Issue 3 - Guidance Department Support: Helping Parents Through the Leaving Cert Journey
Creating the Right Conditions for Learning
As students approach the final stretch of their school journey, parents often wonder how best to support them. While encouragement and reassurance play a crucial role, one of the most impactful ways to help is by creating the right conditions for effective learning.
Jim Kwik, a leading expert in brain performance, highlights that successful learning isn’t just about intelligence or effort it’s about having the right mindset, motivation, and methods. When these three elements come together, students can learn more effectively, retain information longer, and approach their studies with confidence.
1. The Right Mindset for Learning
Mindset is everything. If a student believes they can succeed, they are far more likely to put in the effort required to do so. Many students struggle with self-doubt, believing they are “bad” at a subject or incapable of achieving high grades. As parents, you can help shift this mindset by encouraging a growth perspective, one where challenges are opportunities to learn rather than barriers to success.
Remind your son that intelligence is not fixed; the brain is like a muscle that grows stronger with use. Encourage them to focus on progress rather than perfection and to celebrate small wins along the way.
Reflecting on Parental Messages
Parents play a powerful role in shaping their child’s attitude toward learning. Often, without realising it, we pass down limiting beliefs about certain subjects. Phrases like “We’re just not a maths family” or “I was never good at Irish” can unconsciously send the message that ability is inherited rather than developed.
Instead, shift the conversation. If your son is struggling with a subject, acknowledge the challenge but reinforce the idea that skills improve with practice: “Maths was tough for me too, but I found ways to get better, and you can too.” This small shift in language can make a huge difference in their confidence and willingness to persevere.
2. The Formula for Motivation: P × E × S × S
Motivation is not something students either have or don’t have—it’s something they can generate. Kwik offers a simple but powerful formula:
P (Purpose) × E (Energy) × S (Small Steps) × S (Strategy) = Motivation
Purpose: Why Study?
One of the biggest blocks to motivation is not seeing the point of studying. Help your teen connect their subjects to a greater purpose. Why are they doing the Leaving Cert? Is it a stepping stone to university, an apprenticeship, or a career they dream of?
Encourage them to find a personal, emotional reason for studying. For example, if they’re interested in engineering, remind them that mastering physics and maths will help them achieve that goal. If they want to travel, remind them that learning French or another language could open doors to international opportunities. When learning is linked to a meaningful goal, it becomes easier to engage with.
Energy: Fuel for the Brain
Motivation isn’t just about willpower—it’s about energy. A tired, dehydrated, or stressed-out brain simply cannot function at its best. Help your son build strong energy foundations by focusing on:
- Sleep: Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep affects concentration, memory, and emotional regulation.
- Nutrition: A brain-friendly diet includes protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Encourage them to eat breakfast and stay hydrated.
- Exercise: Physical movement boosts oxygen flow to the brain and improves focus.
- Social Interaction & Fun: Learning doesn’t have to be a solo struggle. Study groups, discussions with friends, and even fun breaks can boost motivation.
Small Steps: The Power of Tiny Wins
Students often feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of study ahead. The key to progress is taking the smallest possible step that guarantees success. For example:
- Instead of thinking, “I need to study all of biology,” break it down to: “I will summarise one key concept today.”
- Instead of, “I need to improve in French,” say, “I will practice 5 new vocabulary words today.”
- Instead of, “I need to write an entire essay,” say, “I will write one paragraph.”
By focusing on small, achievable goals, students build momentum, which leads to sustained motivation.
3. The Right Learning Methods: Learning by Teaching
Many students struggle because they passively read textbooks or highlight notes without truly engaging with the material. Jim Kwik suggests that one of the best ways to learn is to teach. If a student can explain a concept to someone else in simple terms, they truly understand it.
Encourage them to:
- Teach a parent or sibling what they learned in school that day.
- Study with friends and quiz each other.
- Record short videos of themselves explaining concepts.
- Create mind maps or flashcards that organise information visually.
When students become active participants in their own learning, they absorb information more effectively and retain it for longer.
Final Thoughts: Supporting Your Teen’s Learning Journey
As a parent, your role isn’t to do the learning for them but to create an environment where learning thrives. Help them build a strong mindset, connect their studies to a purpose, and ensure they have the energy and motivation to keep going. Encourage them to take small, consistent steps and use active learning methods.
Success in the final year of school isn’t just about how much they study—it’s about how effectively they study. By focusing on these principles, you can support your son in reaching his potential, not just for exams, but for lifelong learning.
Useful Resources
- The Whole Brain Method for Taking Notes | Jim Kwik
- Studyclix.ie – Topic-based past papers and quizzes.
- Examinations.ie – Official marking schemes and sample answers.
- YouTube & Podcasts – Search for revision guides on challenging topics.
- Wellbeing Supports – Jigsaw.ie and SpunOut.ie provide guidance on managing stress.