3 Reasons why a hard-working student isn’t succeeding (Part 2)

This post is part 2 of a 3-part series. If you missed Reason #1, check out our previous post.

Reason #2 why a hard-working student isn’t succeeding:

They think “I did what the teacher said to do” means “I am ready for the test.”

Teachers and students frequently have a very different view of homework. Teachers look at homework as an opportunity to practice the skills being taught in class. They grade homework to a) make sure students are getting the practice they need, b) give student the opportunity to boost their grades in case tests aren’t going as well, and c) help the student find the topics that they need additional practice on.

Students look at homework as a) a task they need to complete because their grade will drop if they don’t do it and b) their preparation for the test.

Students should treat assigned work as the minimum that must be done in order to be ready for a test. For some students and for some classes, doing assigned homework is enough to do well on the test. But for students who are doing the homework and reading, and still struggling, they need to ask themselves: “What more can I do to prepare?”

Ideas on how to prepare:

1. Try pre-reading, a simple technique to help students learn more effectively
2. Take Cornell notes on the reading
3. Work through problems until they can answer 5 in a row correctly without a mistake
4. Teach the chapter to a family member
5. Create a study group that meets 1-2 times per week
6. Make a mind map of the chapter
7. Make work maps for difficult vocabulary

and many, many more.

The most important idea is this: students should treat homework as an opportunity to find out what they don’t know, and, as Judy Garland said, practice “until you can’t get it wrong” and, if what you are doing isn’t working, try something different.

Related posts:

• 3 Reasons Why A Hard-Working Student Isn’t Succeeding (Part 1)
• 3 Reasons Why A Hard-Working Student Isn’t Succeeding (Part 3)

Is your son or daughter struggling without knowing what they are doing wrong? Give us a call, and we’ll help find the solution for their academic difficulties.