The question is answered by another question.

Why do you go to school?

I know, you want to say that half of the stuff you’re being forced to learn you will never use.

Well, the reason you go to school is not to learn a particular subject.

You go to school to train your mind to accumulate, store, and associate the information is those dull textbooks, so that, at a later time you can retrieve that information in a manner in which it can be used.

If you didn’t “memorize” the 4 basic math tables, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division for the basic numbers 1 – 12, then you will have problems with math.

If you didn’t lear the associated “vowel phonetic sylables” then you will have trouble spelling. If you can’t spell, you can’t read or write.

That is why the “3 R’s” are so important, yet are neglected in todays education.

You’re growing up using calculators, palm pals, cell phone messaging and computers, and neglecting the most powerful computer known to the human race, you own brain.

You are willing to trust the scanners at the store, and do not question if they are actually giving you the price you thought you were paying for the item.

you lear to play the X-box games, and all the tricks and gme srategy, yet decide “memorizing” something for school is a waste of time.

Go to school the same way you play your X-box games. Its a contest, with your teacher, to see who can get the highest score. The winner is the winner. Your teachers don’t want you to loose the game,,she does not benefit by giving you bad grades. Bad grades mean you’re constantly loosing the most important game of your life, and when you’re done, there is no game reset.

By the way, do you know what it means when the flag is hanged upside down? Do you know the “Morse Code” for distress?

Neither of these can be used on a computer, yet may very well save your life, or the lives of someone you love.

The bottom line is to study, study, study. But how do you doe that? What worked for me was the following…

First, read the chapter, but don’t focus on trying to remember every detail. Take a break. Then read the questions at the end of the chapter to see what you should be looking for. They’re an indication of what is important in the chapter. Then reread the chapter and take notes (dates, names, vocabulary, connections between themes). Now do the exercises and questions at the end of the chapter. Take a break. Reread the chapter once more just to help things sink in.

If you’re studying math, practice the problems again and again. Usually there are a set of rules regarding how to solve problems. Write the rules out in a clear list and go step by step to solve each problem. After just a few, you’ll have remembered the steps and will then be able to solve any similar problem.

When you’ve finished studying something, reward yourself with something you like – your favorite tv program, a bowl of icecream, a walk around the neighborhood. If you don’t reach your goal, don’t reward yourself.

It is good that you are thinking about this question. It means that you are taking school seriously and are willing to improve.

You should do the following:

1. Read a lot. People who are well read usually do well.

2. Pay attention in class.

3. Answer questions in class.

4. Do all your homework when it is given.

5. Do your homework before any other activities.

Do your homework properly. Quiet surroundings, all materials ready before you begin, most difficult subject first, know the meanings of all words, get help if necessary.

6. Attend help classes in school/

7. Ask questions when you do not understand the work.

8. Pay close attention in class.

9. Put your work ahead of pleasure.

10. Learn good study and testing techniques. Write back if you need more help with these.

11. Be prompt coming to class.

12. Have excellent attendance.

13. Do not get discouraged.

14. Study with friends who know more than you do.

Good luck

You have some good tips here already. A suggestion I would make, (it might be NO one will tell you this). In math class it was really helpful to take out a piece of extra paper, and always write down the problems on my test that I got wrong, when the teacher handed them back. If you have a nice teacher who will go over the ‘correct’ answers, write down the ‘correct answer’ on your notes. It will probably be given again in later tests or lead you to wrong conclusions if you don’t learn it THE RIGHT way. Sometimes, you need to ask the teacher to SEE your bad grade test in order to do this. YOU have to take the extra effort to learn it right! If the only answer you read is the WRONG answer you gave before, you will end up just remembering the wrong answer.

Let’s start with the basics. First is applying yourself to your studies. If you don’t focus on what is being presented and try to grasp it, you are doomed from the start. Ask questions in class as soon as you feel yourself failing to understand, and be willing to attend tutoring sessions if that is available at your school.

Good study habits are mandatory. Clear your mind of distractions, (No cell-phone conversations w/girlfriends, no video’s, etc.) read over materials on the subject you are working on critically, making sure you UNDERSTAND what you are reading, and do the homework. The real purpose of homework isn’t the grade, it is to give you familiarity with the practice or concepts explained in class, and to show you where you are failing to understand various concepts so you can remedy that before the test. Study-groups can work, IF the group keeps itself focused on the subject instead of becoming a gossip-circle.

There is no shortcut, you have to apply yourself.

well there are several things to help you get good grades.

If you check around, there are some programs you can take to teach you how to take tests better, and study better.

Reading is pretty important….you have to comprehend what you are reading….take it in and remember it. There are tricks you can use to remember facts better….especially for tests. Design you own way to remember something….use some kind of key for the answers…like a,b,c,d, in front of each, etc….a way you can remember the answer.

Pay attention in class and take notes on what the teacher is saying….and notice if he gives tests by what he says, or what is in the book etc. Most teachers have their own system….some will even tell you where the answers will be….just listen and pay attention.

Nowdays…you can tape the lesson, etc. (with the teacher’s permission) which might help review later.

Also pay attention to ways you can do extra credit work. Most teachers will tell you if you ask. Then if you have a weak grade, the extra report, etc. will help get it more solid.

I used to love to do extra reports…I found them easy and built up extra credit that way.

Consistency is part of the key. Turn in all your work on time….do it totally…not skip-hazaardly….and check with the teacher if there is any work you can do to get extra credit.

Plan to study for tests…have notes to review, and study your book work…allow time each night to get ready for a test….and learn your teacher’s style…they all differ…but you can figure out what the teacher will focus on.

You need to somewhat pay attention during class. Make sure you understand everything that you are learning and if not, ask the teacher for help after school or before school.

Study on your own until you start understanding more what you are learning.

For me, it’s hard to pay attention during school because I have ADD so I usually ask my older brother for help with studying and homework and I normally get high grades. I also go to, what my school calls it, extra help which can be during my lunch period, work study period, before school, and after school. The teacher goes over everything with you and sits down with you and makes it simpler to understand. They even give you a ditto to do just to make sure you really do understand what they are teaching.

I didn’t really like any of them. If I had to pick I’d say 7th because I had my 2 favorite teachers in that grade, but on the flip side I also had the one that ruined my life!

It’s so simple! First of all, pay attention in class, and be neat! Know everything you need for that class, make sure you know where homework is ALWAYS! Put everything back in your backpack when your done so you don’t lose it! And put an effort into everything! Try and learn, don’t force it out by fooling around or being sarcastic. I mean, come on, it’s not like you’ll be a “nerd”. (I suggest… looking good too though. Always helps. ;] )

Be punctual in going to school.

Be attentive to what your teacher teaches.

Participate in class discussions.

Participate in school extra-curricular activities.

Study your lessons and do your homework.

Answer correctly the oral and written examinations.

Don’t be absent or cut-classes.

Behave, helpful, honest and courteous.

If you follow the foregoing do’s and don’ts, you will get not just good grades but you’re a candidate to become a topnotcher.