The start of the 2021-2022 school year is not as different as the previous year, but is till filled with some uncertainties. You can only control so much in life, but here are a few things students can do to help insure success in the coming year. As a former teacher and now as a tutor, I endeavor to see every student reach their full potential.
1. Understand Teacher Expectations
It's really imperative that every student thoroughly wrap their minds around the expectations that the teacher has, and how the class is structured. Some teachers are fantastic at communicating these expectations in a way that students understand from the outset. Some teachers are not so great at this. Obviously, it's better if teachers do a great job with this communication, but even if they don't, they still might be a fantastic classroom teacher.
It's great practice for the future for students to politely, but assertively, be active learners. This starts with the understanding of what will be expected. It's just like a job.
So, make sure you know the following:
- How will grades be calculated?
- What are homework expectations...when is it due?...does it count for a grade?...How can the student get questions answered?
- What opportunities are available for outside of class help?
- What is the policy on test re-takes? This has been an increasingly relevant topic over the last few years. Some teachers/schools have policies under which students can essentially re-test after any test, while others are far more restrictive or offer no re-test opportunities.
- How can daily or in class work be submitted...electronically, by hand, etc.
2. Participate in Class/Get to Know Your Teacher
I get it, because in 30 years of teaching I encountered all types of students. You might be shy or lacking in confidence, thus making this a challenge. Start off easy. Just stop by the teacher's desk during your entry into the room and exchange a pleasantry. Maybe just share your past experiences with math (or whatever subject)...."I've always have been good at math and am looking forward to this year."...or, "I've always kind of struggled with math, but am looking forward to getting off to a good start." Just a simple step like this can get you off to a better start with your teacher. It's good for your teacher to know you from the start of the year.
Once you have done this, try raising your hand and answering or asking a question. No matter how hard this is for you, I honestly cannot think of an action you can take that is more impactful to your success.
3. Prioritize Success
As a teacher, I would always tell my students it wasn't my job to set their priorities. But, if you do not thoughtfully plan how you can be successful, it probably won't happen. Everyone starts the year full of optimism. But when the school year starts to get crazy, students without priorities start to fall behind.
So, I suggest setting aside a 30 minute minimum time period per day/evening to work on your math. Some days you may need more time and some days less. But no matter what, use the full 30 minutes to study math. Look over notes. Check homework. Look at the upcoming schedule of tests, projects, etc. Be disciplined. Find a place free of distractions. Close the tabs and/or apps on your devices that do not pertain to what you're doing. Turn "Do not disturb" on your phone on (assuming safe to do so).
The reality is that there are lots and lots of ways you can use your time. If you don't slot in the time for your math class, and stick to your plan, your success will start to deteriorate almost immediately.
4. Make Time for Yourself and Get Rest
If you are like so many of my former students, your life is full. You might be an athlete, in band, have a job, participate in theater, ... There's no end to it. That doesn't factor in family time or anything else. I believe in the idea of filling life with good things...but also that quantity and quality are not the same.
Learn to say no without guilt. Set aside regular time for yourself to just breath and relax. Getting rest and some relaxation time, perhaps counterintuitively, will allow you to accomplish more. It reminds me of the story about the two wood choppers. Wood chopper number one worked non-stop as fast as he could. Wood chopper number two took breaks and would sharpen his ax while he rested. You know who chopped the most without me finishing the story.
5. Be Persistent
The United States has lagged behind many other nations for years in mathematics test results. Researchers have identified one major difference between U.S. students and those in other countries. That difference is the length of time it takes a student to give up on a problem.
I have theories on why this difference exists, but I have no doubt that an essential difference between students who are successful and those who are not, is their ability to look at a problem in a variety of ways. It's awesome if you have a teacher who helps his/her students build these skills.
But, you can work on them on your own, and it starts with not giving up right away. One in-service I attended cited a statistic that on average, American students give up on a problem after twenty seconds if they don't see a solution. Hang in there. Maybe set it aside for a bit, but then come back to it. Try to categorize problem solving approaches so that when you encounter a situation where a certain approach will work, you'll recognize it.
When you control all the factors that you can, your chances for success will be greatly increased. If you are doing all that you can and still having trouble, feel free to reach out for help. Act early and get in front of any problems that are brewing.
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