Study essential: Why there is no substitute for practice

One of the simplest parts of studying effectively is the also one of the most crucial.

Hi there,

There is no part of studying effectively that needs to be super complex, and part that is particularly essential is also one of the simplest.

It’s called PRACTICE.

I think sometimes students are looking for a shortcut, and I get it; studying is hard and you want to do anything you can to make the process a bit easier, particularly when preparing for exams.

But there is no getting around this one I’m afraid.

To get good grades in Math, your teen HAS to do practice problems.

To get good grades in English, your teen HAS to write practice essays. (This goes for any subject that has essay exam requirements.)

To get good grades Drama, your teen HAS to practice their lines.

To get good grades in Music, your teen HAS to practice their music pieces.

To get good grades in Science subjects, your teen HAS to practice solving equations / problems.

This get good at sitting exams, your teen has to practice by looking at past exams.

Why is practice so essential?

Do you learn how to ride a bicycle by reading a book on how to ride a bike? Do you watch a video of someone riding a bike? Obviously not. You get on the bike and keep riding until you don’t fall off anymore.

Studying and preparing for exams is no different.

Is your teen going to know how to solve an algebraic equation by watching their teacher solve one on the board? Unlikely.

Are they going to write the most fabulous essay on Lord of the Flies by reading an essay about Lord of the Flies? Very unlikely.

There is absolutely no alternative to getting good at something than practice.

Time for a reality check?

If your teen is behind at schooland not getting the grades they’re actually capable of, maybe it’s time for a check-in. How much practice are they really doing?

Are they writing practice essays before the tests and exams that have essay questions, or are they just winging it on the day?

Are they practising math problems over and over again until they become easy? Or are they actually doing the bare minimum?

Are they practising applyling what they’re studying to real past exam or practice exam questions? Or are they facing a real exam question for the first time in the exam?

I had a wonderful lecturer at law school who reminded me, and I am here to remind your teen, that the first one you do — whether it be an essay or solving a problem — will be the worst one, so don’t let your teen make it the one they do in the actual exam.

Get the ‘worst ones’ out of the way during study time so that by the time the test/exam rolls around your teen is no longer practising and is ready for what’s about to come.

As always, good study is simple study.

Thanks so much for reading.

Clare