It is important for students to enhance a learning style or suitable studying habits that will help them keep focused on their ultimate goal which is academics.

Educators maintain that while studying habits maybe overlooked, there are numerous benefits that come along with it.

Aminadhad Niyonshuti, an English teacher at Apapper Complex School, Kicukiro says such habits are important especially when it comes to organisation and building effective studying skills.

A vital aspect he points out is for students to learn how to have expectations on what they want to achieve in academics and in life in general.

Teachers can as well help students with this because they are the ones who know the strengths and weaknesses of all students, he says, adding that this can be achieved by identifying areas in a student’s life that need more attention.

He also says that teachers should allow learners to suggest or even ask questions on what they don’t understand or where they feel they are not comfortable, then schedule time to focus on such areas.

"This can help achieve or improve the studying habits for learners, as they will be familiar with whatever they will be studying,” Niyonshuti says.

"Extracurricular activities among others are just some of the things students have to have in their routine, as part of ensuring effective studying,” he adds.

Faustin Mutabazi, the chief executive officer at Educational Consultancy Bureau, an organisation that supports education and curriculum activities in Kigali also puts emphasis on setting expectations.

He places this prominence on the role parents have to play.

"I believe parents should help their children set expectations. They should also come in to monitor and do a follow up on the expectations on whether they are being achieved or not,” he says.

Mutabazi also says that parents should as well provide a conducive environment where their children can study.

"During study time while at home, keeping them away from the TV, noise and even away from their younger siblings if they have some at home is very important. This helps learners concentrate on studying which is also an effective study skill that boosts academics,” he adds.

Besides, encouraging your children as a parent to think positively when studying can help boost their confidence, Mutabazi notes.

"Confidence is an important factor in educational success. When a student loses self-esteem, they may lose motivation in learning. By building confidence in students, parents and educators can safeguard this important aspect, especially in students’ lives as far as success is concerned,” he says.

Alternatively, Niyonshuti says teachers can also help students form study groups at school.

He explains that this is important because it also promotes good habits of learning among students.

"Working in groups can help students when they’re struggling to understand a concept and can enable them to complete assignments more quickly than when working alone,” he says.

He says it’s also through the groups that learners get a chance to share their experiences, and what they think should be done to achieve certain objectives.

Mutabazi notes that when it comes to promoting good habits of learning, parents and teachers should keep into their minds that ‘all work with no play makes Jack a dull boy’.

Because of this, he says teachers should schedule a time for learners to involve in extracurricular activities and if possible, let them engage in what they are interested in.

"The same should be applied to parents; they should not restrict them from playing with their peers. This should be done all the time even during examination time as it helps relax students’ minds,” he says.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com