12 Steps To Prevent Students From Failing Part I
Tips for Students and Parents
By: Aquarius Cain
1.
Get a
Tutor
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” (Benjamin Franklin). Waiting
until a student fails is the biggest mistake most people make. Most times the
excuse is, “I don’t want to waste money if they don’t need it and can get it on
their own.” If a student struggled, failed, or barely passed first semester,
chances are they will also struggle, fail or barely pass second semester. The reason being is that the material may not
get easier but more difficult.
Additionally, most of the concepts will build upon what was learned
first semester and if there wasn’t a full understanding of it then, it will be
difficult to understand the new material now.
We suggest having a personal tutor once a week to reinforce what was
learned in class and answer any questions that may not have been answered to
the student’s understanding from class.
Going to tutoring before or after school with the teacher is also a good
way to prevent from failing. Group tutoring or forming study groups are other
ways to master learning and to get better grades in school. Students studying
together is always an effective way to share information and learn from one
another.
Figure out which options work best but do not skimp on getting tutoring
even if things seem to be going ok initially.
Tutoring is a good investment with the ultimate return being SUCCESS!
2.
Monitor
homework
·
Write down homework assignments and due dates on
a homework checklist or in an agenda. A
homework checklist prevents you from forgetting about all of the assignments
and helps to keep track of what assignments are left to finish.
·
Make sure the instructions are understood as
well. Ask questions about the assignment
before leaving class for clarity. There’s
nothing worse than getting home to start working on homework only to realize
you have no clue what to do.
·
Get started on the homework assignments
immediately and do not wait until the last minute to get them done. If it will take several days to complete,
break the assignment up into chunks or sections and complete a few sections
each day until complete.
·
Check homework for completion and accuracy and
make necessary changes.
·
Check off the assignment on the homework
checklist as soon as it is completed.
·
Have a homework folder to place completed
assignments in so that you do not lose your work.
·
TURN THE ASSIGNMENT IN ON TIME! I cannot stress this enough. If you’re going to take the time to do the
work, why not get the full credit?
Most school systems have an online grading system where grades can be
tracked simply by logging in. Check
grades regularly (weekly) to monitor and make sure credit is given to
assignments that have been completed and turned in. Ask questions about grades that are low or
missing.
3.
Set a
Reasonable Schedule
Study time and homework time is necessary, especially for establishing
study habits. Assess student energy
levels and find a time to study and do homework when they are the most
functional. If students need a break or
nap right after school or class then do not schedule homework/study time until
later. For those who are very energetic
when they get home, they should begin studying immediately after school. Don’t
forget to schedule breaks. Take a 10-15
minute break every 45 minutes to an hour. Use a calendar or study schedule
template to set up the schedule.
Studying should be done daily for at least 15 minutes per subject. Do not confuse studying with homework
time. Studying is reviewing material and
making sure that you understand it by assessing student knowledge through
quizzes, question/answer sessions, etc.
Homework is reinforcement of skills and knowledge.
4.
Limit
Video Games/TV Time
Of course, students will choose to play video games, watch television,
and/or be on the internet over studying and doing homework. It’s more fun! Television, video games, and the internet
pose a huge distraction and may contribute to a student failing (unless it is
related to academics). This is because,
if given the option, students will spend more time gaming, watching TV,
browsing the web, and being on social networking sites than they will
studying. Students also tend to lose
focus more easily and are unable to concentrate.
It is suggested to limit technology time to about an hour a day during
the school week and extend the time on the weekends. For students who are highly addicted and
struggle significantly at school, try to limit this technology time to weekends
only (Friday through Sunday).
Educational games, shows, and websites are highly encouraged. Go to our website www.acceleratedlearningservices.com
for a list of recommended websites.
One thing to caution about limiting technology time is using it as a
reward for finishing homework. This
sends a message that homework is not very important and that video games, etc.
are more fun.
5.
Encourage
Reading
·
If failure is to be prevented, reading must be implemented
into the daily schedule. Reading more
will improve comprehension and understanding of information. The more students read, the more it becomes a
habit, and the more they will enjoy it!
·
Students should read approximately 10-30 minutes
a day depending on their age.
·
Choose different things to read, such as
magazines, comic books, literature, cereal box, recipes, novels, video game
instructions, etc.
·
Set weekly reading goals and discuss small rewards
for reaching those goals.
6.
Check
Grades Weekly
To prevent failure, it is important to check and track grades
weekly. Ask to see quizzes, tests, and
homework once it has been graded and keep your own record of those grades for
accuracy. Use a simple spreadsheet like the one below.
Ask
to redo assignments, tests, and quizzes (even if you will not get a better
grade by doing so). It shows the teacher that you are interested in learning
the information that you did not answer correctly. They may see your effort and be willing to
give you partial credit.
