Three Steps to Success

Three Steps to Success

by Joanna W.

(Peer Tutor 2009-2010)

As an online high school student, the pressure of maintaining adequate grades is a hassle. Sometimes one feels as if they are limited for time due to a due date for completing the assignments required. Perhaps, one is found to be frequently frustrated by the assignment directions to the point that he/she feels irritated and/or overwhelmed a great deal of the time. With any class, no matter if it is face-to-face or online, one can take steps to relieve pressure from their academic work. Organizing assignments, taking short breaks between reading, and printing and/or highlighting information for study material, are helpful tips for any online student to gain higher grades in school.

Organization, Organization, Organization; with any teacher one speaks with, he or she will say that organization is key to success. Although, one doesn't have to become a neat-freak to be organized - by simply organizing one's assignment's within each unit, module, or chapter, one can find that it is much easier to complete necessary assignments within the time frame that they are due. The idea of setting aside an amount of time each day from the time that one is able to start a set of work until it is to be completed creates less stress and more time for leisure. As a result one can increase his or her grades for the reason that the person isn't rushing at the last minute to complete an assignment.

Besides organization, the act of taking short breaks between reading-time can create less stress and help one to understand the material better. If one were to read or study several chapters nonstop for hours on end, he or she would probably have a harder time comprehending the material at hand then if they were to take five to ten minutes for downtime. The idea of taking short breaks relieves one's brain from overloading. In addition, after a couple of minutes of free time, one can analyze the material already covered and self analyze if they understand what the meaning of the work is about. However, if one did not comprehend the information, then reread the material until it is understood. This is helpful to increase grades because the person isn't overwhelmed by reading nonstop. In addition, it gives time to back track to see what has been covered to make certain that the material is covered.

Although being organized and taking short breaks are significant tips for one to obtain higher grades, by printing and highlighting information for study material, one is more prepared for tests or quizzes. Whether in a virtual class or traditional, the act of preparing notes for study in preparation for major tests or quizzes are extremely helpful for those that are not good at memorizing information on his or her own. When online teachers make review sheets and notes available to their students, one should take the time to either print them and highlight/read the important information or study them from the computer. The material a teacher provides will be on the test or quiz. If one does not take this advantage, then he or she would not be prepared for the test, having a hard time when quiz or test day is here. The use of preparing notes is an extreme advantage to being ready for tests or quizzes and final result will be graded higher in these classes.

In conclusion, acts of making good grades for online or face-to-face classes are not difficult. Through simple tricks, grades are easily raised to satisfy any teacher or parent. Besides these helpful tips also take into account for motivation, a person succeeds by not being lazy. By organizing one's assignments day-by-day, taking short breaks in-between work, and printing and highlighting information for study material, one can be on the fast track to excellent grades in no time.