Whether he's a straight-A student or needs a little help when it comes to his studies, every teen can do more to perform better in class. With a new school year ready to begin, now's the time to use some simple but effective strategies to improve classroom performance – turn the opening of the report card into a pleasant surprise, instead of a dreaded ritual. Share these tips with your teen:
- Take Notes
Even if a teacher doesn't require students to take notes, writing down important information is a great way to help you remember it. Take down major points, key words, names and dates, because taking thorough notes will not only help you when it comes time to study, it will likely make it easier to recollect important details when test time comes around.
- Ask and Answer Questions
A lot of young people tend to shy away from asking and answering questions in class, whether it's because they don't like the attention or are afraid of giving the wrong answer. However, getting in the habit of asking and answering questions can be a great way to not only get over a fear of public speaking, but also ensure you're paying attention. If you tell yourself to ask or answer at least one question during every class, it will give you even more reason to pay attention and fully take in what your instructor is teaching.
- Make Time
One of the biggest challenges to getting good grades is giving yourself enough time to devote to homework and studying. Many teens are involved in afterschool sports, clubs or other extracurricular activities, work a part-time job or simply want to hang out with friends after school. However, by forcing yourself to set aside a certain amount of time to focus purely on academic responsibilities, you'll find that it's much easier to keep up with class work.
- Get Organized
Maybe a giant whiteboard with a detailed breakdown of your day isn't for everyone, but it's a fact that being organized makes it easier to keep up with school. There's no worse feeling than showing up to class only to find out there's a test you forgot to study for or book report you forgot to write. Keeping a day planner or calendar is a great way to take out the stress from trying to remember everything while also keeping you up to date on your assignments.
- Be Rested
It's amazing what a difference a good night's sleep can make. Not getting enough sleep will not only make you cranky, but it will make it much harder to concentrate and pay attention in class. You may despise an early bedtime, but turning out the lights and giving yourself plenty of time for sleep is essential for success in school.
- Eat Well
Just as with sleep, a good diet can make all the difference when it comes to classroom success. Eating a good breakfast in the morning will give you the energy you need to face the day fresh and focused, while pigging out on junk food is likely to leave you tired and lethargic later in the day.
- Reach Out
Always remember that your teachers, counselors and school administrators are available to help you if you ever feel like you're falling behind. Simply talking to a teacher and asking for help can get you back on the right track. Whether it's through tutoring programs or extra credit assignments, reaching out for help can help you succeed.