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From the Chalkboard: The effective student
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Anonymous user Fri Aug 31, 2007 11:36:23 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments This is the third article dealing with success in education. Former articles dealt with the importance of parents and teachers in the process of education. As important as the home-school relationship is, the most important ingredient in the educational process is the student him or herself. Parents and teachers can have the best intentions and efforts in the world, but without the understanding and cooperation of the student very little is going to be accomplished.
Children, many times, do not see purpose and value in their education. Others see schooling as a task to be accomplished, caring little for learning. They do not have the maturity to see how their education can effect their success in life.
There are a host of reasons why many students do poorly in school. It is not the purpose of this article to pursue this topic, but rather to focus on what we can do to motivate our kids toward success in spite of these distracting issues. It is my belief that all students can learn, and that all are capable of decent grades if they are committed to putting in the time.
The following points are directed to your kids. I hope they will be of some help.
1. Learn to understand the importance of your education. Once you understand how education can prepare you for success in life, you can develop a proper attitude toward your school work. Getting good grades will allow you to get the maximum benefits of your schooling, and help you to achieve your goals in life.
2. Believe in yourself.  You can do it! Even if you are not as intellectually gifted as other students you can still succeed! Success in school is not a sprint, it is an endurance race. You might have to work harder than some of your friends, so just do it.  A race is not always won by the swiftest but by the most persistent.
3. Take care of yourself. This means getting to bed on time, eating breakfast every morning, getting exercise, developing healthy personal habits, and organizing your life.
4. Be attentive in class. Show up everyday with your homework completed. Sit in the front of the class. Ask questions and participate in class discussions. This will let your teacher know you take your education seriously. Even if class is sometimes boring and the instruction dull, realize that all of education is important even though class is not always fun and exciting. Neither is life.
5. Do your homework every day. Success in school is closely related to completing and turning in homework. Realize that completing homework will reinforce your class lessons and reading material. You will soon see impressive results because you will be well-prepared for quizzes and exams. You will also be developing good work habits that will be important in other life endeavors.
6. Organize your study time. Find a good place to study. This should be a quiet place without music, TV, video games, or telephone to distract you. Homework should be done as early in the evening as possible. Do not let extracurricular activities interfere with completing your assignments. Prioritize!
7. Involve your parents whenever possible. Usually Mom and Dad want to know what you are studying, and will be willing to help you if you ask. Don’t expect your parents to do your homework for you. They should be asked to clarify directions or assist you with a particularly difficult assignment.
8.  Ask for extra credit. Many teachers offer extra credit assignments which can be fairly simple. The extra points will be sure to raise your grades, and at the same time let your teacher know you want to succeed.
9. Take responsibility for your education. Don’t blame your teachers or school requirements for your lack of success. Teachers have much more important things to do than to make life difficult for you. They want nothing better than to see you succeed. Show respect to your teachers. They have a difficult job.
10. Never give up. Schoolwork, as well as other aspects of life, is sometimes difficult. Keep trying. If you do your best you will be successful. Become confident in yourself, get those good grades and receive rewards for your hard work. You will not only be a success in school, you will win the game of life.
Questions? Comments? Column suggestions? E-mail Dick at: dferris@stockdalechristian.com

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