"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle
With the new school year approaching, it's a great time to remind ourselves of three of the key traits/habits that contribute to academic success. It's less about intellectual intelligence than about making these habits intentional:
Organization is Key
Not turning in homework on time is the #1 reason for low grades.
Figure out how you will track assignments, upcoming tests or anything that is expected for each class. This can be a spreadsheet, calendar, agenda, or a piece of paper, but it needs to be something the student will be in the habit of using for EVERY requirement.
Document requirements at the beginning of the year or as soon as you learn of them. Review them often and review what is due each week before the week starts. Plan out your week based on what is coming up.
Have a place to put handouts for each class, a binder, file folder, etc. Use it every time you receive a handout.
Turn in your work ON TIME, even if it's not perfect.
Form a Relationship With Your Teachers
Teachers are human and like all humans, they respond better to those who respect them. In the teacher-student relationship, respect means:
Showing up to class
Showing up to class prepared
Turning in work on time
Interacting with the teacher, either in class or one-on-one
Showing you care about your grade by seeking help if you scored low on a test or are struggling in any way.
Being a good classroom citizen
And you get extra points for:
Being a leader in the classroom. That means 1)engaging in class in a way that supports the initiatives of the teacher and 2)supporting/helping your classmates
Turning in quality work on time
Besides doing these things to be respectful, they will almost certainly earn you a better grade, especially if your grade is borderline and it's the teacher's discretion to round up or down. And you could potentially ask that teacher to write a letter of recommendation (and they will likely write a good one).
Maximize Classroom Time
You spend a lot of time in school. You might as well use it do to school work!
Listen to what the teacher considers important
Take notes
Use free time in class to get work done so you don't have to do it later!
And don't be afraid to speak to teachers. They want you to talk to them and they want to help you! And you'll get the answers you need to help you be successful.
Students who employ these three traits invariably fare better academically and when these habits are made in high school, success in college is more likely to follow. Make a plan to follow these suggestions, but also be kind to yourself. You won't always get it right. When you fall off the horse, get back on and keep trying.
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