 How to Get Better Grades This Year
Grades aren't everything, but if you want to get better grade this year than you did last year, here are some simple tips.
*Create a study plan. Figure out how much time you need to spend on each of your subjects every week, and then make a weekly schedule. (Your PLANNER can be a helpful tool do designate when you need to get the work/study time done) Find out from your teachers when major projects are due, and put them on a calendar. Once you determine how much time you'll need for these projects, you can use the calendar to figure out when you need to start working on them.
*Do your homework. Most teachers base grades on homework, and it's easier to keep up with your assignments than it is to dig yourself out of a hole.
*Talk to your teachers. Your teachers may have suggestions about what you can do to learn more and improve in weak areas. Teachers can also be your best friend (don't laugh...) when it comes to problemsolving, giving you helpful suggestions about how to make up grades, study for tests, get ideas for a project or a paper, etc. They're actually people who care. Give them a chance.
*Learn from your mistakes. When you get a bad grade, you probably get angry and frustrated. That's normal, but you should also use the experience to try to figure out what went wrong so you can avoid the same mistake in the future. (If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always gotten) Is that working for you? If not, determine to change something to get a different result. Once you determine what went wrong, you can work on doing better the next time.
*Get a tutor. If you are having problems in a particular subject, a tutor may be able to help you get caught up. Do you know a student in the class who might be wiling to help you? Ask someone if they know of a resource for help. Go to your teacher. Ask your parents or a friend's parents. Ask the librarian or any adult in your school. Go to the counseling office. There are people who want to help you. Look for them.
*Study with friends. Sometimes it's hard to get started on homework, but if you agree to meet with friends to do your work, you'll have a built-in schedule. Warning: This won't work if you and your friends decide to watch TV or play video games instead of doing your homework!
*Remember that education (learning) is the key to a prosperous future. Being a literate human being is important in the 21st Century. If you feel you're too far behind to ever catch up - start today with small steps - "the journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step." Our mission at GMS is to provide all students with a positive educational environment which will encourage them to realize their learning potential and we want to stress knowledge as a means to a productive, successsful life. Ask someone to help you - we will.
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