10 ways to support teenagers and young people to find motivation when studying

Tip 1: ask what they need

Communicate openly with your young person and ask them questions that encourage them to share what kind of support they might need from you. It’s important to recognise that they may not always be able to articulate their needs clearly, and you might need to help them unpack their thoughts and feelings. Try to encourage them to express their needs and guide them in their own decision-making without assuming what they might need. By fostering autonomy in decision-making, you can empower them to express their challenges and preferences. This approach can allow you to provide targeted support that aligns with their individual goals and aspirations.

Tip 2: explore different learning styles

Help your young person to discover the learning methods that suit them best. Some students might thrive with visual aids, while others might prefer hands-on activities or listening to explanations. You could try introducing various study techniques like the Pomodoro method, which involves breaking study time into intervals with short breaks, and study scheduling to manage their time effectively. Encourage them to try different approaches until they find what works best for their unique learning style. This can make studying more engaging and less overwhelming.

Tip 3: encourage individuality

Remind your young person that everyone learns differently and at their own pace. Focusing on their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others is crucial because it helps build self-confidence and reduces unnecessary stress. Encourage them to embrace their unique learning style and strengths and reassure them that their own personal journey is valid and important, regardless of how it may differ from their peers.

Tip 4: revisit the ‘purpose’

Help them understand the benefits of learning certain subjects and how they relate to their future goals. Discuss how their current studies can open doors to opportunities and nurture skills that they might need in their desired career. Encourage activities like work experience and job tasters to help them discover their interests and strengths. This can make their studies feel more meaningful and relevant, motivating them to stay engaged and focused.

Tip 5: lead with empathy

Demonstrate empathy by listening attentively to their concerns and difficulties. Take a moment to listen thoughtfully before offering a solution to their concern. Sometimes your young person just needs to feel heard without judgement. When they do speak about their concerns, validate their feelings and reassure them that you are there to support them. This can show them that you really want to understand their experiences and provide supportive guidance. It can be helpful to acknowledge that everyone communicates differently, and offer encouragement as they navigate their feelings and thoughts. After acknowledging their concerns, ask them how they think you can best support them moving forward. By working together with your young person, instead of fixing things for them, they can feel empowered by having a sense of autonomy over their choices.

Tip 6: normalise challenges

Help them understand that facing challenges is a normal part of learning and growth. You could emphasise that it's okay to progress at their own speed and that setbacks are sometimes opportunities for learning. Encourage them to define what ‘success’ and ‘failure’ actually means to them, focusing on personal growth and effort rather than what others expect. Discussing and exploring this together can strengthen your connection and provide reassurance, helping them feel supported as they navigate their journey.

Tip 7: encourage healthy habits

Support them to set up daily routines that include dedicated study times and self-care activities.  Encourage them to find a balance between their academic responsibilities and activities that promote their well-being, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, hobbies they enjoy or spending time with friends. Joining in these activities with your young person can not only strengthen your relationship but also provide a sense of connection.

Tip 8: explore options

Exploring alternative schooling options may be a valuable step in addressing low motivation to study. For some young people, traditional schooling does not align with their learning needs or interests. Alternative schooling options in your local area may offer different educational approaches that might better engage students. This can include options to have individual learning plans or reasonable adjustments made within their current course or school. These options can provide the same future tertiary study pathways and employment opportunities as mainstream schooling. For instance, young people who have not completed mainstream school can still qualify for university entry through TAFE studies or adult entry options.

Distance education can provide flexibility for those who thrive in a self-paced learning environment.

In some cases, leaving school altogether and pursuing vocational training, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce may be appropriate. Make sure to check your state Education Department’s website for specific laws and regulations about school enrolment ages and the requirements for leaving school, so you can make an informed decision.

It's important to have open discussions about these options and seek professional advice. Websites like the Australian Government's myfuture and the Department of Education in your state or territory offer comprehensive information on various educational pathways and support services.

Across Australia, there are also specific policies and initiatives to support culturally inclusive, non-discriminatory schooling environments. These may be accessible Australia-wide, such as the National Agreement on Closing the Gap or specific to each state or territory. Exploring these options can help find the right fit and reignite a young person's enthusiasm for learning.

Tip 9: set clear expectations and goals

Sit down together to discuss and agree on goals that are realistic and achievable. While grades are important, it could be helpful to emphasise the importance of effort and improvements in behaviour. Generally, when effort and behaviour improve, grades often follow naturally. Define what putting in effort actually looks like from their perspective as well as your own, and how they can demonstrate this. Effort may look like allowing more time for their studies or engaging in notetaking in-class. This approach not only helps them understand the path to success but also encourages them to take charge of their learning journey. Remember to check in regularly, adjust goals as necessary, and celebrate their progress to keep them motivated.

Tip 10: seek support

Encourage your young person to reach out to their teachers and to use the support services available where they are enrolled, such as guidance counsellors, student services or tutoring programs for academic help. You could offer to help arrange these discussions or accompany them if they feel comfortable with that. Remind them of the importance of seeking professional mental health support if they are dealing with emotional or psychological challenges related to their studies. Additionally, consider consulting with a GP or psychologist to better understand their individual needs, including potential diagnoses that may help tailor their learning environment. However, it's important to acknowledge that accessing these services can be costly and time-consuming, and may not be an option for everyone. In such cases, making the most of the resources and supports that are available at their study institution can still make a significant difference.

Supporting young people through their educational journey can be challenging, but you're not alone. It's essential to prioritise your own well-being by seeking support and celebrating small achievements along the way. Every family's path is unique, and exploring different strategies can help you discover what works best for each young person. If you see your young person becoming more engaged in schoolwork, developing a more positive attitude towards learning, or communicating better about their goals and challenges, it's a good sign that you're both moving in the right direction. Remember, each small step forward is a significant achievement!