We are living in extraordinary and challenging times. Our aim is to assist parents in managing their child’s academic stress. Even in normal times, the pressures of deadlines, tests, exams, and a tight schedule can cause a student to feel overburdened and anxious. The additional pressures and uncertainties of today’s educational climate only increase these worries. Learning how to better manage stress with strong executive functioning skills helps students to be more motivated, focussed, productive and at ease.
Time Management
The importance of creating and adhering to a reasonable schedule cannot be underestimated. Studies* have shown that effectively managing one’s time greatly contributes to the reduction of negative stress. This also includes planning for downtime, whether spending time on a hobby, sports, or heading outdoors.
Get Organized
Assisting a student to become better organized is easier said than done! Keeping track of class notes, course material, due dates, and homework are all vital aspects of managing stress. A student with strong organizational skills feels a greater sense of control over the demands of school, and therefore less anxious.
Breaking Down Assignments
Chunking tasks into manageable pieces helps to eliminate feelings of overwhelm. Make a list and tackle each step one at a time. Being able to gauge your progress as you check items off your list is a terrific motivator. This method also assists with procrastination. Knowing where and how to begin helps a student to get started.
Student Support
Academic coaching and mentoring have become of even greater importance in today’s new learning environment. Our tutors do not merely relay information but help students to harness and realize their own strengths and potential. This includes teaching a student strong executive functioning skills. Offering real world strategies such as how to make the most of any class time they have by teaching more effective note taking, organizational skills, and time management skills. Developing these positive habits now will have a lasting impact on managing stress into university and beyond.
- Credit: Macan, T.H., Shahani, C., Dipboye, R. L. & Philips, A. P. (1990). College Students’ Time Management: Correlations With Academic Performance and Stress. Journal of Educational Psychology, 82(4), pp. 760-768.
