As another tool to think about how we do things in school, we consulted ChatGPT (the AI platform) to find out how children can be supported by their parents with their exam revision. The AI platform made the following suggestions:
Understand Their Learning Style:
Some teens are visual learners, while others are auditory or kinaesthetic learners. Understanding their learning style can help tailor the revision approach.
So… talk to your child about what they are doing and ask them about how different approaches are working for them. Do they need any revision cards ? Post-its ? Highlighters ? Paper ? Pens ?
Set Clear Goals:
Help your teenager set clear, achievable goals for their revision. Break down the material into smaller, manageable chunks.
So… talk to your child about where they are more and less confident. What are their priorities ? What do they need to revise more ? Can you limit the time they revise ? Can you schedule in other non-revision activities to give them a break ? Can you take the time to check and talk about what revision notes they have done ?
Create a Schedule:
Establish a consistent study schedule that includes regular breaks. Encourage your teenager to stick to the schedule and avoid procrastination.
So… help them to plan their time to revise for their different exams – there is a revision planner here. What about the mocks coming up after half-term ? What about when the summer exams are ?
Provide a Distraction-Free Environment:
Create a quiet, comfortable space for studying. Minimize distractions like phones, social media, and television.
So… think about where they can revise and the space they need. Can you remove the phone for a period and then give it back after revision time is completed ? Can the rest of the family be sensitive when revision is happening ?
Use Active Revision Techniques:
Encourage your teenager to use active revision techniques such as summarizing, teaching the material to someone else, or creating flashcards.
So… there are revision strategies to use available via the school website which can be seen here. Can you check what they have done ? Can you get them to write self-tests which you then check their answers on ?
Offer Support:
Be available to answer questions and provide support when needed. Encourage your teenager to seek help from teachers or tutors if they’re struggling with specific topics.
So… take an active interest on what they are doing and when. Help them with tests. Look through their revision notes. You do not have to understand it all – but by being proactive and investing the time you are being inspirational.
Make It Enjoyable:
Find ways to make revision more enjoyable, such as using colourful pens or sticky notes, incorporating music, or using online resources.
So… Buy them some post-its, highlighters, coloured pens, etc. Let them stick things on the walls and around the house. Have you checked out the apps and websites out there ? Can you do questions via apps on long car journeys, etc ?
Celebrate Progress:
Recognise and celebrate your teenager’s progress and achievements. This can help motivate them to continue revising.
So… Can you offer rewards and incentives – they need not be cash, they could be praise or a family event, etc. What about something you are planning to get them anyway that you tie into the revision ? Can you big them up with friends and family where the do some good revision stuff ? Can you take photos of it and post it on your social media ?
Lead by Example:
Show your teenager that you value learning and revision by setting a good example. Share your own experiences with them and discuss the importance of revision.
So… You do some revision. You test them and compare your answers. You talk them up and convince them everyday they can do well. Talk about their plans for next year and how their exams can help them. Tell them your stories about exams – the good and the bad – and get other family or friends to do the same.
Sophie Grigg, Assistant Headteacher, said: “We all recognise that getting a teenager to revise effectively can at times be a challenge, but the strategies here and on our school website all help. All teachers are setting materials to help with the mocks after half-term and your child is as capable of doing their best as much as anyone else’s. Do remember that every teenager is different, so it may take some trial and error to find the best approach for your teenager. We’ve all learnt as we’ve gone through this at home that it’s important to be patient and understanding, as revising can be a stressful and challenging process.”