How to do better in school

[Dark Hatred]

Lately i havent been doing that well at school...i've failed tests lately and have been making bad grades... i used to make As and Bs but now im making Bs and Cs mostly...I really need help, I used to be known as the "smart kid" but not anymore, I really want to get my grades back up, any advice?

[mermaidfairy]

Hi there,

Do you know what it is that is causing you to have such a decline with your grades?

Is it because you aren't understanding the material? I know it may be hard, but ask questions and stay for extra help. I never was willing to until recently when I realized that I do absolutely need to speak with my teachers in order to maintain my As and Bs. You can always raise your hand in class and ask, but if it makes you feel any better you can ask them after class. One thing that made it easier for me was to email my teachers and ask them questions, or set up an appointment to stay after for one-on-one help. Sometimes it can help to hear things one-on-one.

If it's the teaching style of the teachers, maybe there's another teacher in the school you can ask for help. For example, I have a horrible time with understanding my math teacher, but there's another math teacher in the school that is willing to help.

Or, if your school has a learning center or tutors, you can go there. Or, ask another student.

Is the issue procrastination related?

If procrastination is the issue, make a schedule. Someone like a family member or guidance counselor can help you make one if you have a hard time. Basically, write down all your activities, then put them in a schedule so you do these activities at certain times. Be sure to include enough time for studying and doing schoolwork. That way, you know when you should be doing it.

If you have to use technology for the project, you can have a family member walk by every so often to check up on you to make sure you're doing what you're supposed to. I do my homework in the kitchen because there's no TV in there, so I can't get distracted that way, and I either turn my phone off or give it to someone, so maybe you can do that too. In other words, eliminate any and all distractions.

If there's anything else, just ask! :)

[ToilingTeens]

are you doing all the HW or reading assignments?
Sometimes it's helpful to reread the same chapter a couple of times to really sink in. A lot of students only read something one time through, so if you double back and read it twice or three times, of course that will take longer, but you might have an advantage recalling the information, and you'll get better grades than the others who just skim.

[Fanta_Lover44]

If I were you, I would make sure all homeworks are completeled with quality and are in on time. Another thing you could do is talk to some of your teachers about you grades dropping and see what they think you could do to get it back up. If its something like science I would advise to learn keywords. Another good idea is to look back at notes on the classes you had that day.

[quffn124]

When you have a problem maintaining or improving your grades, never hesitate asking teachers if they can stay after school and help you.
But, what will really help you is taking some time to carefully read the assigned chapters or sections of the textbooks for which your tests are given. I know reading is a hard habit to develop if you are not already an avid reader, but that's just the way to go before you try everything else that you think will help you get good grades. Good foundation through reading will not only help you with relevant content but also your reading and comprehending skills when you go through questions on the tests.

[Caver]

Try and be passionate about your subjects, just try and like them even if you don't! I've found liking maths has made me better at maths and there's a more positive outcome for me! it has bumped my grades up a lot! :p

[TheGuest]

Stay organized and always be determined to get good grades. Always set high expectations

[ksdnfkfr]

I have heard lack of enough sleep can be the number
one thing that causes lack of focus and grades to slip.

[teen.jpg]

Actually do the work. Something I tend not to do *sigh*

[NeuroTiger]

As our awesome friend, Ezra, has mentioned, there is the factor of sleep.
Respect the amount of sleep your brain requires to increase your focus.

Well, and certainly you need to have the 'hunger' for good grades. I'm sure that you have a lot of determination. You show never feel discouraged by some failure since 'every cloud has a silver lightning'.
Believe in yourself, you'll get there.
:)
Good luck!

[glad0s]

When you study your material, write down questions to things you don't quite understand. And, when you have the opportunity, ask your teacher about those questions and see if they can clarify. Get lots of sleep, too. Never cram the night before. Study in intervals. Do homework with a friend, if you can (however, if you choose this option, make sure you're both equally knowledgeable on the subject matter to avoid completely doing the homework on either side while the other gets all the explanation). Eat some brain food, like fruit. Fruit provides enzymes and vitamins that help with brain development and memory enhancement. Look up online some practice problems with whatever you're dealing with and challenge yourself a little bit. The extra challenge helps :)

[Hazard7707]

Try to concentrate in class more and make sure you do all your hw.
Also, study as much as you can at home and if you really can't understand something, ask your parents or your teacher to explain it to you.