Students have exams coming up, and this can be a stressful time for both students and parents. Here are two ideas based on good learning theory about how you can help the student in your life during exam time.

1. Be around for discussion

We learn by teaching, so I like to get students to teach me short segments of their work. Last week a student taught me how genetic inheritance works. She covered most of it and had questions in spaces where she wasn't quite sure about things. We talked over it and she really owned the knowledge. She knew exactly where the gaps were, and was able to go and find what she needed, or ask me for help.

When the student in your life comes to you and starts talking about what they are studying, it's a teaching experience for them. Your job isn't to show them where they are wrong, or what the 'right answer' is. The talking, discussing and sharing ideas is part of the learning process. This may be the first time they've verbalized something, so it could be a bit of an experiment for them too. Tip number one is to be available for a free-flowing discussion. There is as much value (or more) in discussing different ideas, as there is in getting a 'right' answer. 

2. Share your knowledge with stories and background information

I worked with a student on an English essay last week. We came across narrative structure and plot, which can be quite tricky to get your head around when you're reading a complicated book. Here's an interesting idea though - everyone instinctively knows narrative structure and plot. Consider an episode or storyline in Shortland Street. TV has everything students need to know about character development, plot and structure (good and bad examples abound). Relating things students learn in class to something real is an effective way of helping them learn.

For the student in your life you can provide the background information, the real-ness to the book knowledge that they learn at school. A student I worked with was learning about convex and concave lenses and mirrors. Her Dad had just installed Sky, so we talked about satellite dishes and how they work. I firmly believe that having real situations and stories from the people around them help give students something to hang their ideas and knowledge on. 

A final comment on your desire for them to do well

Everything I've talked about here is based on good learning theory, which creates a great environment for learning.What about when you think the student in your life should be doing more work, or when you are scared they won't do well and jeopardize their future? 

I have my own opinions about this. I've seen many parents (and tutors and mentors and coaches) buy too heavily into their student's success.To me their success is important. And it's also their success. They need to own it, and they need to get it. A writer I like suggests that if you don't make mistakes, how will you know where they are?

A great teacher I had the benefit of working with thinks of the teenage years as a time when you learn to make agreements, and stick to them. I like to help students I work with make agreements, and I point out when they haven't stuck to them. But in the end, that's as much as I can do. The rest is up to them. 

About the author

Jesse Pirini is the head tutor at Pencilcase Tutoring in Auckland. Pencilcase delivers true one-to-one tutoring to high school and university students in their own homes. Jesse and five other tutors cover the Auckland region. Get in touch to find out how Pencilcase tutors can help you or your child achieve academic goals this year.