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An Easy Guide to Better Grades - by Dr. Harvey Sisler
Most situations related to
school or work have some type of evaluation or grading system in place. In
our educational system, much has been written about how change is needed as to student
evaluation but grades always seem to win out.
No matter the level of schooling, one has to
learn to adapt and work
towards improving learning skills which in turn will help produce good grades.
However, many capable students at all levels of education experience frustration
and failure in school and are not reaching their potential because they do not possess
adequate study skills--and good study habits are a vital key to good grades and
success in school.
But, help is now available. Just minor changes in the way one
approaches learning can lead to great success. The following are just a few
ideas that can make a huge difference.
1. Make better use of time.
2. Setting goals for yourself.
3. Know the secrets on how to take tests and greatly improve test scores
4. Techniques to ease stress when taking tests.
5. Techniques to improve memory.
There are some core areas where you can bring in some significant improvements which will make a world of difference in your studies. Changes With these and a few other techniques resulting in less time, effort, and stress, good grades can and will become a reality. Some of the core areas are outlined below
Self-Esteem or Self-Image:
Lack of motivation in life can be directly
tied to poor self-esteem or self-image. So many students do not achieve because
of lack of motivation due to poor self-image. Poor self image may be due to many
reasons and certainly can be changed. Self image is our conception of who we are
and is based upon beliefs about ourselves. Most of these beliefs have unconsciously
been formed from past experiences and may not be an accurate assessment of who we
really are. Self-image is a strong determiner of personal success or failure.
Procrastination:
One of the great obstacles to achieving good grades or, for that matter, acquiring
fame and fortune is putting things off for another time – otherwise known as procrastination.
But there are methods that can be used to block this obstacle to success. Methods
like continue to remind yourself of benefits of completing your work, reward yourself
after finishing your work, make a list of things you have to do, keep your work
in sight etc should help you overcome this obstacle and succeed in studies and ultimately
succeed in life.
Goal setting: Setting
goals gives you something tangible to aim for. Ask yourself questions like ‘What
do I need or desire?, Am I willing to take responsibility for my goal, Am I willing
to do what I have to do to reach my goal?’. These questions and even with the visualization
technique described in my book will help you toward identifying, clarifying, and
reaching your goals.
Making Better Use of Time: It isn’t always how much time you spend studying but how well
you study that makes the difference. First Plan ahead, create a schedule, choose
a definite time and place to study. A decision you should make is how much time
you need to spend on each subject. I believe you should begin study each day on
your most difficult subject out of the way and then go down the line until you finish
with your easiest subject.
Outlining: A device
that can help you immensely is to outline the materials you read. Outlining is an
organizational tool used to help you focus upon the important points of your study
assignments.
Note taking: Note
taking is an important tool that might provide improvement over what you are doing
now. Write down key terms, key questions, and topics. Write down what ever goes
on the blackboard. These could prove most helpful.
Writing Papers: The
first point to remember when preparing to write a paper is, do not cram. Do plan
ahead, set goals. Do research, use index cards for note taking and follow guidelines
like sub-topics, heading, defining sections, sub sections and length. Write at least
two drafts and it is always a good idea to have some one proof-read your paper.
Improving Memory:
When you are attempting to learn something, it becomes easier if you set a goal
of what it is that you are attempting to learn. Everything you learn is usually
associated with something you have learned previously. Associate the new with the
old, concepts will become easier to remember. Also apply the visualization technique
outlined in my book to improve your memory.
Taking Tests: As in every other endeavor, you undertake, don’t cram, instead plan ahead. Review every day – study before you go to bed and test results should improve. Also apply visualization technique to improve in this regard.
* Visualization technique: Read
more about how to apply this technique to improve your grades in the print version
of this book.