The Ultimate Back-to-School Guide for Virtual School Students
by Beth Werrell
5 Study Tips to Making Tough Subjects Easier to Learn
byConnections Academy
4 min to read
Ever wonder what to do when your child is having a hard time learning difficult subjects in their online schoolwork? Well, there’s more to it than just learning how to study hard.
In her book, A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even if You Flunked Algebra), Barbara Oakley, Ph.D., breaks down the science of why some students have problems learning difficult subjects. She wrote the book after reviewing her own struggles with math and science and has given a TEDx Talk that teaches students how to study for hard classes and pass the courses they’re stressing about.
And while we at Connections Academy® have some great study strategies, we want to share her top five tips so you have the resources necessary to be a successful Learning Coach and can teach your online student how to learn difficult subjects quickly. They’re great tips if you are considering a full-time switch to online learning, too.
How to Study for Hard Classes: 5 Neuroscience-Based Tips
1. Scan the headings, subheadings, and illustrations of the chapter first.
When we struggle with a topic, we may think the best way to study is to focus as hard as we can on every detail of the subject. But, if we don’t look at the whole picture to get a full grasp of the topic, learning it will be incredibly difficult.
Oakley’s recommendation is to have your homeschool student take a moment at first to visualize the chapter and reflect on the broad purpose of its lesson. As they do this, they’re putting their brain in a receptive learning mode and giving it a structure to “hang” new concepts on.
In neuroscience terms, they’re actually beginning to lay neural pathways in their brain. And this is part of learning how to study better instead of how to study harder.
2. Focus attention on creating conceptual “chunks” of information.
Trying to mentally absorb everything at once will completely overload anyone’s brain. That’s why your student should focus on digesting small pieces of information at a time.
Let’s say a chapter in math presents several sample problems and their solutions. In this step, you zero in on each of those problems to understand why each solution works the way it does, and as you do, you start to recognize the procedure(s) the problems have in common. With this process, you create chunks of knowledge that can be retrieved later and then built upon to solve other types of problems.
As Oakley explains, “You are making new neural patterns and connecting them with preexisting patterns that are spread through many areas of the brain.”
3. Pause, recall, and reflect.
After your student has read a page or solved a problem, have them close their book and ask them to tell you what they have just learned. Then, instead of moving on to the next problem, let everything sink in, and have them repeat the current problem and solution to you.
Recalling and reflecting is a study method that etches new neural patterns more deeply into the brain. So, the process becomes just as physical as it is mental.
4. Use simple analogies or comparisons to make concepts memorable.
One of the best ways to study is to frame a concept you’ve learned as a simple analogy. Coming up with a way to compare one concept to another gives it a way to connect with other areas of the brain.
Go the extra step of writing the analogy out by hand and it becomes even more deeply encoded in the brain. Writing by hand converts what you are learning into the “neural memory structure.” Again, you’re making actual physical changes to your brain.
5. Space out studies and homework to learn complicated subjects.
Studying is hard work. A brain is like a muscle that needs alternating periods of exercise and recovery to synthesize new information and ideas. When learning difficult subjects, especially, students need to spread their study time out.
Studying a bit every day is the best way to study, rather than cramming during marathon study sessions. When you cram, the knowledge may stick around long enough to pass the test today, but it probably won’t be there when you need it to tackle the next hard chapter tomorrow.
Give your child breaks after studying complex subjects to get up and move around so they can release any anxiety they might have. They’ll have fun while giving their brain the distraction it needs to let everything sink in.
Learning How to Study a Difficult Subject
Studying is hard but struggling with new concepts is a natural and necessary part of the learning process—and knowing how to study for hard classes when you’re learning difficult or complicated subjects can make it easier. Understanding a little bit about how the brain works, how to study a difficult subject, and how to learn something difficult can help you and your child master complicated subjects in no time.
A flexible school day, the ability to let your child learn at their own pace, and scheduling their breaks for when it works best for your family, are the benefits of an online school like those available through Connections Academy®.
If you’re not already a part of Connections Academy, check out these stories from parents and learn why it worked best for them when their children encountered complicated subjects.
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Top Reasons Why Online Schools Work for Parents
by Beth Werrell
Imagine yourself in the shoes of a parent with a child who has asthma. Sometimes, asthma attacks keep your child out of school. He misses classes, homework, and tests—which means he has to work extra hard to catch up. This happens multiple times per year, and it's starting to take a toll on your child and your family.
Now think about the flip side of this scenario: with online learning, your child's asthma attacks don't hold him back. Instead, your child gets schoolwork done at home in a time line that works for you and your family. No more missed tests, stockpiles of homework, or anxiety on account of falling behind.
As a parent of a child in virtual school, you have access to greater flexibility and control. You set your child's daily schedule. You decide if your child can go on a family vacation and still get schoolwork done. You decide when the learning day starts and when it stops.
These are just a few of the many benefits parents can experience when their child attends school online. Over the years, many parents have told us that Connections Academy works well for their family when they can:
- Dedicate time to keeping the student motivated throughout the day
- Provide ongoing guidance and encouragement
- Help monitor student comprehension and progress
- Organize and structure the learning day
- Maintain regular contact with their child's teachers
- Encourage their students to interact with others through field trips, clubs, and community activities
Don't Take Our Word for It … Hear It from Real Parents
Learning about what Connections Academy can do for your family is great, but it's not the whole picture. We want you to have all of the facts, both from the source and from those with firsthand experience, so you can make the right decision for your child and your family.
Take a look at some of the reasons why online school works well for parents, as told on the Connections Academy Facebook page:
Parent Involvement
One of the most common reasons parents appreciate online learning is the extra time it unleashes to spend time with family. In particular, parents have communicated to us that it provides them with the opportunity to take an active role in their children's learning. Parents don't just act as the "homework helper"—if they wish, they can take a more proactive approach to what their children learn, like these parents below:
"It gives us as parents the opportunity to see how our kids learn. Usually we rely on the teachers, but [now] I know for myself what works and what doesn't."—Carmisha W.
"It allows us to spend more time together, learning together. It allows my role in their education to be more than a homework nag."—Amanda M.
"My kids can focus on learning rather than the taunts of the many bullies in an overcrowded classroom."—Kimberly B.
Flexible Scheduling
Online education provides a much more flexible environment than a brick-and-mortar education. Even though roles and activities are carefully structured to ensure that students develop a love of learning and gain skills essential to their future success in school, parents can choose the daily routine and learning atmosphere for their children.
"My boys can stand up, walk around, or bounce on a ball while learning. No sitting and listening to lectures. We have active discussions, which provides ample time for questioning and a deeper level of understanding."—–Jennifer C.
"We have been able to really work with the flexible schedule. They have been to Groundhog Day in Pennsylvania, will get to go on an Alaskan cruise before the brick-and-mortars finish for the year, and have been able to travel with me for work and still get the schoolwork accomplished!"—–Darla T.
"We can alter our schedule around trips and still not get behind on work."—–Elizabeth R.
"My child can work when she needs to, she can enjoy her hobby freely, and I get to have her around me during the day."—–Cricket C.
"I appreciate that he can work when he isn't feeling great because of his asthma. Sometimes he feels like he isn't sick enough to need a sick day and still wants to work. In brick-and-mortar [school], he would have been sent home and then be forced to catch up on missed work when he was able to return. Connections Academy allows me to monitor his health and well-being while continuing to let him thrive!"—–Amanda M.
Are you a parent of a child attending Connections Academy? We would love to hear your perspective on why online school works for your family in the comments below.
Or if you are considering enrolling your child in an online education, learn more about Connections Academy today.
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Top 10 Things Virtual School Teachers Want You to Know
by Beth Werrell
If you’re like most virtual school parents, you are probably eager to discover new ways to improve the learning experience for your student. While blogs and Pinterest(opens in a new tab) boards are certainly great places to search for educational ideas, don’t overlook what can be your very best resource: your child’s teacher!
Just like a traditional schoolteacher, your child’s online teacher can be a wonderful advisor with keen insights into how children learn best. As they work with children each day, they develop new ideas and fresh approaches to learning that help ensure academic success.
In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked online teachers across the country to tell us the most important things families need to know about virtual school. We hope their insights and tips will inspire you and help fuel your family’s success with online learning!
Stick to it!
Teachers tell us that the first few months of online learning can be challenging for families. “Hang in there” and maintain regular contact with your child’s teacher. As you become accustomed to the technology and establish a routine, it will get easier and you’ll begin to reap the rewards of educating your child at home.
Know your computer.
Parents who serve as their child’s Learning Coach need basic computer and software skills. Take time to complete your virtual school’s orientation and to explore the school’s education management system. It’s important to know how to access and use your school’s online resources, including the curriculum, virtual classroom, grade book, and communications.
Get directly involved.
Virtual school is not a self-study program for children! Parents need to be engaged in their child’s learning on a daily basis. For younger students, the parent or Learning Coach will need to be hands-on for much of the day. Middle and high school students will require less direct involvement, but still need supervision, support, encouragement, and assistance with time management.
Expect challenging schoolwork.
A high-quality online school will offer a curriculum that is just as rigorous as that of any bricks-and-mortar school. Your student should be prepared to work hard and to be held accountable for the quality of his or her schoolwork. Learning self-motivation is key for student success.
Your student is the focus.
With online learning, teachers often have greater freedom to personalize the program to fit the individual. They can tweak lessons or projects to provide additional study on a difficult concept, direct a child to online resources for practicing skills, or add challenge to inspire the advanced student. They also provide regular feedback and personal attention when needed.
Ask your teacher!
Online teachers have to meet the same professional and educational qualifications as teachers in traditional schools. They know their subject matter and how to teach in any setting, so when your child has a question or problem, contacting the teacher is the best way to resolve it. The parent may initiate a call or email to the teacher for elementary school students. In middle and high school, students can reach out by themselves—and develop social and communication skills as they learn.
Don’t overdose on flexibility.
While having a more flexible schedule is one of the wonderful qualities of virtual school, that shouldn’t necessarily mean doing “whatever you want, whenever you want.” Children do need structure, and it’s the Learning Coach’s job to provide that framework. Your student will also have deadlines that must be met and may need reminders and assistance with planning long-term projects.
Set a good pace.
With virtual school, students can advance through their lessons at a pace that works for them. Instead of waiting for classmates to catch up, an advanced student can proceed to the next lesson once he or she has mastered the material. For more challenging subjects, students can take extra time to absorb new information, if needed. Parents do need to make sure their child is on track for deadlines and for completing the semester on time. Teachers strongly recommend working ahead so your student has a “cushion” built into the schedule.
Join the community.
To ensure your student develops socially as well as academically, it’s important to take advantage of the field trips, parties, and other special events offered by your virtual school. Your child can also exercise his or her social skills by joining online clubs and activities. These opportunities can also help students and their families connect with the school’s supportive learning community.
Get closer.
Be prepared to spend more time with your child! Doing virtual school together works well for a family-centered lifestyle. With a more flexible schedule, you can arrange the school day to accommodate family time, community- or faith-based events, and other activities that your family values. Sharing these activities and working as a virtual school team can strengthen the family bonds you cherish.
We hope that these teacher-tested tips will help you make the most of online education—and your relationship with your child’s teacher. Many students and families tell us that the strong connections with teachers are among the most rewarding aspects of virtual school. So, as the spring semester winds down and in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, be sure to reach out and thank your teachers for their hard work throughout the school year!
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