Your Child Is Struggling on Tests: 5 Ways to Improve Results

The Phone Call That Changed Everything

Jasmine sat at her kitchen table. Her phone buzzed with an email. It was Ethan’s latest test scores. Her stomach sank. Maths. Science. English. All below expectations. She felt lost. How could she help her child improve results? She didn’t even know where to start.

Three months ago, Ethan was confident about school. Then autumn arrived. Something changed. He felt lost in class. He spent hours on homework. Yet nothing improved. Soon, he stopped trying altogether. Jasmine felt scared. So many parents faced this same problem. But her helplessness felt real. Her son needed help to improve results on tests. He needed his confidence back.

Parent having supportive conversation with child about learning challenges to help improve results on tests

That evening, she talked to Ethan. She asked simple questions. Did he understand the material? Was he scared of tests? Did he know how to study? His answers surprised her. Ethan wasn’t lazy. He wasn’t unmotivated. He simply didn’t know the right strategies. He needed help to improve results.

Jasmine knew what to do next. She needed expert guidance. So she started searching for solutions.

Understanding Why Children Struggle: The Discovery of Actionable Help

Within days, Jasmine found something important. According to Understood.org, 1 in 5 students face learning struggles. Some feel anxious. Others miss basic skills. Many never learned how to study well.

But here’s the good news: children who improve results don’t do it overnight. They need help. They need good study plans. They need practice. So fixing test struggles takes a real approach.

Jasmine learned something crucial. A good math tutor can help. A reading tutor can help, too. Even a physics tutor can change how kids feel about learning. These experts work with families. They find what works. Then they help kids improve their test results.

She spent time reading articles. She learned about study methods. She read about tutoring. She found the American Psychological Association’s guide on learning. Then she visited STEM Prep Tutoring. She wanted to learn about tutoring programmes. She wanted to know how to help kids improve results.

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Strategy 1: Discover the Root Cause

Ethan’s problems didn’t happen by chance. Instead, they had real causes that needed finding. Jasmine decided to meet with a learning specialist. That person asked many questions. Eventually, the answers became clear. Ethan struggled with reading comprehension. When texts got hard, he got lost. Similarly, science class confused him, too. He couldn’t understand what he read. Plus, he felt scared of maths word problems.

Once Jasmine understood the real issues, everything changed. Rather than saying “Ethan struggles with everything,” she could say something more specific. “Ethan needs help with reading,” she explained. “He needs help with maths too.” This clearer view helped her get the right support. As a result, improvement became possible.

Getting the right assessment matters greatly. Therefore, ask yourself these questions:

  • Which subjects cause the most pain?
  • Does your child grasp the concepts but struggle with the test?
  • Do certain question types confuse him or her?
  • Does fear block test performance?

A reading and writing tutor can provide answers. Specifically, they test your child carefully. They find if reading is the core issue, or perhaps dyslexia. Meanwhile, a math tutor does similar work. These professionals check basic maths or advanced skills. Consequently, working with a reading tutoring specialist helps tremendously. A comprehension tutor finds exactly what your child needs.

Strategy 2: Build a Study Plan to Improve Results

Here’s what Jasmine found out: Ethan wasn’t bad at studying. He’d just never learned how. He opened books at random. He tried to remember facts. He hoped it would work. It didn’t. His brain wasn’t working well. So he couldn’t improve the results.

Jasmine made a simple plan. She broke topics into small pieces. Instead of “maths,” they studied “fractions.” Then “equations.” She made a weekly plan. She added review days, too. Not last-minute cramming. Just steady, daily work.

For help, she looked into online math tutor sessions. These let kids learn at home. A tutor can watch. A tutor can guide. Many parents find this works. Regular tutoring in mathematics gives real study skills. Kids can use these skills alone to improve results.

Here’s what Jasmine’s plan had:

  • Study time each day: 30 to 45 minutes
  • Break topics into small, easy chunks
  • Test yourself on what you learned
  • Review over weeks, not days
Organised study desk with structured weekly planner and colour-coded materials to help students improve results on tests

Three weeks went by. Ethan felt better. Six weeks passed. His test scores went up.

Strategy 3: Build Confidence and Reduce Test Anxiety

Beyond the schoolwork, Jasmine saw another problem. Ethan felt nervous before exams. Additionally, he thought, “I’m not smart enough.” That negative belief hurt his willingness to try. Therefore, she had to build his confidence, too. Clearly, this mattered as much as the maths and reading. Both were essential to lasting improvement.

Research from Edutopia shows something important. When kids feel scared or sad, their brains don’t work as well as normal. Fear actually blocks learning. However, confidence helps tremendously. So mindset matters greatly. It helps students improve results quickly.

Jasmine tried several new approaches. First, she cheered for small wins enthusiastically. When Ethan got one maths problem right, she said “Great job!” and meant it. Subsequently, she changed how she talked about mistakes. Instead of “You got it wrong,” she now said “Now we know what to study. Let’s improve results next time.” Moreover, she worked with a comprehension tutor who was always kind and patient.

Most importantly, she stopped comparing Ethan to other kids. Every child learns at their own pace. Some progress quickly. Others need more time. However, all kids can improve results with proper support.

Encouraging tutor praising student's improved work to build confidence and improve results on tests

Strategy 4: Learn by Doing, Not Just Reading

Passive studying doesn’t work anymore. Reading notes repeatedly feels boring and doesn’t stick. Therefore, Jasmine changed everything about how Ethan studied. She made him learn by actually doing things. Different subjects need different approaches. Reading needs talking and discussion. Meanwhile, maths needs real-world problems. Furthermore, science needs watching and experimenting. All of these methods help improve results.

For reading lessons, Jasmine and Ethan talked about books together. Rather than just re-reading silently, they discussed ideas. Similarly, for maths, they found real problems in daily life. Going beyond textbook drills made learning feel real. Additionally, they watched science videos. Then Ethan explained what he learned in his own words. Moreover, he wrote his own study guides without copying from textbooks.

This approach changed everything about his learning. When kids do things actively, they remember more. Furthermore, they understand ideas deeply instead of just memorising facts. Consequently, test scores improve naturally without extra cramming.

Many families work with a reading tutoring specialist for this approach. Specifically, these tutors teach active reading strategies. Similarly, a physics tutor or chemistry tutor emphasises real problem-solving. Therefore, active learning with expert tutors really helps improvement happen.

Student engaged in hands-on learning activity and real-world problem solving to improve results on tests

Strategy 5: Track Progress and Celebrate Success

The final piece of the puzzle was monitoring progress consistently. Jasmine learned one simple truth: you must track what your child learns. Therefore, she made a simple system. Each week, she and Ethan looked back together. What went well during the week? Which areas need more work? Additionally, each month they celebrated real wins. They also set new goals for the upcoming months.

Why did this tracking help so much? First, it showed Ethan real progress that he could see. His scores actually went up over time. Furthermore, it revealed which methods worked best for him. Additionally, it kept them both motivated and on track. Most importantly, it prevented falling back into old habits.

The results came quickly. After two months passed, Ethan’s test scores shot up significantly. But beyond the numbers, something deeper changed. He wasn’t scared of tests anymore. Moreover, he actually wanted to study. Finally, he felt able to improve results on his own.

Parent and student celebrating measured progress and improved test results shown on achievement chart

How Expert Tutors Help Students Succeed

Through her whole journey, Jasmine learned one important truth. Professional support really matters for lasting change. A skilled math tutor transforms lives completely. Similarly, a reading tutor opens new possibilities. Moreover, a comprehension tutor guides children forward with patience. Whether your child needs a reading and writing tutor, physics tutor, or help with dyslexia, expert guidance makes a huge difference.

STEM Prep Tutoring helps students at all levels. Our tutors work one-on-one with each student carefully. They focus on maths, reading, science, and test preparation. Furthermore, we help kids from primary school through secondary school. Additionally, we offer PSAT and SAT preparation services.

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Your Path Forward: Helping Your Child Succeed

If your child is struggling with tests, know this important fact: problems are completely fixable. The right support works beautifully every time. It might be tutoring in maths specifically. Alternatively, it might be reading help or physics support. Any of these approaches can change your child’s academic journey dramatically.

Ethan’s story shows something deeply true. Kids don’t struggle because they lack intelligence at all. Rather, they struggle because they haven’t found the right method yet. Additionally, they haven’t found the right support person. Furthermore, they haven’t built up their confidence fully. Therefore, your job is clear and straightforward. Find expert help immediately. Build a good study plan together. Create the space for success to happen.

The five strategies in this article have been tested repeatedly. Furthermore, they’ve been proven effective by many families. Whether your child needs a reading tutor, math tutoring, or full STEM support, the path remains the same. First, find the real problem causing struggles. Next, get structure and organisation in place. Then, build confidence. Additionally, learn by doing things actively. Finally, track progress consistently.

That’s how lasting improvement happens.

Take Action Today: Connect With Expert Tutors

You don’t have to do this alone anymore. STEM Prep Tutoring is here to help you. Our tutors work one-on-one with each student carefully. They create personalised plans that actually work. Moreover, they help kids improve results on every test.

Need an online math tutor for flexible learning? We have experienced professionals. Perhaps you need reading tutoring help and support? We offer that service. Maybe you’re looking for comprehensive test prep? We specialise in that area.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Additionally, read more helpful tips on our blog page.

Your child can improve results. Let us help make it happen today.