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Reader questions and feedback on getting good grades in school. Also refer to teachers, friends, studying, homework, middle, high school, college, tests, cheating, anxiety, success, confidence, presentations, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Getting Good Grades
Be Good at Tests
The following 13 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Want to be a nurse but failing exams
- Athlete has no time to study
- I am doing bad in taking tests
- I spend 7 hours a day playing on my computer
- How can you prevent destractions during a test?
- Foreign student having trouble understanding lessons
- Concerned about my Accounting exam
- Thanks and lots of love
- I am bad at understanding
- Feel bad because I got poor grades
Want to be a nurse but failing exams
Question
October 9, 2009
Hello
I was currently a nursing student at a college. I did not do well on my first exam. The first exam was 40% my grade. Second exam was 45% my grade and I did not score high enough to pass my class with a C (C is 76 %). The other 15 % was based on quizzes. I read all material (chapters in book). I started to record lectures before my second test. I started to study the lectures. This class consist on only one month. I only scored a 10% higher on the second test. It is very fast paced. I did not think the material was hard to understand at all, but I found it difficult when I took the tests. The questions were tricky because you had to put together what you learned and apply it. I do not think the questions were hard. What am I doing wrong that I cannot focus how to think further then what I learn? I got into another nursing school for the Spring. I really want to pass these courses to be nurse.
Thank you,
- USA
18462
Answer
Getting poor grades on your exams can be discouraging. It is good to regroup as soon as possible to boost your understanding and retention, so that you can do well on your future tests.
When you read the material in your textbook, highlight or underline the important sentences in each section or even each paragraph. Perhaps try to paraphrase material in a few short sentences. Often the instructor gives hints as to what is important in the lectures. If something is repeated or emphasized, there is a good chance it will be on a quiz or exam.
Questions that force you to apply what you learn or a good way to verify knowledge of the subject, but they also can be tricky. If possible, try to find a fellow student who would agree to be your study partner, especially in preparation for an exam. You would each ask the other questions that you think that may be on the test. In this way, you can reinforce what you have learned, as well as trying to apply it.
If you can't get a study partner, try to give yourself a practice test.
It can be tough when a class is very fast pace, but improving your study skills in this class will certainly help you down the road.
Best wishes and getting good grades in this class and a becoming a top notch nurse.
Athlete has no time to study
Question
September 11, 2009
Okay what happens if your an athlete and you dont have that much time to study? Or real impotant things to do that you can do your homework but cant add on time for studying?
Shaana - USA
18297
Answer
When you are an athlete, you need to be very effective in managing your time, as well as zipping through your homework in a timely manner. Talk to the other members on the team, as well as your coach for suggestions on how to handle both the practice and your school assignments.
A major problem for athletes is that they can be too tired in the evening to effectively do their homework. In such a situation, you can go to bed earlier and then set aside time to do your studies before school.
I hope this helps you combine both your sports and studies to become a champion in both.
I am doing bad in taking tests
Question
May 4, 2009
hi ill try to do better but im doing bad in test please help me
campos - USA
17698
Answer
It is not working harder it will make you successful, but instead is working smarter.
It is good to take notes in class, as well as to underline or Mark important things in your textbooks. You can tell what is important by closely observing your teacher. This will make it easier for you to study for your tests.
Also practice taking tests. You can have a friend ask you questions about the subject before you take the test, to see how well you know the material.
I am sure that you'll be able to do much better in tests, once you set up a plan of action. Best wishes on getting top grades.
I spend 7 hours a day playing on my computer
Question
April 4, 2009
How to get faster at test and at homework, I always struggle in finishing math, chemistry, physics homework (and tests) at time even though I know 90% of the answers! is it because of little practice?
should I get rid of my computer, I spend so much time in it (like 7 hours a day!)
Please help!
- USA
17551
Answer
Certainly, your computer and the Internet are very useful tools that can help you with your schoolwork, as well as to provide entertainment. The problem is when a person gets caught up with mindless activities on the computer instead of doing what need to be done. It can become like an addiction. 7 hours a day sounds like an awful lot of time to spend on entertainment. After you are through, ask yourself what you had achieved in that 7 hours.
One thing you can do about your homework is to set aside a specific amount of time to complete each subject. Challenge yourself to finish it within that time. Then give yourself a reward of some time for entertainment. Just don't get caught up with it, and make sure you get to all of your subjects.
Challenging yourself to finish an assignment in a reasonable amount of time can almost be alike a game. It is also good practice on increasing your concentration skills and test-taking abilities.
I hope these ideas help and that you will get top grades in your classes.
How can you prevent destractions during a test?
Question
September 11, 2007
When doing a test what is a great way to prevent destractions
Chance - USA
14383
Answer
Be determined not to be curious about any distractions when taking a test, unless the building is burning down. Good test-takers get into a zone of complete focus on the test material. Getting that focus greatly improves performance.
You could also practice taking tests at home when there are distractions, like having the TV on just to learn to block out the distractions. If nothing else, wear some earplugs, so that you can't hear distracting noises.
Foreign student having trouble understanding lessons
Question
September 3, 2007
I am a foreign student, I always have trouble learning and understanding in school. I am a high school student, most people thinks I'm weird and creepy because I don't talk much. This school year I'm a junior at my school, unfortunately I happen to be in Lab-Chemistry. I am very afraid of that class, I know nothing about Chemistry and have trouble learning too. I want to be a good student and a fast learner but don't know how. I really need help and some suggestions. I want to ask Is there any other ways to help me be prepared and be a better learner? What are some ways help me to do good on tests and quizzes? What are some ways to help me understanding the process? I'm really looking forward for your answer because my junior year is about to starts and I really need some help. Please help me! Thank you very much.
Thanh - USA
14339
Answer
Check out our Chemistry section. It gives the very basics of Chemistry, but it may help you get started in the subject.
It can be difficult understanding and learning when English is your second language. It also can be difficult to be in a new country, since you are not familiar with all the customs that students have. These are challenges you will have to overcome. But they will make you a stronger person in the process.
Sometimes getting an extra book in a course like chemistry can help. You can find a book intended at a lower level grade to give you some basics. Often such a book is easier to understand and will help you in your class. Go to a bookstore or library to investigate the books.
One type of book concerns preparation for the SAT test in Chemistry. They usually give an overview of the course and then have quizzes you can take. This is good practice for improving your skills, as well as to learn the subject.
It is worthwhile to let your teacher know that you often have problems understanding the material. Tell that you want to get good grades and ask for some suggestions. Teachers want their students to do well in class and will often help.
Observe the other students in your classes to learn the things they like to do and to talk about. Also, try to learn their names, especially students that are in several of the same classes as you. When you see the person in the hall and get a chance, greet the person by name. Like you could say, "Hi, Bill. How's it going?" That is hard to do, but knowing people's names makes a good impression.
You don't have to talk much, but you can be friendly with your fellow students. You may find some that have the same interests as you have.
Best wishes in getting good grades in school. But also remember that high school is supposed to be a fun time, so get to know some of your fellow students.
Concerned about my Accounting exam
Question
August 1, 2007
i am a student in accounting and normally i have to practice huge mathematical calculations always and that's why i need to be more and more accurate and attentive in my calculation but i always feel myself very inaccurate and inattentive in the time of my practice but trust me i try my best to do it. In the time of my exam i can rarely complete my calculations because i feel very confused about the question and i sometimes feel doubtful about what to do and how to do.I always have a feeling that i have a lack of practice before the exam and i needed some more practice before although i did much practice before and i cannot manage my time well that is very important in the exam hall and i forget my exam topics due to excessive tension and fear.Another thing is that i have a great lack of confidence about my study and i feel very confused about my lessons and make my easy lessons critical (my friends call me a perfectionist and tease me.... they say that my basic knowledge is poor about any topic and i am unable to make the things understandable to them and make the topic critical). And i sometimes get confused about my study system that i really follow because i think i cannot memorize my lessons very well that my friends can do it very easily... i do not know whether my way of learning is wrong or i am not understood well about my study topic....please advice me the best way of memorizing, learning, practicing, not forgetting and presenting my lessons in the exam paper in a standard way.
PLEASE HELP ME ......I AM HELPLESS BUT WANT TO DO THE BEST IN MY EXAM AND TO GET THE HIGHEST GRADE THAT ONLY CAN GIVE ME AND MY WORLD PLEASURE.....BECAUSE I LOVE TO READ, PRACTICE AND LEARN.
kamal - USA
14141
Answer
Most calculations in Accounting should be done on a calculator. Obviously, you need to make sure you input the correct numbers. Double-checking and voicing the numbers are ways to improve there. If you need to make calculations with a pencil and paper, working very methodically is the best way.
A person can be inaccurate by trying to do things automatically and too rapidly. That is when mistakes are made. It is better to do a few problems correctly than to complete many problems and get many wrong.
When you do exercises in preparation for a test, you should simulate test conditions by setting a time limit. This is also good practice for managing your time. Making a game of it can help you be more attentive to your practice.
Word problems are difficult to do. You need to understand which words refer to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Sometimes they can be confusing.
By simulating taking tests, you can build up your confidence when you take the test. Work methodically, at your own pace. If you try to rush, you will get tense and then do worse. You must know yourself and your style of working.
Learning the basic concepts is the easiest way to understand a subject. Often students get too concerned about details and do not notice the basic concepts of a subject. It is something to concentrate on.
Finally, do not be too hard on yourself. You do your best and accept what happens. If you do not get the grade you would like, it is a lesson learned and an area for improvement. A perfectionist often over-estimates his own capabilities and thus sets himself up for failure. Don't try to be perfect. Just try to do a good job.
I hope these ideas help. I am sure you have the abilities to get top grades. Just take a step back and examine how you are doing things, make necessary corrections and then get those top grades.
Thanks and lots of love
Question
December 30, 2006
THANKS! THIS REALLY HELPED ME LEARN SOMETHING AND I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE. THIS HELPS US KIDS BECOME BETTER AT TAKING TESTS! I ALSO LEARNED HOW TO WORK UNDER PRESSURE SINCE WE HAVE TO DO SO AT SCHOOL!
YOUR FRIENDS AT THE BAKERFAMILY!!!
LOTS OF LOVE!! LOTS OF LOVE!! LOTS OF LOVE!! LOTS OF LOVE!!
Gabreesha - USA
12719
Answer
Thanks for your feedback and all the love. I'm glad the material help you so much, and I hope you get top grades in school.
I am bad at understanding
Question
April 9, 2006
See i am bad at understanding the material that i learn.How can i better understand the material?
- USA
10789
Answer
Often you need to consider your own ways of learning. Some people learn better by seeing things, while others learn better by hearing things.
It is good to write down notes in class when the teacher explains things. You can put a question mark by things you don't understand, so you are ask for a better explanation. Taking notes also helps you remember things better, which is important in taking a test.
I hope those ideas help you.
Feel bad because I got poor grades
Question
September 29, 2005
hi, I strated off with bad grades and i feel really bad because i tryed so hard and i did all my homework and i dont like what i got ..but i didnt do good on my tests what should i do
sarba - USA
8342
Answer
The fact that you want to do better is an important step in achieving you goal. Ask yourself why you think you did not do good in the tests. Were you too nervous? Was the material and questions things you were not expecting? Or didn't you understand the material? If you get an idea of your weak points, then you know wha tyou can work on to improve.
It might be a good idea to ask your teacher for some suggestions on how you can prepare and do better on the tests. You might get some good pointers. Most teachers want their students to do well in class.
A big thing is that studying harder does not help as much as studying smarter.
I hope these ideas help, and I am sure you will be improving to get the good grades you want to get.
Summary
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Always do your best
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