1. Create a Distraction-Free Zone
To motivate a teenager to study, you need to provide him with the atmosphere he needs to be successful. Help him set up an environment suited to studying with all the equipment he needs close at hand. Generally, this involves a desk with ample work space in a quiet area of the home with a computer and printer. Students need a space dedicated to study that remains a distraction-free zone. Make it appealing by letting him decorate it as he likes, but don't let the workspace be littered with stimulating materials and clutter. Emphasize the need for cleanliness and organization while monitoring the environment to ensure it stays that way.
2. Develop a Plan of Attack
The most successful students create detailed plans for completing projects, staying on top of daily homework and preparing for tests. Help your child put it all down in writing. Purchase an assignment book with a calendar that has space for writing in deadlines and insist that she log all assignments. Help her develop a check system for homework assignments and a method for studying for tests, such as creating flashcards or organizing notes around important points. The more organized and faithful her study habits, the more likely she is to earn good grades.
3. Involve Friends
Studying can be dull, especially for social teens. Make it more fun by letting your child participate in study sessions with his peers. As long as the sessions are supervised, they can be great opportunities for him to gain understanding and can increase his motivation to master a subject. You should check on progress during these sessions and make sure one student is not "carrying" another. Also, remind him that if these types of sessions are not fruitful in terms of grades, his next study partner is likely to be you!
