Up your game
Wednesday 6 January 2010
If 2009 wasn’t a good year for you academically, it might be best to just admit it and start working on turning things around.
‘Fess up
School or college isn’t always easy. Often there can be one or two subjects, or even more, that you find difficult.
Look at the past year and try to pin point where you went wrong. Did you do your work on time? Did you make the most of revision classes and catch-up lessons? Were you consistent with homework? Be honest with yourself. If you didn’t get good grades in 2009 was it because you simply didn’t work hard enough?
Also look at where things went well. This will help you figure out where your strengths lie and what needs more work.
Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to speak to your teachers. Let them know that you’re a bit behind and that you would like to try to catch up. If you show that you’re willing to do work you may have missed, then they should be happy to help you out and go over anything you need to complete. You will also have gained their support for the year ahead.
You could also ask your parents and siblings for some help as well. Don’t be surprised if they give you a lecture about your slacking off – it just shows they care!
Plan your time
Once you’ve pin pointed what you need to catch up on, the next step is to create a study plan. Jot down the pieces of work you need to complete and fit them into a timetable.
Be realistic though. Don’t plan to do work on Saturday morning when you know you’ll still be in bed. Try to commit to a few hours of work each day, followed by a few hours of socialising and other hobbies. Balance is your best resort.
Figure out what time is best for you to study. Are you a morning person? Or is the evening your best bet? Pick a time when you’re most alert, then try to study at the same time every day. This way you’ll pick up a routine.
Study differently
Everyone has a different way to study. Some people prefer complete silence, whilst some like to blare out music. Different study environments may work better for you.
If studying didn’t work for you before then try something different. Maybe you need some background sound? If so you could try turning on your stereo or having the TV on in the background.
However if you get easily distracted then how about visiting the library? It will be quiet there but there will also be enough hustle and bustle to keep you from getting bored stiff.
Perhaps you just need brain food to keep you going? Stock up on some health snacks like nuts, raisins and fruit juice to keep you going for a few hours at a time.
Taking notes is the best way to remember what you learnt in class. Find a note-taking style that suits you. Try writing things you need to remember in different colours. You could also re-write your notes so that they’re neater. This way you could make sense of anything you quickly scribbled down. You’re less likely to forget things this way as well.
Rewards await!
It’s well and good planning to get on the straight and narrow, but it’s a different thing putting the plan in to action.
Look to the future! Consider what the benefits are of working hard and putting effort into homework and coursework. Do you have any plans of going to uni? Without the grades you might not be able to get into your chosen course.
One of the best ways to motivate yourself is by rewarding your efforts. Think of something you’ll treat yourself with once you get back on track; whether it’s a computer game, clothing, a gadget – anything! You could even ask your parents to contribute towards your reward when you reach your goal.
