Strategies to address the four learning methods.
When you understand your child’s learning style — you’ll not only be communicating more effectively, your expectations will be more realistic. Here’s how to tackle each one:
Cognitive
Characteristics: Analytical, orderly, organised, logical, persistent, can be stubborn.
Approach: Set clear goals and suggest ways to achieve them. Set deadlines with a reasonable amount of time to do a good and complete job.
Behavioural
Characteristics: Independent, competitive, results-oriented, problem-solver, can be impatient and wants to do things his own way.
Approach: Be clear on what is expected and agree on a timeline. Leave him room to work without too much control.
Affective
Characteristics: Passionate, creative, sociable, intuitive, can be undisciplined and find time management very hard.
Approach: Break large goals down into small, achievable ones. Check in regularly to ensure he’s able to stay on track. Give lots of breaks and praise.
Interpersonal
Characteristics: Dependable, calm, cooperative, practical, patient, can be introverted. Wants to please parents and teachers.
Approach: Be very thorough in your explanation of expectations. Work closely with him to ensure he understands and agrees that he can do it.
SmartParents help for you
Resources for parents who need info on motivating their children to study.
Websites
■ Child- raising issues and parenting pointers.
■ The American Academy of Pediatrics’ health, safety and well-being resource.
■ Tips on how parents can get involved in their children’s education.
Books from the National Library
■ Drive: 9 Ways To Motivate Your Kids To Achieve, by Janine Walker Caffrey (Call no.: English 649.1 CAF [FAM]).
■ Motivated Minds: Raising Children To Love Learning, by Deborah Stipek & Kathy Seal (Call no.: English 370.154 STI).
■ Positive Pushing: How To Raise A Successful And Happy Child, by Jim Taylor (Call no.: English 649.1 TAY [FAM]).
■ Mind In The Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs, by Ellen Galinsky (Call no.: English 305.231 GAL).
Article by Fiona Walker, principal director of Julia Gabriel Centre.
Photo: iStock
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