BETTER GRADES – How Do I Do Well In Class?

By Stuart Ackerman

     It's easier than you think to succeed in the classroom.  Inside the class, you are in control of your learning and you have the ability to improve your grades.
 
Become Interested
 
     The less interested you are in the subject, the less you will pay attention and the worse you will do.  Try to find a way to become actively engaged in the class.  Try to make some connections between what you are learning and your own life.  For example, when learning about history, imagine yourself in that time period.  What would you have done?  What choices would you have made? Think about yourself, not about the other people who you are learning about.  Figure out ways how knowledge, decisions, and choices that you could have made then affect your life today.
 
     Also, if you have a drive or passion to make money, become a well known doctor, or athlete, just keep telling yourself that the better your grades, the better your chances are in achieving your goals.  When you are sitting in class, and you are disinterested in the material, just think to yourself, “If I listen and do well, I will become...”
 
Participate
 
     Participation works on so many levels.  First, when you participate, you actively think about the concepts and information that you are being taught.  Your mind is absorbing the information and, by participating, you are using several thought processes.  You will remember, and of course, understand the material better.  Also, by participating, and by sometimes getting the wrong answer, you will really be helping yourself a great deal.  As a teacher, I notice when a student answers the question incorrectly.  This is the best situation for the student because I know exactly what he or she needs help with.  So, now this student, who is participating, is getting direct help catered to his or her needs.
 
Find Good Partners
 
     Students are working in groups in class now more than ever.  Even in grade 1, students are learning to work with others.  This is an important life skill.  But, you have to be smart about group work when it comes to your grades.  It is in your best interest to work with other students who will help you get a higher mark (I'm not saying that you should let them do all the work, quite the contrary).  Find students who don't goof off and who you know are generally good students.  If your friends get angry with you because you don't want to work with them, just tell them that if they were your real friends, they'd want you to do well in school.  Tell them you can't wait to see them at your spare, or if you are younger, at recess time.
 
   Furthermore, find partners who compliment and/or have different skills than you.  For example, let's say you are a creative but not so great at research.  Then find another student who is a good researcher but not so creative.  This way, you will both benefit.
 
     Success in the classroom is within your grasp.  You just have to make an effort and you will see that it will soon pay off.

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