Every student struggles at some point during their academic career. Some students struggle with specific subjects, while others have difficulty with organization or time management.
And the struggles only increase once they reach upper secondary and have to face the O-levels. This is a crucial time for students, as their O-levels results will have a significant impact on their future.
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child through this difficult period. So how can you help your child if they’re struggling with their O-levels? From attending O-level physics tuition to being there for them, here are 10 tips:
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Tip # 1. Talk to your child’s teachers.
If your child is struggling to keep up with their work, it’s important to talk to their teachers. They will be able to give you insights into how your child is doing in class and what areas they need to work on.
Speaking to the teachers will also allow you to develop a plan of how you can best support your child at home. Of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school’s guidance counselor or other support staff if you need help.
Note: You could cause some embarrassment to your child if you go to their school and start asking questions about how they’re doing without them knowing, so involve them in the conversation.
They don’t have to be present for the entire meeting, but they must be aware that you’re planning to speak to their teachers and why.
Here are some questions you could ask the teachers:
- What kind of grades is my child getting in your class?
- In which subjects are my child struggling the most?
- What can I do to help my child at home?
- Are there any resources you recommend I look into?
- Will attending tuition classes help my child?
Tip #2. Create a study schedule.
One of the best ways to help your child is to encourage them to develop a study schedule. This will ensure that they’re devoting enough time to their studies and giving each subject the attention it deserves.
It’s also important to make sure that the study schedule is realistic and achievable. Trying to cram too much into a day will only lead to frustration and feelings of being overwhelmed. After all, O-level students need time to relax and de-stress too!
Here’s how you can create a study schedule with your child:
- Sit down with them and map out when each of their exams are.
- From there, work backward and determine how much time they’ll need to spend studying for each exam.
- Make sure to factor in time for breaks, as well as time for other activities such as sports or socializing.
- Once you’ve created the schedule, help your child stick to it by checking in with them regularly and providing encouragement.
Tip #3. Enroll them in tuition classes.
For many students, attending tuition classes is essential for doing well in their O-levels. Tuition provides targeted and personalized help that can be difficult to replicate at home.
Of course, finding the right tuition class can be a challenge. There are thousands of different tuition providers out there, and not all of them are created equal.
You’ll want to find a tuition class that:
- Is conveniently located
- Offers small class sizes and one-on-one tutorials (8 Benefits of One-on-One Tutoring for Struggling Students)
- Has experienced and knowledgeable teachers
- Uses up-to-date materials
- Is affordable
We recommend checking out Learning for Keeps for O-level and Sec 3 physics tuition. It has amazing reviews and testimonials, with an experienced and knowledgeable tutor at the helm.
Tip #4. Have them take practice exams.
One of the best ways to prepare for O-level exams is to take practice exams under exam conditions. This will help your child get used to the format of the exam and the type of questions they’ll be asked.
You can find O-level past papers online or at your local library. Once you have them, sit down with your child and time them as they attempt to answer the questions. This will help them get a better sense of how to pace themselves during the actual exam.
Tip #5. Take them out for fun and relaxation.
Remember that your child is under a lot of stress, so take some time out for fun and relaxation. This will help them recharge and come back to their studies with fresh energy.
There are plenty of things you can do that don’t require spending a lot of money. For example, you could go for a walk in the park, play a board game, or watch a movie together.
Tip #6. Get them a study buddy.
Having someone to study with can make the process a lot more bearable (and even enjoyable). A study buddy can also provide much-needed motivation and support. And if your child is a social learner, studying with a partner can actually help them learn better.
You can find a study buddy for your child by asking around at their school or tuition center. Alternatively, you could post a message on an online forum where parents and students connect.
Note: Make sure that the study buddy is someone who is actually willing to help and isn’t just looking for someone to do their work.
Tip #7. Help them find a quiet place to study.
Alternatively, if your child seems to learn best alone, help them find a quiet place to study. This could be in their bedroom, at the library, or even at a cafe.
The important thing is that they have a place where they feel comfortable and can focus on their studies without distractions. If they frequently study at home, make sure there are no distractions like shouting, music, or television.
This can go a long way in helping your child focus and do their best.
Tip #8. Help them create a revision plan.
With so much material to cover, it can be tough for students to know where to start with their revision. Why not sit down with them and help them create a revision plan?
How do you help create a revision plan?
Start by breaking the material down into smaller chunks. Then, create a schedule for when they will revise each chunk. Make sure to factor in time for breaks, as well as time for other activities such as sports or socializing.
Once you’ve created the schedule, help your child stick to it by checking in with them regularly and providing encouragement. That said, don’t suffocate them with too much help – ultimately, it’s up to them to follow through with the plan.
Tip #9. Encourage positive thinking.
The O-levels (How To Prepare for O Level Exams in 5 Steps) can be a daunting experience, but your child must think positively. Encourage them to focus on what they’re doing well, rather than dwell on their mistakes. Reward them for their efforts, rather than their results.
Another great way to do this is by using affirmations. These are positive statements that help change the way we think about ourselves. For example, an affirmation for a struggling student might be, “I am capable of succeeding.”
Help your child come up with a few affirmations that they can repeat to themselves every day. This will help them change their mindset and approach their studies with more confidence.
Tip #10. Be there for them.
Most important of all, be there for your child. They need to know that you’re on their side and that you believe in them. Show them your support in whatever way you can, whether it’s through providing help with their studies or simply being there to listen.
The O-levels can be a tough time for students, but with the right support, they can get through it. As a parent, you play a crucial role in providing that support.
Conclusion
Students go through a lot of challenges during their academic journey. And the O-levels are one of the most crucial and difficult times they will face. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to help your child through this tough period.
The tips mentioned above will surely help you provide the support they need to overcome any obstacle they may face. Good luck!
