Help, My Child is Failing His Exam!

Despite the hard work, failing exams is one of the most frustrating moments as a student. Remember burning the midnight oil just to make sure all the information has been memorised? Or that time when sacrificing time and effort to get good grades was the only answer to keep a child motivated? 

While these techniques might still work – for some, the truth is times have been changing. Whatever measures that have done long time ago, might not function the way they used to do. Here are some reasons why despite all the energy exerted, a student still fails their examinations. Do you still do any of these?

Memorising without understanding

A lot of students rely on memorising for the sake of answering their exams as they think this method will ensure them the passing mark they want to achieve. However, memorising is just a short-term solution. When it comes to objective parts, yes, memorising should work, but what happens if you are faced with an essay that requires critical thinking? 

While understanding takes time, this method ensures that the students know what they are learning. Plus, understanding lessons than mere memorising helps the student retain more information in the long run. Understanding, than just merely memorising, also helps students come up with better decisions as they can understand a concept deeper than what’s on the surface. 

Poor memory skills

And this brings us to the next point. Not everyone has a good memory. Students today are very distracted – with technology, their peers, their environment. A lot of times, what they have learned in school in a day is completely forgotten once they start playing with their phones or hanging out with their friends. 

photo courtesy of Understood.org

There will be times when students will be required to memorise facts and figures – but parents and educators need to understand that there are several ways to make students remember these pieces of information. One good example is the use of mnemonics such as music, name, expression, rhyme, and models can help student’s memory. 

Working hard, but not working smart

Yes, we all love students who work hard to get the good grades. A lot of them spend long nights of studying, sometimes even sacrificing weekends to study in advanced to have an edge from their classmates. 

However, just studying hard does not guarantee success most of the time. What students, even parents and teachers need to do is to work hard AND smart at the same time. Working smart is being able to devise a plan, so you won't have to sacrifice your sleep. Having a study habit that lets you enjoy your weekend. Being able to acknowledge your limits and asking help when needed.

Boring class makes a child demotivated

Every person has a different attention span, and not being able to engage them is a total gets them demotivated. With regards to students, there are many reasons why a student gets demotivated. It could be the way the classes are taught. It could also be how the teacher is engaging the students. The quality of lessons, as well as the way it was taught to students, is also one of the factors. Read the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) study on this. 

Regardless of the reasons, parents and teachers should all remember that learning is a two-way street. Efforts should not only be from the students but the educators and parents as well. 

Using the wrong learning styles

Different strokes, different folks. One method does not necessarily mean it will work with every student. 

photo from Matter of Facts

Each child comes in different shapes and sizes, which means there is a multitude of ways on how to deal with them. Some can be fast learners, while some will take more time. There are those who like creative approach, and those who appreciate the straightforward ways. As such, parents and educators should find a way on how to meet the needs of different children, and not just have a “one size fits all” method. 

How can I help my child?

Given these reasons, parents and educators should understand that there are different ways to tackle these problems. The folks at the LH Learning Group (LHLG) is here to help in every step of the way. 

LHLG is a Social Enterprise that was founded based on a dream of making active learning available to all students in Malaysia. They combine their training programmes with dynamic talks and activities which are facilitated by experienced trainers specialised in coaching youths towards achieving peak performances both in school and in life. 

Sounds promising? Yes, it does! Experience first hand how LHLG can help students reach their full potential by joining their workshop! Open to parents with kids from 7-17 years old, this event aims to unlock education secrets every parent must now. Register here to learn more about this workshop.
 

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Find out more about LHLG by visiting their website and Facebook page.