E36 - Learning Strategies Every Student (and Parent) Needs

About this episode

The episode discusses effective learning strategies that reduce stress and improve academic performance for students and parents.

What if learning and doing well in academics (and life) meant doing less, not more? In this conversation between host Sonia Dong and Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer, founder and CEO of Awakened Learning, we learn how to unpack what it really means to support your kids as learners without the burnout. Dr. Deena shares how she went from high school teacher to pioneering holistic learning strategies that serve learners of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. She challenges the myth that hours of note-rewriting equals real studying, and introduces her practical 3-2-1 method for exam prep that reduces stress and improves grades. This conversation offers parents a refreshing new lens on how to show up for their kids (and themselves) as lifelong learners. About Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer is Founder & CEO of Awakened Learning, Canada’s #1 team of Learning Strategists. She’s a lifelong educator with over 20 years of experience supporting thousands of learners, educators, and parents and chosen families across K–12 and post-secondary spaces. Deena is also a TEDx speaker and a 2× bestselling author of Feel Good Learning and Raising Well Learners, where she explores how…

People in this episode

Host: Sonia Dong

Guest: Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer

Topics covered

• learning strategies
• parenting
• education
• student support
• holistic learning

Keywords

• learning
• education
• parenting
• exam prep
• holistic strategies

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Awakened Learning

Books & works: Feel Good Learning, Raising Well Learners

More episodes of Raising the Next Gen Podcast

• E40 - The Growth and Healing We Pass Forward · June 10, 2026 · 33 min
• E39 - Exploring Career Paths At Every Age · May 20, 2026 · 33 min
• E38 - Teaching Our Little and Big Kids That Kindness Matters · May 15, 2026 · 20 min
• E37 - Easy Ways to Get Kids Involved & Save Time Scheduling · May 12, 2026 · 39 min
• E35 - What Are the 7 Types of Rest You and Your Family Need? · April 5, 2026 · 59 min
• E34 - Understanding Your Teen's Mind and Mood · April 1, 2026 · 42 min