skills to use if you get stuck on a question. Later, when you submit your exam, you feel fantastic because you know you did your best.

Sounds like an incredible morning, right?

But if you’re a nervous test taker, this dream scenario might sound like exactly that: a dream.

After speaking to and working with more than 20,000 students, I’m here to tell you this…

With the right tips, you can perform better on exams and overcome test anxiety, too.

Ready to learn more? Let’s explore my top test-taking strategies so you can ace your next exam.

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How to improve your test-taking skills

If you want to learn how to improve your test-taking skills, start by studying the different question styles.

I go in-depth on this in The Complete Guide to Taking Tests and Exams — and reveal my top clues for choosing the correct response when you don’t know the answer.

In this article, let’s look at some tips for popular types of test questions: [Read more…]

How to Get Good Grades: 10 Useful Strategies for Students

Updated on February 20, 2025 By Daniel Wong 21 Comments

Are you struggling with how to get good grades?

Don’t worry — you’re not alone.

I’ve spoken to thousands of students around the world, and many are quick to say:

“I study hard but I still get bad grades.”

Here’s the thing…

Those successful students that you know? They aren’t necessarily any more intelligent than the rest of the class.

They’ve simply developed study strategies that help them perform better in school.

You can get good grades, too. Your academic goals can be achieved by studying more effectively, not by studying “harder”.

In this article, I’ll cover the winning habits I used to be a straight-A student throughout my academic career — no all-nighters required.

Ready to stop stressing about grades and start doing better in school? Then let’s explore the useful strategies that will help you do just that.

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Why is it important to get good grades?

The first step to doing better in school isn’t cracking open a textbook — it’s understanding why good grades matter.

Now, let me say this…

Your grades do not define your intelligence or self-worth.

Your academic record is only one part of your education, and you can lead a successful life with or without straight A’s.

That being said, there are real benefits to getting good grades.

For example, a solid academic record provides more opportunities for scholarships, higher education, and employment. Academic excellence may be the bridge to your dream career.

More significant, though, are the life-changing skills you’ll gain as you work toward becoming a top student — traits like focus, determination, discipline, and confidence. These values are crucial to achieving any of your goals, inside or outside the classroom.

A good grade is more than just a letter on a page. Achieving academic success after learning how to focus when studying is a rewarding experience that offers long-lasting benefits. [Read more…]

Do Your Children Dislike Studying? Here Are 9 Things You Can Do

Updated on April 7, 2022 By Daniel Wong 9 Comments

Note from Daniel: This is a guest post by Julia Robson.

All parents want their children to do well in school and in life.

Of course, succeeding in school doesn’t mean that you’ll succeed in life.

But in a society that still places an emphasis on formal educational qualifications, it’s only natural that you want your children to do their best in school.

Unfortunately, some students just don’t like to study.

Our task as parents isn’t to punish them for their lack of interest.

It’s to help them to enjoy the learning process as much as they can, while developing the necessary life skills along the way.

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16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.

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Before we talk about what you can do if your children dislike studying, let’s first address this question:

Why do so many students dislike studying?

Getting to the root of the problem will enable you to find better solutions.

So before you start applying a remedy, examine your children’s behaviour and talk to them and their teachers to figure out what the real issue is.

Here are some common reasons why students dislike studying… [Read more…]