Most students dislike school and studying; they prefer fun activities. Lack of motivation creates resistance and encouraging them can be challenging; however, the key to solving this issue is understanding the root cause of their behavior towards studying. Here are some strategies to help motivate children who hate studying. (1,2,3)
1.Understand the Root Cause
Before judging the child and trying to solve the issue randomly, it is crucial to understand the real reason behind their attitude toward studying. Understanding the root cause allows for targeted interventions. A direct and honest conversation with the child helps identify the underlying cause. The cause may include the following:
- Lack of confidence
- Difficulty understanding the subjects
- Disliking the teacher or school
- Finding the materials boring or not challenging enough
- Feeling slower in understanding than other peers
- Feeling distracted
2. Create a Positive Study Environment
It is important to create a conducive environment that ensures the comfort and focus of the child. The studying space should be quiet, tidy, clean, comfortable, and free of distractions. Personalizing the study area might be beneficial to capture the child’s attention, such as painting it with their favorite colors and adding decorations. Having an organized area creates a positive attitude and builds motivation.
3. Set Clear and Achievable Goals
Listing down clear and achievable goals provides guidance and direction. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrating small achievements allow the child to feel more confident and motivated.
4. Establish a Routine and Consistency
Instead of only focusing on the results, parents should create a routine for the child to make studying a regular part of their daily life and emphasize learning. Establishing a consistent and well-structured schedule with specific study times develops discipline and diligence.
5. Provide Regular Feedback and Encouragement
Providing positive feedback regularly with encouraging rewards is crucial to keeping the child motivated. Their efforts must not be taken for granted. Encouragement helps build self-confidence and drives them to improve their abilities.
6. Involve the Child in Decision-Making
Another method to motivate the child to study is to allow them to express their feelings and opinions. They have the right to help in setting study goals, choosing study methods, and taking breaks. This approach builds a sense of responsibility, ownership, and motivation.
7. Incorporate Interests and Strengths
To grab the full attention and focus of the child, parents can integrate the child’s interests and strengths into their learning style. Visual, auditory, or kinesthetic methods can be used to make studying more enjoyable and motivating.
8. Use Real-Life Applications
Linking studying subjects to practical situations can help the child understand, learn, and memorize information, and apply what they learn to real-life applications. This approach is effective in encouraging children to study.
9. Be Patient
It is important to stay patient and calm during the process of studying and to be aware that this phase isn’t easy for children. Parents should remind both themselves and their children that it’s ok if they make mistakes; however, they must learn from these mistakes. If the right teaching techniques are used, children will get motivated and improve their skills and abilities.
References
- https://www.worldvision.org.ph/how-to-motivate-your-child-to-study/
- https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/how-to-motivate-children-science-based-approaches-for-parents-caregivers-and-teachers/
- https://www.thehdfcschool.com/blog/how-to-motivate-your-child-to-study.html#:~:text=Put%20the%20Emphasis%20on%20Learning%2C%20Not%20on%20Marks&text=They%20don’t%20put%20enough,on%20what%20they%20are%20learning.
