“In a rapidly changing and increasingly challenging world, the basic survival skills for children centre on the ability to learn, effectively dealing with information, and surfing the knowledge-tsunami without being overpowered by it,” says academic, child psychologist and author, Dr Deon van Wyk.
Based on this premise, his popular book and guide, Study without Stress, provides a valuable toolkit for parents to assist their children in not only developing proper learning skills to meet the demands of scholastic performance, but also in coping with future demands in the market place.
On request, Study without Stress (which was first published in 1988, followed by several reprints) was updated, and the revised edition printed in hard copy as well as an eBook in 2015.
Contents
Besides dealing in detail with all the skills – such as study, exam writing, reading, mathematical and communication skills, as well as emotional IQ – that children need to develop in order to cope in an increasingly competitive school, university and working environment, Van Wyk also provides various guidelines for parents to assist their children in cultivating a positive study attitude towards learning and schoolwork.
The role of the brain and intelligence, the study method and programme, other life skills, and the various levels at which parents should ideally be involved in with their children also come under the spotlight.
Increasing pressure
Says Van Wyk: “Undoubtedly, the volume and complexity of schoolwork our children have to deal with today are light-years removed from what we, as parents, had to deal with. This puts tremendous pressure on both parents and children, especially as the current economic climate necessitates dual-career households. It is therefore imperative that children, right from their earliest years, develop both a positive attitude towards studying and gathering knowledge and the right study methods to meet the demands of current syllabuses.”
Alas, more often than not this is not the case, he adds. “By far the majority of children primarily memorise their work, despite the fact that studies show that 70% of the work learnt this way, is forgotten within 24 hours. This translates into a mere 30 out of 100 facts that can actually be recalled. This, in particular, inspired me to provide parents with the necessary guidelines to help their children in their development of a positive study approach as well as study methods.”
Changing workplace
A rapidly changing world and workplace was another determining factor for writing this book, Van Wyk points out. “Ongoing change will not only be synonymous with the future; going forward, change will most likely gather speed. Individuals will therefore have to learn to maintain themselves and act creatively in a world of constant flux. Within this context they will also have a greater responsibility to personally give direction to their lives,” Van Wyk believes.
He adds that when one searches for “top jobs” on Google, you will find titles such as “Ten jobs that did not exist 10 years ago” and “Five high-paying jobs that didn’t exist 10 years ago”.
“On the other hand, it is also reported that 47% of the jobs in the USA, as we know it today, are at risk from automation. This especially applies to low-skilled jobs and will increasingly spread to middle class jobs. Should you, however, consult the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Handbook, growth rates of 30% or more over the next 10 years for familiar job titles as diverse as brick mason and dental hygienist are projected. Undoubtedly therefore, while some jobs are here to stay, many jobs will disappear and new jobs will be created,” says Van Wyk.
Problems facing pupils, parents
Van Wyk believes one of the biggest problems facing pupils these days, is the large amount of school work already at primary school level and the stress it places on households. Further complicating the matter, is the full extra-curricular programme that limits study time even more. Ignorance and uncertainty as to how to deal with this problem, therefore succumbing to the obvious solution of putting pressure on their children to perform, more often than not result in strained parent/child relations.
“During my years as a practising psychologist, it was always very touching to see, hear and experience the tension between parents and their child because of academic under-performance, their anxious cry for help to assist their child; the disappointment of the child not being able to register at a university or technikon for the necessary qualification to embark on a really interesting and desired career,” says Van Wyk.
Another big problem is that the children are no longer equipped with the necessary reading skills. “Imparting the skill of speed reading and retention in children is more often than not sorely neglected and urgently needs to be addressed. This can best be achieved through a collaborative approach between teachers and parents, based on the curriculum and within the context of tried and tested study methods. Most teachers are well equipped to teach their subject with enthusiasm and insight so that it resonates with their pupils. Ideally, parents should then replicate and synergistically continue with this process at home,” he concludes.
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