As school holidays approach, it is questioned whether learning should continue during the holidays. It may be unrealistic to expect students to maintain the same level of productivity, however, completely disengaging from learning can make returning back to school a difficult process.

Students often benefit more from small, but rewarding, tasks, rather than intensive study sessions. The absence of routine during the holidays can reduce motivation, making study ineffective and difficult to maintain. However, this does not mean that engaging with learning should stop entirely.

Engagement with learning can take various forms. Reading for enjoyment, practising writing skills in informal ways, researching concepts that you find of interest, or even engaging in conversations that encourage critical thinking can support learning. These activities done over the holidays can feel like ‘small wins’ as learning is still completed.

Ultimately, the goal during the holidays should be to maintain a connection to learning in a way that feels manageable and sustainable for students. As tutors, encouraging this balance can help students return to their studies feeling more confident, capable, and ready to re-engage when the school term begins.

Tamiah Mahoney