Strategies to Help You Become an Outstanding Student

Strategies to Help You Become an Outstanding Student More than anything, teachers want to see growth and improvement from all of their students. They want each to become a better student. They understand that their classroom is filled with extreme ranges of intelligence, from low to high. Their job is to differentiate instruction to provide each student with an education that meets their own individual needs. This is both difficult and challenging, but effective teachers are able to make it happen. Becoming an outstanding student does not happen overnight. It is also not the sole responsibility of the teacher. The teacher is only the facilitator of knowledge. The student must come prepared to take in that knowledge, make connections, and be able to apply it to real life situations. This is more natural for some students than it is for others, but everyone can improve and become a better student if they desire to do so. Here are fifteen effective strategies that will help you become an outstanding student. Ask Questions This could not get any simpler. If you do not understand something, ask the teacher for additional help. Teachers are there to help. You should never be afraid of asking a question. It is not embarrassing. It is how we learn. The chances are that there are several other students who have the same question you have. Be Positive Teachers love to work with students who are pleasant and positive. Having a positive attitude will have a positive impact on learning. We all have terrible days. We all have subjects that we just do not like. However, you still need to maintain a positive attitude. A poor attitude can quickly lead to failure. Complete Assignments/Homework Every assignment should be completed and turned in to the teacher. When assignments are not completed, there are two negative outcomes. First, you potentially miss out on learning a new concept, which leaves a gap in learning. Second, your grade will be lower than it should be. Homework may not be fun to do, but it is an essential part of the school and the learning process. Do More than Required The best students go above and beyond. They do more than the minimum. If the teacher assigns twenty problems, they do twenty-five. They seek out learning opportunities. They ask their teachers for additional work, read books/magazines, research ideas online, and are excited about learning. Establish a Routine A structured routine can help you maintain academic focus at home. This routine should include when homework is completed, what extras you are going to do each day, a location for doing it, and an awareness of others in the house so that distractions are minimized. A routine for getting up and going to school each morning can also be beneficial. Follow Directions Following directions and instructions is an essential aspect of being a good student. Not following directions can lead to mistakes that have a negative impact on your grade. Always listen thoroughly to the teacher when she is giving directions or offering instruction. Read written directions at least two times and ask for clarification if you do not understand something. Get a Tutor There is probably an area or multiple areas in which you struggle. Getting a tutor can provide you with a huge advantage. Tutoring is often done on a one-on-one basis which is always beneficial. If you do not know of a tutor, talk to your teacher. Often times, they will volunteer to tutor you or may be able to refer you to someone else who can. Listen in Class This is the single most crucial aspect of being a better student. Teachers actually do know what they are talking about. However, if you are not listening, you cannot learn. If you are easily distracted or struggle with listening, ask your teacher if you can bring a recorder to class. Maintain Focus There are potential distractions around you all the time. Good students stay focused. They do not allow other situations or people to keep them from learning. They put academics first. They have a life outside of school, but they value academics and make it a priority. Read! Read! Read! Good students are often booked worms. Reading is the foundation of learning. Excellent readers excel in both fluency and comprehension. They pick books that are both entertaining and challenging. They use programs such as Accelerated Reader to set goals and check for understanding. Set Goals Everyone should have a set of academic-related goals. This should include both short-term and long term goals. Goals assist in maintaining focus by giving you something to strive to achieve. Goals should be reevaluated and adjusted periodically. When you reach a goal, make a big deal about it. Celebrate your successes. Stay Away from Trouble Avoiding trouble can go far in being academically successful. Getting in trouble often means time spent in the principal’s office. Any time spent in the principal’s office is time lost in the classroom. Making smart choices, including whom you choose to be friends with, is essential to becoming a better student. Stay Organized Organization is a key factor in academic success. The lack of organization skills can lead to disaster. Keep your locker and backpack cleaned and well organized. Keeping an agenda or journal and recording each assignment is a fantastic way to stay on top of things. Study! Study! Study! Study early and study often! Studying is not something that many people enjoy, but it is a necessary skill to possess for academic success. Developing strong study habits is essential. Figure out a method that works well for you and stick with it in individual study time. Take Challenging Classes/Teachers It is okay to be challenged. Pick hard classes and/or teachers if you have a choice. You will be better off in the long run even if your grades are a little lower. It is better to receive a B and learn a lot than to receive an A and learn a little.