As a parent of a child with learning challenges, it can be overwhelming to navigate the educational landscape. Schools may not always provide the tailored support your child needs, but you have the power to make a significant difference. By understanding cognitive science and utilizing available tools, you can help your child develop effective learning strategies and achieve a better quality of life.
Understanding the principles of cognitive science can empower you to support your child’s learning journey
Cognitive science is all about how we process information and store it in our memory. It’s crucial to understand that working memory, where new information is held, is limited and easily overloaded. On the other hand, long-term memory is vast and can store information for years. As a parent, your role is to facilitate the transfer of information from your child’s working memory to their long-term memory. This can be achieved by focusing on the quality of information presented and minimizing distractions, such as avoiding music with lyrics during study sessions.
For parents of children with learning challenges, embrace strategies like retrieval practice and spacing to help your child think harder and remember more effectively.
Encouraging your child to engage in hard thinking is essential for effective learning
One of the most important principles of learning is that the harder your child thinks about something, the more likely they are to remember it. As a parent, you can encourage this by promoting activities that require deep thinking, such as quizzing, using flashcards, and revisiting material over time. Avoid activities that allow for autopilot learning, like rereading or highlighting, as they give an illusion of learning without the necessary cognitive engagement.
The number one principle that I think that helps learning is like the harder you think about something the more likely you are to remember it.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Building your child’s knowledge step-by-step is key to developing independent learning skills
Contrary to popular belief, developing independent learners doesn’t mean simply giving them more independent tasks. Instead, it involves building their knowledge base step-by-step through direct instruction, providing examples, and gradually reducing scaffolding as they gain expertise. As a parent, you can support this process by working with your child on foundational concepts before encouraging them to tackle more complex tasks independently.
Key takeaways
- Encourage Effective Study Strategies: Parents should guide their children to use study techniques that involve hard thinking, such as retrieval practice and spaced repetition. These methods, supported by research, involve activities like quizzing and revisiting material over time, which are more effective than passive techniques like rereading or highlighting. Encouraging children to engage in these challenging but beneficial strategies can significantly enhance their learning and retention.
- Create a Conducive Learning Environment: It's important for parents to help create a study environment free from distractions, particularly music with lyrics, which research shows can hinder learning. While some children might prefer studying with music, the evidence suggests that it negatively impacts their ability to process complex information. Parents can support their children by setting up a quiet, focused study space and encouraging breaks that do not involve digital distractions.
- Support the Development of Metacognitive Skills: Parents can aid their children's learning by fostering metacognition, which involves helping them reflect on their own thought processes. This can be done by encouraging children to set learning goals, monitor their progress, and evaluate their strategies. By discussing their learning experiences and helping them understand how they learn best, parents can empower their children to become more independent and effective learners.
Utilizing resources like Cognitive Processing Skills can provide valuable insights into your child’s learning needs
While schools may not always have the time or resources to delve into the latest educational research, you can take advantage of available tools to better understand your child’s learning needs. Websites like Learning Success offer insights into Cognitive Processing Skills, which can help you identify areas where your child may need additional support. By staying informed and applying these principles at home, you can create a more effective learning environment for your child.
The biggest thing I think that’s surprised me a lot is just consistently in the research, you kind of keep finding how bad people are at predicting what good learning looks like.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Overcoming the challenge of limited working memory through Neuroplasticity can lead to a better life for your child
One of the most significant challenges your child may face is the limited capacity of their working memory. However, by understanding the principles of Neuroplasticity, you can help your child overcome this obstacle. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to new experiences and learning. By consistently engaging your child in activities that promote hard thinking and gradually building their knowledge base, you can help strengthen their cognitive abilities and improve their long-term memory. As a parent, your dedication to supporting your child’s learning journey can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life for them.
Empower your child’s learning journey with the Brain Bloom System. Discover how to support their unique needs and foster effective learning strategies at home. Visit Brain Bloom System today.
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A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.
