Tiffanny Junee

…and Keep Your Sanity!

Last Tuesday, it was exactly 6 months until HSC 2023 students sit for their first written exam.

While that stat can be nauseating for some students, for others, the milestone countdown came and went – missed!

Is your teenager reluctant to hit the books? Are they more likely to be found binge-watching Netflix than studying for exams?

If so, you might enjoy some of these tips for How 2 HSC and get your reluctant, yet potential HSC success story, into a flow state by making studying a little less painful – for all of you!

1. Create the atmosphere aka turn your home into a “Flow Factory”:

This is about getting the often overlooked, but vastly helpful, basics right. For instance: create a dedicated study space that’s free from distractions (and yes, that includes adorable pets and noisy siblings). It’s amazing how a clean, organised, and comfortable environment will do wonders for your student’s sense of ‘joy’ (even if it’s just a snarl or grunt!) and focus. Who knows, they might even start to enjoy the process! 🙂

2. A spoonful of personal interest helps the HSC go down:

Create RELEVANCE by connecting the dots for them and help your student connect their studies to their interests and long-term goals. A lot of students simply can’t see the relevance of the work they have to do at school to their future world. If your teen is obsessed with video games, try relating math problems to game strategies (#GameTheoryInAction). Sometimes, all it takes is the right angle to make a subject feel more approachable and engaging.

3. Unleash the power of mini-goals:

Break down those mammoth study sessions into smaller, more manageable tasks. Think of it as bite-sized education! This way, your child can celebrate mini-victories and build momentum as they work through their study plan. 30 minutes concentrated efforts with a 5 minute break in between is long enough for usually distracted minds to focus on a task at hand.

4. Dance, dance, study revolution:

Experiment with various study techniques, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Try a study dance-off or have your teen teach the family dog about physics. The goal is to make learning more interactive and entertaining, which can help your student get into the flow zone.

5. The more, the merrier:

Encourage your student to join study groups or collaborate with classmates. This not only makes learning more enjoyable but also adds a healthy dose of peer pressure (in a good way). Plus, you’ll get some much-needed peace and quiet at home!

6. The carrot, not the stick:

Recognise and praise your teen’s efforts, even the small ones. Focus on the positives and celebrate their progress. Remember, it’s better to be their cheerleader than their drill sergeant. Not even the folks in the military enjoy drill sessions.

7. Keep calm and study on:

Stress and anxiety can be the ultimate flow blockers. Teach your student relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or other mindfulness techniques, to help them stay focused and calm during study sessions.

Getting your reluctant HSC student into a flow state may seem like an impossible task, but with a little creativity, humour, and persistence, it can be done.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are HSC study habits. Be patient, keep trying new strategies, and most importantly – keep your sense of humor.

Good luck, and may the flow be with you both soon!