As the academic year kicks off, cognitive development specialist Dalena van der Westhuizen shares practical advice to help students shift from passive reading to active learning. The MD of BrainAbility outlines five research-based strategies to improve memory retention and reduce anxiety for South African learners.
Watching your child stare at a textbook for hours without retaining information is a frustration many homeschooling parents in South Africa know well. We often confuse “busy work” with actual learning. With a new academic year just around the corner, the goal is to shift the focus. With these 5 science-backed study tips, we can help our children work smarter, not harder.
Dalena van der Westhuizen, a cognitive development specialist and MD of BrainAbility, suggests that the traditional method of reading and re-reading notes is inefficient. Instead, she advocates for science-backed study tips that leverage how the brain actually encodes memory.
Whether your child is tackling the CAPS curriculum or working through Cambridge checkpoints, these five strategies can transform their study sessions.
1. Master Self-Explanation
Many students rely on rote memorisation. They read a definition in a textbook and try to repeat it word-for-word. This mimics understanding but rarely achieves it.
The strategy of self-explanation forces the brain to process information more deeply. Ask your child to explain a concept, such as photosynthesis or a specific period in South African history, in their own words.
They should create their own definitions rather than relying solely on the textbook phrasing. Naturally, you must check these for accuracy, but the act of paraphrasing builds stronger neural pathways than simple repetition.
2. Use the Pomodoro Technique
Focus is a finite resource. Expecting a child to sit and study for two hours straight often leads to “cognitive drift,” where they look at the page but absorb nothing.
Van der Westhuizen recommends using a timer to structure sessions:
- Set a timer for 20 to 25 minutes of intense, distraction-free work.
- When the buzzer rings, take a strict five-minute break.
- After two or three repetitions (cycles), take a longer 30-minute break.
This method, known as the Pomodoro technique for students, creates a sense of urgency and prevents burnout. It is particularly effective for learners with attention difficulties.
3. The Power of Interleaving
Most students practise “blocking.” They study Biology for three hours on Monday and Maths for three hours on Tuesday. However, research suggests a technique called “interleaving” yields better long-term results.
Interleaving involves mixing different topics or subjects within a single study session. Instead of focusing exclusively on one concept, alternate them.
For example, a student might do 20 minutes of Algebra, switch to 20 minutes of Afrikaans vocabulary, and then return to Maths. This forces the brain to constantly reload information, which strengthens memory retrieval. It simulates the variety found in exams, where questions are rarely grouped by topic.
4. Dig Deeper with Elaboration
It is difficult to remember a string of isolated facts. Information sticks when it connects to an existing network of knowledge. This process is called elaboration.
Encourage your learner to ask “Why?” and “How?” regarding the material. If they are learning about the Great Trek, ask them to relate it to modern migration or geography they already understand.
Elaboration helps combine new information with what they already know. This creates a larger, more robust network in the brain, making it easier to recall facts later. As you implement these science-backed study tips, you will likely notice your child moving from surface-level knowledge to true comprehension.
5. Be the “Teacher”
One of the most effective cognitive development strategies is the “Protégé Effect.” Research consistently shows that students have better memory and recall abilities when they learn new information with the expectation of teaching it to someone else.
Learners become more engaged and instinctively seek out methods of organisation when they take on a “teacher” role.
Try this at home:
Set up a whiteboard and have your child “teach” you the lesson they just studied. If they stumble, it highlights exactly where their knowledge gap lies.
“Research shows that pupils have better memory and recall abilities when they learn new information with the expectation of having to teach/explain it to someone else.” — Dalena van der Westhuizen.
Optimising the Study Environment
Even the best science-backed study tips will fail in a chaotic environment. Your home setup plays a massive role in cognitive load management.
Eliminate the Digital Drain
Cell phones are the primary enemy of deep focus. Even seeing a phone on the desk can reduce cognitive capacity.
- Action: Switch the phone off or set it to airplane mode during Pomodoro cycles.
- Rule: Keep the device in a different room. The temptation to check a “silent” notification is often too great for developing brains to resist.
Top Science Backed Study Tip: Keep It Simple
A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind. For the most efficient use of space, keep only daily essentials within reach. Store extras away. If your child is working on Geography, the Science textbook should not be on the desk.
Visual Planning Reduces Anxiety
Anxiety often stems from the unknown. Put up a large visual calendar where your child can track due dates, exams, and projects. Seeing the “landscape” of the term helps them mentally prepare and reduces the panic of last-minute cramming.
For more resources on curriculum planning, you can visit the Department of Basic Education website for CAPS guidelines, or explore The Answer Series for excellent study guides tailored to the South African syllabus.
Make the Clock Work for You
A wall or desk clock can be a double-edged sword. While it keeps time, constantly watching the seconds tick by can cause anxiety. Use the clock strictly for setting time-related goals (like the Pomodoro intervals) rather than “watching the clock.”
By combining an organised environment with these science-backed study tips, you equip your child with the tools to handle their academic workload with confidence.
Do These Science-Backed Study Tips Work For You?
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