Using ‘Desirable Difficulties’ to help your child thrive when studying at home

Ensuring that our children are consistently challenged and engaged during their study sessions at home can be quite a difficult task. But striking the right balance of difficulty when it comes to their studying can have a profound impact on their learning, intellectual growth and overall academic success. In this article, we'll explore why it is crucial for children to work at a desirably difficult level while studying at home and how to achieve this through appropriate task difficulty and time limits.

Building resilience and growth mindset

Working at a desirably difficult level develops resilience and a growth mindset in children. When they encounter challenges, they are more likely to develop problem solving skills and a can-do attitude. Embracing challenging tasks as opportunities for growth will lead to increased self confidence and the ability to tackle complex problems in the future.

Preventing boredom and complacency

Repetitive and too easy tasks can lead to boredom and complacency, causing children to lose interest in their studies. By providing appropriately challenging materials, you can keep their minds engaged and maintain their enthusiasm for learning. The excitement of overcoming difficulties can be a powerful motivator, driving them to explore new subjects and expand their knowledge.

Enhancing cognitive abilities

When children work at a desirably difficult level, their brains are stimulated to make new neural connections, improving their cognitive abilities. The brain's plasticity allows it to adapt and grow and tackling challenging tasks accelerates this process. As a result, their ability to think critically, solve problems, and retain information will improve significantly.

Achieving optimal learning

The "zone of proximal development" concept, highlights the importance of setting tasks that are just beyond a child's current abilities but still achievable with assistance. Striking this balance ensures that children are consistently challenged without becoming overwhelmed. By tailoring the level of difficulty to match their capabilities, you can optimise their learning experience and promote continuous progress.

Developing time management skills

Introducing time limits during study sessions can also contribute to their growth. It encourages children to manage their time efficiently, teaching them the importance of prioritisation and focus. As they become more proficient in completing tasks within specific time frames, they'll develop essential time management skills that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional lives.

Developing independent learning

Working at a desirably difficult level encourages children to take initiative and engage in self directed learning. When they encounter challenges, they may seek out additional resources or ask for help, nurturing their ability to learn independently. This sense of autonomy and curiosity is invaluable in shaping lifelong learners.

Encouraging a healthy perspective on failure

A desirably difficult level also means that children might face occasional setbacks or encounter tasks they cannot immediately master. It's crucial to use these moments as learning opportunities rather than sources of frustration. Encourage your child to view failure as a stepping stone to success and to persevere in the face of challenges.

In conclusion, ensuring that your child is working at a desirably difficult level when studying at home can have numerous benefits for their personal growth and academic development. Striking the right balance of difficulty will foster resilience, cognitive abilities and a growth mindset, while also preventing boredom and promoting independent learning. By setting appropriate task difficulty and implementing time limits, you can support your child in thriving academically and preparing them for a successful future. Remember to provide encouragement and support throughout their journey of learning, celebrating their accomplishments and guiding them through challenges along the way.