If your work overlaps too much, try to rearrange your schedule with your boss. Explain what the problem is and see if anyone would be willing to switch shifts with you. [2] X Research source You may need to sacrifice some of your obligations. Being over-committed to projects can cause you to fail. You can’t skip assignments in other classes, but if it is a school activity or social engagement, you may not be able to do it if you are serious about bringing up your grade.
If you have a paper, start your research right away. You will be able to find more in depth research. This will allow you to make much better arguments if you are ready with scholarship on your topic. Also focus on scholarly sources. The better information you have, the better your paper will be. [4] X Research source If you have a project, start working on the components of it as soon as possible. The more hard work you put into an assignment, the better your grade will be.
When you read for class, make notes about the readings as you do them. This way, you won’t have to redo the readings later when it is time for the exam. This may take a little more time as you go, but you will be ready when exam time comes. This will help you make a better grade. [6] X Research source About two weeks before a test, start to review your materials. Read and reread your notes. Make yourself flash cards of the material. If you find that you are having problem spots on certain topics, spend extra time on those sections. If you’re prepping for a math test, take some time to review your notes and highlight the most important vocabulary and topics. [7] X Expert Source Daron CamAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 29 May 2020.
Try to include someone who is passing the class you are failing. They are more likely to understand the information. They will also be able to answer questions you have. [9] X Expert Source Daron CamAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 29 May 2020. You can make games out of the material you need to cover to make it fun and more engaging. Try using a board game and flashcards to mix up how you learn the materials. [10] X Research source
If you have questions as you do your homework, it helps to jot them down as they come. That way, you can ask your teacher as soon as you see them again and figure out what you don’t understand. Try to start your homework as soon as you get home from school. Homework is typically a large part of your grade, so you want to make sure you complete it. Plus, the earlier you do it, the more engaged and awake you will be. If you wait to right before you go to sleep to do it, you will likely be more distracted and tired, which will cause you to do sub par work and retain less information.
They can also help you come up with ways to study for the next exam or ideas for your next paper. They also may be able to give you more notes or readings that will help you figure it out. [12] X Research source Make sure you don’t depend on your teacher to provide you with a step by step guide on what is on the exams. You need to show effort and understanding or you could fail other classes in the future. [13] X Research source Feel free to ask questions both during and after class, if you need to.
You can also ask if there is a way to redo an assignment, especially if you understand the concepts better now. Say something like, “I had a hard time on the last assignment we got back. I understand it much better now that I have gotten some help and studied more. Is there a way that I can redo it?”
If you are more organized, you will be more efficient when you study. Not having to flip through tons of papers scattered throughout your bags will help you streamline the process and have more time to study on the material that is giving you trouble. [15] X Research source
If you have to miss class for an illness or school event, make sure you get notes from a fellow classmate. Try to find someone who takes really extensive notes so you will be sure to get any necessary information that you missed while you weren’t there. [17] X Research source
Make sure you ask questions in class. [18] X Expert Source Daron CamAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 29 May 2020. Whenever your teacher is going over something that you don’t quite understand, ask them, “Can you go over that again? I didn’t understand it. " If you don’t, you might get behind and miss a lot of important information that is needed for the next test. The more engaged you are during the class session, the more focused you will be on the material. This will help you be more prepared for the assignments and make better grades on them, which will help you get a higher grade. [19] X Research source
If you find your mind wanders when you write notes, try writing them in cool colors or changing colors every few sentences. This will keep your mind engaged on the material and also make your notes look more interesting when you review them later. Try to get a planner to write down when certain works are due. This may help prevent you from forgetting any work, which would bring down your grade. Don’t stress about the structure or handwriting of your notes. Just get all the information down so you can refer back to it later. As long as you can understand them when you study, you’ll be fine. [20] X Research source During math class, try to write your notes in simple, digestible steps that are easy to review later. [21] X Expert Source Daron CamAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 29 May 2020.
If you are intimidated by your teacher, you may be more comfortable asking for help from a peer tutor. Try asking them, “Can you help me understand this material? I’m failing but trying to bring my grade up. " You can also ask them any questions that you have about your upcoming assignments.
