Hey Peanuts! It’s Piper Peanut here to help you get your grades to where you want them and keep them there as midterms quickly approach.
Using a Planner
If you feel stressed, doing tons of assignments until midnight, there’s a good chance a planner could help you.
Using a planner can help you know what homework you have, how to distribute your work so it doesn’t pile up, when it is due and when your upcoming tests are.
An alternative is using Google calendar, tasks or Apple Calendar, the Notes app, or an online checklist.
Study Tools
Studying can seem like a lot at first, but there are many tools that can help you.
Notebook LM lets you upload a source and ask questions about it; it will also generate flashcards, practice tests, a video and much more.
Quizlet allows you to upload a source, find your textbook or type in information, and it will generate practice tests, flashcards and games. However, Quizlet does limit how many times you can use the learn and practice test feature before you have to pay for Quizlet Plus.
Study Tips
When studying, it can be tough to stay on task, but using techniques such as the Pomodoro method can be very beneficial.
The Pomodoro method is a strategy that requires 25 minutes of nonstop work, followed by a 10-minute break; the cycle repeats until the work is finished. It is designed to help people stay on task while giving them a break to retain information more easily.
Another helpful study tip is to study with your friends; while it can be easy to get off task, at least you have people to help you stay on track.
Help Nights and In-School Resources
Teachers also host help nights, which are usually once a week or by appointment.
Help nights are beneficial because your teachers can help you with your homework or help you study for tests.
Having examples and specific questions are important so your teacher knows how to help you.
Navigating classes
Every teacher is different; they can grade really challenging or really straightforward, give lots of homework or none and have tests every week or every month. Knowing what your teacher’s teaching style is will help you get ahead or catch up when you’re sick.
If you know you will miss a day or have early dismissal or late arrival, let your teacher know in advance. This will not only allow you to make up work and stay on track, but it will also show your teachers that you are committed.
If you unexpectedly miss a day or two, check in with your friends while you are out and check in with the teacher when you get back.