Tips for starting the new semester strong
Having trouble finding ways to improve grades before the school year ends? These five tips will help students start off the new semester strong. Photo attributions to Sean.
by Melissa Chen, staff reporter
Starting a new semester is like starting a new school year. Students are given the opportunity to start fresh and improve their grades. These are five tips to help students start off the new semester strong.
1. Set a goal. Setting goals is one way to start the new semester strong. First, start off with a short term goal, like passing the next math test. Think of a game plan that will be useful for passing the test, like studying and doing practice problems. Then, start thinking of a long term goal, such as passing the regents. Take it one step at a time by writing down one topic to study each week, and do it consecutively.
2. Ask for help. Teachers and classmates are there to help. Don’t just copy what’s on the board, ask questions if needed. It is better to ask for help than trying to figure something out alone. Most teachers are willing to take a few minutes out of their lunch period or after school to help, just ask politely.
3. Start a study group. Ask friends or classmates if they are interested in starting a study group. Each member of a study group has something different to contribute. Study group members also provides motivation to each other because the main goal of each member is to do well in school.
4. Get organized. Keeping a clean work space will help work flow more efficiently. Also, put all notes/worksheets in a binder and separate each subject with dividers to make sure that no sections get mixed up.
5.Take advantage of resources. Make a list of topics that need going over and master each topic by using surrounding resources. For example, if completing the squares is one of the topics on the list, go online and print out a few worksheets on that topic and do practice problems until that topic can be checked off the list. There are also videos online and books in stores that will come in handy when going over each topic.
The school year is not over yet, so there is still have time for improvement. Get back on track by following these tips!