Everyone has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning. For many students, certain school subjects—like math, science, or history—can feel like mountains too steep to climb. The good news? With the right approach, any subject can become easier, even enjoyable. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or an adult returning to education, this guide will show you the right way to strengthen weak subjects.
1. Identify the Problem Areas
Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to identify which subjects are weak and why. Is it difficult to understand concepts? Trouble staying motivated? A lack of foundational knowledge?
Action tip: Use quizzes, past tests, or even talk to a teacher or tutor to pinpoint exact areas of difficulty. Once you know the “why,” you can plan the “how.”
“Diagnosis is not the end, but the beginning of practice.” — Martin H. Fischer.
2. Develop a Positive Mindset
Many people struggle with subjects not because of a lack of ability, but because they believe they’re “just bad at it.” This negative mindset creates a mental block.
Growth Mindset Matters
Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and ability can improve with effort. Research shows that students who adopt this mindset are more likely to succeed in challenging subjects (Dweck, 2006).
Action tip: Replace thoughts like “I can’t do this” with “I can’t do this yet.”
3. Start with the Basics
Weak subjects often stem from missing foundational skills. For example, struggling with algebra might come from gaps in arithmetic or fractions.
Subject-Specific Advice:
- Math: Go back to basics—addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals. Use tools like Khan Academy to rebuild from the ground up.
- English/Language Arts: Focus on grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Reading daily—even simple books—can also help.
- Science: Understand key concepts first—like the scientific method or basic laws—before moving to complex theories.
- History: Create a timeline or mind map of events. Knowing the sequence makes it easier to understand causes and effects.
- Languages: Revisit the alphabet, basic grammar, and pronunciation. Practice speaking and listening before jumping into writing or reading.
Action tip: Spend 10–15 minutes each day reviewing these fundamentals before starting new material.
4. Create a Consistent Study Routine
A scattered study schedule leads to inconsistent learning. Consistency builds habits, and habits build mastery.
The Pomodoro Technique
Use this time management method: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat four times, then take a longer break.
Action tip: Designate a distraction-free study area and make studying part of your daily routine.
5. Use Active Learning Techniques
Passive reading or highlighting isn’t enough. Active learning helps reinforce understanding by engaging your brain in processing and applying information.
Examples of Active Learning:
- Teach Back: Teach the material to someone else. If you can explain it simply, you understand it.
- Practice Problems: Especially important in math and science.
- Flashcards: Great for vocabulary, dates, and definitions.
- Mind Mapping: Visually organise complex information.
Action tip: Use apps like Quizlet for flashcards or Notion for digital mind maps.
6. Get Help When You Need It
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Tutors, teachers, peers, or online forums can provide different perspectives that make hard topics easier.
Types of Support:
- Teachers: Ask questions during or after class.
- Tutors: Personalised help focused on your pace and needs.
- Online Platforms: Reddit, StackExchange, Coursera, and others offer community and course-based learning.
Action tip: Make a list of people or places you can turn to when you hit a roadblock.
7. Leverage Technology and Tools
There are thousands of free and paid resources available online that cater to different learning styles—visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
Top Resources by Subject:
- Math & Science: Khan Academy, Brilliant.org, Wolfram Alpha
- Languages: Duolingo, Babbel, HelloTalk
- English: Grammarly, ReadTheory
- History & Social Studies: CrashCourse on YouTube, BBC Bitesize
Action tip: Try different formats—videos, games, or podcasts—to keep things engaging.
8. Make Learning Fun and Relevant
It’s easier to learn something when you enjoy it. Connect your studies to real life, interests, or career goals.
Examples:
- Love cooking? Study chemistry through food science.
- Enjoy gaming? Learn math through coding or game design.
- Into travel? Improve geography or language skills.
Action tip: Turn study time into a game or challenge. Use rewards for motivation.
9. Track Your Progress
Nothing motivates like seeing improvement. Track small wins, like understanding a new concept or scoring higher on a test.
Ways to Track:
- Maintain a learning journal
- Use a calendar or app to mark study sessions
- Set weekly or monthly learning goals
Action tip: Reflect weekly: What did you learn? What was hard? What helped?
10. Stay Patient and Persistent
Improvement takes time. You might not notice a change overnight, but with consistent effort, the results will come.
Encourage Self-Compassion
Everyone learns differently and at their own pace. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
“It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius.
Conclusion
Strengthening weak subjects is completely possible, no matter your age or starting point. It all begins with identifying your challenges, developing a growth mindset, and using effective learning strategies. Don’t be afraid to seek help, try different approaches, and most importantly, believe in your ability to improve.
Learning is a journey, and every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
The Best Way to Manage Study During Holidays
References
- Dweck, Carol S. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Ballantine Books, 2006.
- Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/
- Quizlet. https://quizlet.com/
- Duolingo. https://www.duolingo.com/
- CrashCourse. https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse
- Brilliant.org. https://brilliant.org/
- Wolfram Alpha. https://www.wolframalpha.com/
- ReadTheory. https://readtheory.org/