Teens are not always naturally good learners. Of course, personality can play a significant role in how willing a child is to learn, and their disposition will also affect how well they do in school. Still, it is essential to be able to motivate your college-bound teens to learn. Hard work and excellent study habits can help them improve during higher education, and there are a few ways to show them the importance of this.
How to Motivate Your College-Bound Kids to Learn
Lead by Example
Your teen likely looks to you for guidance on acting, so going back to school yourself can set an excellent example for your child. Getting your degree can also lead to a better-paying job, which can be critical if you want to help them with college costs. If you consider getting your degree, you can search and apply for college scholarships online. Taking advantage of Going Merry scholarships can make the cost of your education much more affordable.
Instill Confidence in Your Teens
How students perceive their performance can affect them either positively or negatively. You can ensure these habits take root by reinforcing positive attitudes and behaviors. It also helps build up their assurance and esteem of themselves. Of course, you shouldn’t praise them if they are undeserving of it. Be specific about the things they did well.
Instead of telling them, you are proud of what they have done, tell them why you are proud of them. Focus on their strengths and ask how they plan to use these positive traits to their advantage in college. If they show a knack for writing, you could encourage them to be central in English or journalism. On the other hand, if they did a great job on their science project, you may encourage them to look into STEM careers.
Encourage Time Management Skills
Part of being involved in your kids’ education means reminding them about the elements outside the classroom. Your teens may not pay much attention to the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. However, if they don’t take care of themselves, they may not do as well at retaining the information they learn in school. Being sleep-deprived can impact everything from memory to long-term planning.
Encouraging your teen to get enough sleep can help them build solid habits for their college years. Time management skills can help them make room for getting enough sleep every night.
Give Your Teen Control
If your teen feels like they are being controlled during their education, they may start withdrawing from the learning process. While you need to guide them through their education, teens must be able to take ownership of their experiences. It’s a good idea to give them some input into learning.
How to Motivate your College-Bound Kids
Offering options, such as allowing them to determine the type of project they want, can encourage this type of ownership. You may want to encourage your teen to research and choose extracurricular activities. By offering this input, you encourage your teen to respect the learning style and environment. This keeps them motivated and engaged.
