Self studying, which involves studying without direct supervision or attendance in a classroom, is a valuable way to learn, and is quickly growing in popularity among parents and students. By complementing formal education with home study, students can see a drastic improvement to grades, material understanding, and confidence.
Many students study at home to supplement their class-based learning. However, self study can also be used to master a new skill or learn an entirely new concept – like a language or an instrument. The benefits you can gain from self study are endless and are completely determined by yours and your child’s goals.
There are various self studying methods you can implement at home (whether they’re self study tips to complete solo or with you) that can bring about many educational benefits both in and out of school.
USE THE FOLLOWING METHODS TO STUDY AT HOME.
1. Have a conversation with your child about what is being learned at school, and what topics your child is interested in. This will encourage students to strive to learn more, so they can keep teaching you what they know. Additionally, the practice of teaching is known as one of the top ways to work towards grasping a concept!
2. Read books and articles on a topic of study, or interest. Whether this is in connection with a course, or just at your child’s own leisure, encouraging your child to read is a highly effective way to increase understanding of new concepts. Take a trip to the library together, or invest in some classics on a topic to provide the best reading materials suited for your child to self study.
3. Watch educational videos to keep children actively engaged in a concept. There are many tutorial videos that are intended for teaching people new skills, or educational shows aimed at complementing what students learn in school. Whether your home learner is trying to learn another language, or figuring out how to conduct a science experiment, they can greatly benefit from the audio and visual walkthrough.
4. Educational games are a child and parent favourite when it comes to ways to study at home. There are many apps that you can access through your phone that promote learning in math, English, and a variety of other courses. Or put the phone down and get hold of board games and card games that promote strategy and logic. Encourage your child to associate learning with fun.
5. Work through practice questions to reinforce skills that are learned at school while studying at home. Help hold your child’s attention while working through the practice questions by incorporating games, rewards, and challenges. This will help them view the material in a new way, and reinforce what is learned in the classroom.
TO MOST EFFECTIVELY INCORPORATE SELF STUDYING INTO YOUR CHILD’S LIFE, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING TOOLS ON HAND:
1. A study area is crucial for effective self studying. This might mean a home office, or a desk in the student’s bedroom. No matter where it is, it should include a tidy work space – free of clutter and distractions – with good lighting.
2. A computer is necessary for many methods of self study, especially where reading, watching or listening to online resources are concerned. However if your self studier prefers completing work by hand, non-digital substitutes (ex. pencils and notebooks) can be used.
3. Note-taking tools such as highlighters, coloured pens and sticky notes are useful tools for a student studying at home. Keeping notes while learning will enable your child to retain the information longer, and help to build valuable organizational skills.
