Without review, the average student can
forget 80 percent of what he has read in just two weeks.
To help students retain what they have
learned, the first review of the material should come very shortly after they
have studied the material for the first time.
An early review acts as a check on
forgetting and helps them remember much longer. When the time comes to review
for a test, the material is fresher in their minds and easier to recall.
Sometimes, it also helps to recite the
material out loud. Recitation reinforces the material and creates a different
pathway into the child’s memory banks.
After reading a paragraph, it often helps
to have the student use his or her own words to describe key ideas.
One other homework tip has proven
effective for many families: When students are given a study assignment that
will be due in a few weeks, the students should spend time reviewing the tasks
and creating a timeline the very first night.
They should read through it carefully,
and think about all the elements that need to be done — including research,
memorization, artwork, or other creative touches.
The main advantage is that the student
avoids waiting until the last minute and discovering, too late, everything that
should have been done in the meantime.
