Set the Guardrails, Not the Steering Wheel
Agree on outcomes with your learner (grades, completed modules, practice tests). Avoid daily nagging—focus on weekly checkpoints.
Create a study-ready environment: clear desk, headphones, printed schedule, and a visible calendar of due dates.
- Use a single dashboard for grades, attendance, and assignments.
- Define “office hours” when you’re available for help—but let them start the work.
- Celebrate consistency, not just results (e.g., 4 of 5 planned sessions).
Run a Weekly Progress Huddle
15 minutes every Sunday: review what was completed, what slipped, and why. Ask your learner to lead the update.
Identify blockers you can remove (tech issues, noisy space, unclear assignment instructions).
“Teaching a concept is the fastest signal of true understanding—and boosts confidence.”
- Look for trends, not single bad days.
- Confirm the next week’s top three priorities and deadlines.
- Schedule one “teach-back” where they explain a concept to you.
Keep Motivation Steady
Swap generic praise for specific wins: “You stuck to the schedule” beats “You’re smart.”
Tie effort to outcomes with mini-rewards (a break, a walk) rather than big, delayed promises.
- Use a simple scoreboard: sessions planned vs. completed.
- Rotate study formats: practice quizzes, short videos, and peer discussions.
- Encourage sleep and movement—performance drops fast without them.