good grades assignment

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How to Get Good Grades

Last Updated: May 18, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Jennifer Kaifesh and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden . Jennifer Kaifesh is the Founder of Great Expectations College Prep, a tutoring and counseling service based in Southern California. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience managing and facilitating academic tutoring and standardized test prep as it relates to the college application process. She takes a personal approach to her tutoring, and focuses on working with students to find their specific mix of pursuits that they both enjoy and excel at. She is a graduate of Northwestern University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 50 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,242,097 times.

No matter how old we are, getting good grades is a goal for many of us. Juggling homework, tests, and projects can be tough, but with a little bit of effort and dedication, you can get (and keep) your grades up. Keep reading to learn how you can stay on top of your schoolwork and put your best foot forward during class.

Get a planner.

• Every day when you get home from school, check your calendar and see what needs to be done before tomorrow, as well as what's on the horizon for the next few days. Check off what you have already done so you don’t get confused.

Participate in class.

• If you’re an auditory learner, try recording the lectures so you can listen to them later on.
• Your teacher will really appreciate it if you participate, especially if you’re one of the only people doing so. And if you get on their good side, they’re more likely to be lenient on you during the grading process.

Take good notes.

• To write notes quickly, try using shorthand instead of full sentences. For instance, if you’re in math class, shorten “geometry” to “geo” and “algebra” into “alg.”
• Understand the 80/20 rule of studying: 80% of the test questions surround 20% of the most important concepts. If you are crammed for time figure out these core concepts by looking at past tests and study these first.

Ask your teacher for help.

• Often things we're told one-on-one stick with us more than things we're just being lectured about.
• If you’re a visual learner, try asking the teacher for handouts or study guides you can use.
• If you’re a hands-on learner, your teacher might have suggestions for you on how you can translate your work into good study material.

Get a tutor if you need to.

• Your school might also have a tutoring center where you can go and get help from different departments.

Joseph Meyer

Review basic concepts before diving into advanced topics. Identifying the gaps in your knowledge helps you avoid difficulties later on. Take an assessment or get your teacher's advice on where you can improve. Practice targeted exercises to build a strong foundation so you can confidently tackle new lessons.

Make a study schedule.

• Use your common sense when it comes to allotting time to specific classes. For example, Badminton needs a lot less time than the Principles of Celestial Mechanics.

Form a study group.

• This takes the information off the page and makes it fun and memorable. When you have to explain something to a friend, you think about it in a different way that can make it easier to understand.

Use memory tricks for memorization.

• Associations work, too. If you're trying to remember that India used to be a British colony, picture the queen jogging laps around the Taj Mahal. When the test comes, you may not remember what you actually should remember, but you'll remember enough to jog your memory!

Study for 10 to 20 minutes every day instead of cramming.

• Try not to pull all-nighters before a test, either. If you’re tired and groggy, you won’t be able to think clearly and effectively.

Try practice tests.

• There are tons of practice tests for big exams like the SAT or the ACT online.
• If you have trouble finding a practice test, ask your teacher to give you one.

Take 15-minute breaks every 45 minutes.

• Make sure you do something on your break that’s actually relaxing. It will help you feel rested and ready to tackle the rest of your work.

Eat a good, healthy breakfast every day.

• Pick a breakfast that’s both filling and nutritious. Go for oatmeal, toast, bagels, eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt, or granola to fuel your mind and your body.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• Don't worry about competing with people around you, as they may have other goals. Just work hard and try to achieve your own goals for yourself. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
• At the end of each day, summarise the information you have learnt and put it in a different book. That way, when you want to do revision, you can see the key points quickly and easily, and not focus on the less important pieces of information. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ Jennifer Kaifesh. Academic Tutor. Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
• ↑ https://hbculifestyle.com/improve-your-grades-in-college/
• ↑ https://math.osu.edu/undergrad/non-majors/resources/good-grade
• ↑ https://www.umassd.edu/dss/resources/students/classroom-strategies/how-to-get-good-grades/
• ↑ https://www.oxfordlearning.com/benefits-of-tutoring/
• ↑ https://www.oxfordlearning.com/studying-alone-vs-studying-in-a-group/
• ↑ https://www.oxfordlearning.com/mnemonic-devices/
• ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/back-to-school-cramming-doesnt-work-in-the-long-run.html
• ↑ https://blog.collegeboard.org/how-to-improve-your-sat-score

About This Article

To get good grades, stay organized by keeping a planner with all of your assignments and upcoming tests in it. Make a study schedule for each week so you know exactly how much you should study for your classes. Make sure you take good notes and participate in class so you're more prepared for tests. Try to do your homework right after school every day so you don't procrastinate. If you feel like you're struggling with a subject, don't be afraid to ask your teacher for help or meet with a tutor. For more tips, like how to study for tests, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Manifesting Good Grades: 20 Strategies for Success

Hey there! If you’re looking to boost your academic performance and manifest those good grades, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll be sharing 20 tried and tested strategies that can help you achieve academic excellence. Whether you’re a high school student or pursuing higher  education , these strategies can make a significant difference in your academic journey.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll be able to cultivate a  success-driven mindset , set clear goals, create an ideal study environment, and use  visualization  and  positive affirmations  to enhance your motivation and focus. Let’s dive in and explore how these strategies can help you manifest those good grades you’ve been aiming for.

Key Takeaways:

• Implement  positive intentions ,  visualization  techniques, and  goal setting  to enhance your academic performance.
• Create a strategic study space by decluttering and designating a specific area for studying.
• Develop a  success-driven mindset  by overcoming  mental barriers  and adopting a  growth mindset .
• Utilize the  law of attraction  and  positive affirmations  to attract  academic success .
• Repetition  and  consistency  in  learning  are crucial for reinforcing knowledge and achieving good grades.

20 Tips & Techniques To Manifesting Good Grades

Manifesting good grades involves effective study strategies, tapping into the power of positive thinking and visualization, and using the Law of Attraction. Here are 20 tips and techniques to help you manifest the grades you desire:

1. Create a Positive Affirmation Routine

Begin each day with a positive affirmation routine that sets the tone for success. Affirmations are powerful tools to shape your mindset and beliefs. By repeating positive statements such as “I am a successful student” or “I effortlessly understand and retain information,” you’re not just uttering words; you’re cultivating a positive mental environment.

This routine primes your mind to expect success, creating a foundation for manifesting good grades. As you consistently affirm your capabilities, you reinforce the belief that achieving academic excellence is not only possible but inevitable. Remember, your thoughts influence your reality, and starting the day with positive affirmations can significantly impact your academic journey. Continue reading for a list of positive affirmation for manifesting good grades.

2. Visualize Success

Visualization is a potent technique for manifesting good grades. Take a few moments each day to vividly imagine yourself receiving top grades. Close your eyes and immerse yourself in the scene – visualize the exam room, the feeling of confidence as you answer questions, and the joy of seeing outstanding results. Visualization engages your mind on a deep level, making success feel more attainable. When you consistently visualize success, you create a mental blueprint that guides your actions.

This positive imagery acts as a motivator, driving you to study with purpose and determination. The more detailed and emotionally charged your visualizations, the more powerful their impact on your subconscious mind, aligning your thoughts with the achievement of excellent grades. As you visualize success, you cultivate a mindset that attracts positive outcomes in your academic endeavors.

3. Build a Vision Board

Constructing a vision board is a tangible way to manifest good grades. Collect images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with academic success. Arrange them on a board, creating a visual representation of your goals. Each time you glance at your vision board, you reinforce your aspirations and send a powerful message to your subconscious mind. The images act as constant reminders of the success you are working towards, fostering a sense of determination and focus. By actively engaging with your vision board, you strengthen your connection to your academic goals, making them more real and achievable.

4. Use the Law of Attraction

The law of attraction asserts that like attracts like, meaning your thoughts and emotions shape your reality. Embrace this principle by consciously directing your focus toward positive thoughts related to academic success. Affirm that you are already on the path to achieving great grades. Cultivate an optimistic outlook, and believe that your efforts will yield the desired outcomes. As you align your thoughts and emotions with success, you create a magnetic force that draws positive academic experiences into your life.

5. Set Clear Intentions

Setting clear intentions is a crucial step in manifesting good grades. Clearly articulate your academic goals, writing them down in detail. Specify the grades you aim to achieve and the steps you’ll take to reach them. This process clarifies your objectives and serves as a commitment to yourself. Revisit your intentions regularly, reaffirming your dedication to academic excellence. The act of setting intentions creates a roadmap for your academic journey, guiding your actions and decisions toward the manifestation of your goals.

6. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness into your academic routine. Mindfulness involves being fully present and engaged in the current moment. When you approach your studies with mindfulness, you enhance your focus and concentration. Eliminate distractions, take a few deep breaths, and immerse yourself in the material. Mindful studying improves comprehension and allows you to absorb information more effectively, contributing to your overall academic success.

7. Express Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful force that can positively impact your academic journey. Cultivate a sense of appreciation for the knowledge you are gaining. Express gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow intellectually. When faced with challenges, shift your perspective by acknowledging the lessons they bring. Gratitude fosters a positive mindset, making your academic experience more fulfilling and contributing to the manifestation of good grades.

8. Use Positive Language

Pay attention to the language you use when discussing your academic journey. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” affirm that you are in the process of mastering the material. Positive language shapes your perception of challenges and influences your belief in your ability to overcome them. By consciously choosing positive words, you create a supportive mental environment that aligns with the manifestation of academic success.

9. Create a Manifestation Journal

Keeping a manifestation journal is a reflective practice that reinforces your commitment to academic success. In this journal, document your academic goals, achievements, and positive manifestations. Write about your progress, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the strategies that have worked well for you. Regularly revisiting your journal serves as a reminder of your journey and strengthens your belief in your ability to manifest the grades you desire.

10. Practice Self-Compassion

Embrace self-compassion as an integral part of your academic journey. Understand that facing challenges and setbacks is natural. Instead of engaging in self-criticism, treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Learn from mistakes without dwelling on them, and view them as opportunities for growth. Practicing self-compassion fosters a positive mindset, enabling you to navigate the ups and downs of academic life with resilience and confidence.

11. Connect Emotionally with Your Goals

Attach positive emotions to your academic goals. Visualize the joy, pride, and sense of accomplishment you’ll experience when you achieve the grades you desire. Emotionally connecting with your goals adds depth to your motivation, making the pursuit of academic excellence more meaningful. Infusing your academic journey with positive emotions creates a powerful incentive to stay focused and dedicated to your goals. Also, the positive emotion you send out attracts positive outcomes through the powerful Law of Attraction. It only takes 17 seconds for the Law of Attraction to get triggered according to Abraham Hicks 17 seconds rule .

12. Use Positive Visualization Before Exams

Incorporate positive visualization techniques into your pre-exam routine. Close your eyes and visualize yourself entering the exam room with confidence . Imagine answering questions with ease, recalling information effortlessly, and feeling a sense of accomplishment as you complete the exam. Positive visualization alleviates exam anxiety and primes your mind for success, creating a mental state conducive to optimal performance.

13. Affirmations for Specific Subjects

Tailor your affirmations to specific subjects you are studying. For example, if you are working on mastering a challenging subject like mathematics, affirmations such as “I easily understand and excel in mathematics” can reinforce your confidence and competence in that particular area. Customizing affirmations to your academic pursuits allows you to address specific challenges and build a positive mindset tailored to your individual goals

14. Create a Ritual Before Studying

Develop a pre-study ritual that signals to your mind that it’s time to focus on academic tasks. This could be a specific song that energizes you, a short meditation to clear your mind, or reading a motivational quote. Rituals help create a mental transition from everyday activities to the concentrated focus required for effective studying. Consistently engaging in a pre-study ritual enhances your ability to enter a state of deep concentration, making your study sessions more productive.

15. Connect with Successful Peers

Surround yourself with positive, high-achieving individuals who share your academic goals. Engaging with successful peers provides inspiration and motivation. Share experiences, study together, and celebrate each other’s successes. A supportive academic community’s collective energy can significantly enhance your motivation and commitment to manifesting good grades.

16. Practice Gratitude for Challenges

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and express gratitude for the valuable lessons they bring. Challenges are inherent in any academic journey, and viewing them with gratitude shifts your perspective. Recognize that overcoming challenges is a crucial part of the learning process and a stepping stone toward achieving your academic goals.

17. Use Positive Imagery in Notes

Infuse your study materials with positive imagery to enhance your learning experience. Incorporate visuals that evoke positive emotions and associations with the subject matter. This could include using colorful diagrams, illustrations, or images that resonate with your understanding and appreciation of the material. Positive imagery in your notes creates a more engaging and enjoyable study environment, contributing to better retention and comprehension.

18. Engage in Positive Self-Talk During Studying

Monitor and consciously replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations while studying. If you encounter a challenging concept, instead of saying, “I can’t grasp this,” affirm, “I am working towards mastering this and will overcome any challenges.” Positive self-talk not only boosts your confidence but also reinforces a growth mindset, helping you approach your studies with resilience and determination

19. Use a Symbol of Success

Choose a symbol that represents success for you—a lucky charm, a meaningful object, or a simple image that resonates with achievement. Keep this symbol with you during exams or study sessions. The presence of this symbol serves as a tangible reminder of your goals and acts as a positive anchor, connecting you to the belief that success is within reach.

20. Celebrate Small Manifestations

Acknowledge and celebrate small signs of progress along your academic journey. Each small step towards success, whether it’s understanding a complex concept or completing a challenging assignment, is a manifestation in itself. Celebrating these victories, no matter how minor, reinforces your commitment and builds positive momentum.

Recognize the effort you put into your studies and use these celebrations as fuel to propel you towards even greater achievements. Remember, the journey to good grades is composed of numerous small victories that, when celebrated, contribute to a more positive and successful academic experience.

The Significance of Positive Intentions in Academic Achievement

Positive intentions  are key to achieving  academic success . When you approach your studies with  positive intentions , you create a mindset that aligns with your goals and supports your journey toward manifesting good grades. Cultivating positive intentions in academic pursuits can profoundly impact motivation, focus, and overall academic performance.

Having positive intentions means setting a clear intention to excel academically, believing in your ability to succeed, and approaching  learning  with a  growth mindset . It involves fostering a positive outlook towards challenges and setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for growth and  learning . Positive intentions create a foundation for  academic achievement , enabling you to overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and reach your full potential.

To cultivate positive intentions, students can:

• Set clear and achievable academic goals
• Practice self-affirmations to reinforce positive beliefs
• Acknowledge and celebrate progress, no matter how small
• Surround themselves with a supportive and positive study environment
• Visualize their success and visualize themselves achieving their desired grades
• Practice gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow

By adopting these strategies and incorporating positive intentions into their academic routines, students can enhance their mindset, boost self-confidence, and increase their chances of  academic success . Remembering positive intentions go hand in hand with consistent effort, dedication, and effective study habits is important. When combined, these elements create a powerful formula for  manifesting good grades  and achieving academic excellence.

The Power of Visualization in Education

Visualization  is a powerful technique that can greatly contribute to  manifesting good grades  and achieving academic success. Creating a clear vision of what you want to achieve and visualizing the gratification of great results can significantly enhance your motivation, focus, and overall performance in your educational journey.

Creating a Vision for Success

In order to effectively utilize visualization as a tool for manifesting good grades, it is essential to start by creating a clear vision for your academic success. Take some time to reflect on your goals and aspirations, and imagine yourself achieving them. Visualize the specific grades you want to receive, the recognition you desire, and the knowledge and skills you aim to acquire.

When creating your  vision for success , be as detailed as possible. Visualize yourself sitting in the classroom, fully engaged and absorbing the information effortlessly. See yourself confidently answering questions, acing exams, and surpassing expectations. Paint a vivid mental picture of the way you want your academic journey to unfold.

Imagining the Gratification of Great Results

In addition to creating a vision of success, it is equally important to imagine the deep sense of gratification and achievement that comes with obtaining great results. Picture yourself receiving your report card and seeing the grades you visualized. Feel the excitement and pride that accompanies your accomplishments.

By immersing yourself in the emotions associated with achieving your goals, you strengthen your connection to your vision and boost your motivation. When you truly believe in the possibility of manifesting good grades, you will naturally align your actions and intentions with that belief, setting yourself up for success.

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Visualization in  education  is a practice that requires  consistency  and dedication. Take a few moments every day to visualize your goals, reinforce your vision of success, and affirm your ability to manifest good grades.

Strategic Study Spaces: Declutter and Designate

Creating  strategic study spaces  is essential for effective learning and manifesting good grades. When it comes to studying, the environment plays a significant role in our focus, concentration, and productivity. By decluttering and designating specific study spaces, students can optimize their learning experience and maximize their chances of academic success.

“The environment we create around us impacts our ability to learn and retain information. A clean and organized study space can significantly improve our focus and help us stay on track.”

One of the first steps toward creating a strategic study space is decluttering. Clutter can be overwhelming and distracting, making it difficult to concentrate on studying. Remove any unnecessary items, such as old papers, books, or unrelated objects, from your study area. Keep only the essentials, like textbooks, notebooks, and study materials, within reach.

Designating a specific area solely for studying is essential for maintaining focus and avoiding distractions. This designated space could be a desk, a quiet corner of your room, or even a dedicated study room if available. When you enter this area, your mind automatically associates it with studying, helping you enter a focused and productive state of mind.

To create an ideal study environment, consider the following tips:

• Lighting:  Ensure that your study area is well-lit to minimize eye strain and promote alertness.
• Ergonomics:  Invest in a comfortable chair and desk setup that promotes good posture to prevent any physical discomfort during long study sessions.
• Organization:  Keep your study materials neatly arranged and easily accessible. Consider using shelves, drawers, or desk organizers to maintain order.
• Minimize Distractions:  Remove any potential distractions from your study space, such as electronic devices, noise sources, or unrelated materials.
• Personalization:  Add elements to your study space that inspire and motivate you, such as motivational quotes, plants, or artwork.

By implementing these strategies and creating  strategic study spaces , students can optimize their focus, concentration, and productivity, ultimately manifesting good grades in their academic pursuits.

Manifesting Good Grades Through Goal Setting and Planning

Goal setting  and  planning  are crucial components of achieving academic success. Students can stay motivated, focused, and on track to manifest their desired grades by setting clear and achievable goals.  Planning  effectively ensures that students have a structured approach to their studies, enabling them to maximize their learning potential.

When it comes to  goal setting , it is important for students to define their  academic aspirations . Whether it’s aiming for straight A’s, improving in a specific subject, or achieving a certain GPA, setting specific goals provides a clear target to work towards. These goals should be challenging yet attainable, helping to push students beyond their comfort zones while ensuring they remain within reach.

Goal Setting Strategies

• Be specific:  Clearly articulate the desired outcome and what needs to be accomplished.
• Make them measurable:  Ensure that goals can be quantified, allowing progress to be tracked.
• Set deadlines:  Establishing a timeline creates a sense of urgency and helps with time management.
• Break them down:  Divide big goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make them more approachable.
• Write them down:  Putting goals on paper increases commitment and provides a visual reminder.

Once goals are in place, effective  planning  is essential for success. Developing a study plan helps students allocate their time efficiently and ensures that all subjects and assignments receive adequate attention. A well-structured study plan may include:

• Identifying priorities:  Determine which subjects or topics require the most focus and allocate time accordingly.
• Creating a schedule:  Establish a daily, weekly, or monthly timetable to allocate time for studying, reviewing, and completing assignments.
• Utilizing resources:  Identify the materials, textbooks, online resources, or study aids needed to support learning.
• Implementing study techniques:  Determine which study techniques are most effective for comprehension and retention, such as note-taking, summarizing, or practicing with flashcards.
• Managing distractions:  Minimize potential distractions during study time by turning off notifications, finding a quiet space, or using focus-enhancing tools.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

By combining goal setting with effective planning, students are better equipped to turn their  academic aspirations  into reality. Setting goals provides direction and motivation, while planning ensures a systematic approach to studying and learning. These strategies empower students to achieve good grades and achieve their desired academic success.

Mind Over Matter: Cultivating a Success-Driven Mindset

In order to manifest good grades and achieve academic success, it is essential to cultivate a  success-driven mindset . Our mindset plays a significant role in determining our actions, habits, and ultimately, our outcomes. By adopting a success-driven mindset, you can overcome mental barriers, maintain motivation, and unlock your full academic potential.

Overcoming Mental Barriers

Mental barriers , such as self-doubt and fear of failure, can significantly hinder academic performance. However, with the right strategies, these barriers can be overcome. One effective technique is to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive and empowering beliefs. By practicing self-affirmation and reframing negative experiences, students can build resilience and develop a stronger sense of self-confidence.

Additionally, seeking support from mentors, teachers, or peers can provide valuable guidance and encouragement. Surrounding oneself with a supportive community can help combat feelings of self-doubt and create a positive learning environment.

Adopting the Growth Mindset

The  growth mindset  is another powerful tool for manifesting good grades. This mindset believes that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication, effort, and continuous learning. Embracing the growth mindset allows students to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning rather than obstacles.

By reframing setbacks as learning experiences and focusing on the process of learning, students can maintain a positive attitude and persevere through difficulties. Emphasizing effort and resilience rather than innate abilities or intelligence fosters a love for learning and encourages persistent effort in the pursuit of academic success. Appreciating the contrast that is on your journey is one of the manifesting keys of the Abraham Hicks Step 1 2 3 4 5 manifestation process.

Incorporating these strategies into one’s academic journey can lead to profound transformations. By cultivating a success-driven mindset, students can break free from mental barriers, adopt a growth mindset, and manifest the good grades they desire.

Embracing the Law of Attraction in Academics

The  law of attraction  is a powerful force that can be harnessed in academic pursuits to manifest good grades. By understanding and applying the principles of the  law of attraction , you can align your thoughts, emotions, and actions with your desired academic outcomes. This section will explore how the law of attraction can be embraced in  academics  to enhance academic success and manifest good grades.

The law of attraction teaches us that like attracts like. By focusing on positive thoughts, beliefs, and intentions, students can attract positive experiences, including academic success. When students believe in their ability to achieve good grades and visualize themselves succeeding, they send out positive vibrations into the universe, which in turn attract the resources, opportunities, and circumstances necessary for them to manifest their desired grades.

Take Inspired Action

However, it’s important to note that simply thinking positively is not enough. The law of attraction also emphasizes the importance of taking inspired action. Students need to take the necessary steps to put their positive intentions into practice. This could involve implementing effective study strategies, seeking help when needed, staying organized, and maintaining a consistent effort toward their academic goals.

Furthermore, the law of attraction encourages students to cultivate gratitude and appreciation for their current academic situation. By acknowledging and appreciating their current progress and achievements, students can generate positive energy and attract even more success. Gratitude helps shift their focus from what they lack to what they already have, creating a mindset of abundance and attracting more of the same.

In summary, embracing the law of attraction in  academics  involves aligning thoughts, emotions, and actions with the desired academic outcomes. By practicing positive thinking, visualizing success, taking inspired action, and cultivating gratitude, students can leverage the power of the law of attraction to manifest good grades and achieve academic excellence.

Positive Affirmations: The Articulation of Academic Aspirations

Positive affirmations  serve as powerful tools for manifesting good grades and achieving  academic aspirations . By consciously choosing and utilizing positive affirmations, students can reprogram their thoughts and beliefs to align with their goals for academic excellence.

Reprogramming Thoughts for Academic Excellence

To manifest good grades, it is essential to reprogram negative and limiting thoughts. Negative self-talk and doubt can hinder academic progress and undermine self-confidence. By replacing these thoughts with positive affirmations, students can cultivate a mindset that supports their academic success.

Regularly repeating positive affirmations such as “I am capable of achieving excellent grades” or “I am a dedicated and focused learner” can rewire the subconscious mind and instill confidence and belief in one’s abilities. These affirmations help students overcome self-doubt and internalize a positive mindset for academic excellence.

Picking Powerful Phrases for Performance

The choice of words in positive affirmations is crucial for maximum effectiveness. When selecting affirmations, students should consider the specific academic goals they want to achieve and craft phrases that resonate with their aspirations. For example:

• “I effortlessly absorb and retain complex information.”
• “I approach challenges with curiosity and determination.”
• “I am organized and disciplined in my study habits.”

By personalizing affirmations to match individual needs and ambitions, students can strengthen their belief in their abilities and create a positive mindset conducive to manifesting good grades.

Affirmations For Manifesting Good Grades

• I am a capable and intelligent student, and I have the ability to excel in my studies.”
• “Every day, in every way, I am getting smarter and closer to my academic goals.”
• “I effortlessly understand and retain information in all of my classes.”
• “My mind is focused, and my concentration is sharp during study sessions.”
• “I am confident in my ability to grasp complex concepts and apply them in exams.”
• “I welcome challenges as opportunities to learn and showcase my academic prowess.”
• “My dedication to my studies is unwavering, and I persist in the face of difficulties.”
• “I am always prepared for exams, and I recall information with ease.”
• “Success is my natural state, and I attract excellent grades effortlessly.”
• “I am in control of my academic journey, and I choose success with every decision.”
• “I am a quick learner, and I adapt easily to new academic challenges.”
• “My commitment to learning is a testament to my academic excellence.”
• “I am open to receiving knowledge, and my mind is a magnet for information.”
• “Each day, I am becoming more confident and competent in my studies.”
• “I trust in my ability to perform well under pressure during exams.”
• “My grades reflect the effort and dedication I invest in my education.”
• “I am proud of my academic accomplishments, and I celebrate my successes.”
• “My academic potential is limitless, and I am continually reaching new heights.”
• “I am surrounded by a supportive academic community that uplifts and inspires me.”
• “My passion for learning fuels my success, and I am enthusiastic about my studies.”
• “I am deserving of academic success, and I attract positive outcomes in every subject.”
• “I radiate confidence and poise during presentations and exams.”
• “My ability to concentrate and focus is improving every day.”
• “I am a dedicated student, and my hard work is paying off in the form of excellent grades.”
• “I am grateful for the knowledge I gain, and I approach my studies with a positive and open mind.”

The Role of Repetition and Consistency in Learning

Repetition  and  consistency  are key to achieving effective learning and manifesting good grades. By reinforcing knowledge and skills through repetition, students can solidify their understanding and retention of academic concepts. Conversely, consistency ensures that learning becomes a habit and is integrated into daily study routines. Together, repetition and consistency create a strong foundation for academic success.

When students engage in repetitive learning practices, they reinforce neural connections in the brain and enhance their ability to recall information. By consistently reviewing and practicing what they have learned, students can internalize concepts and make them more readily accessible when needed. This solidifies their understanding and enables them to apply their knowledge effectively in exams and assignments.

Repetition helps to establish connections between ideas and strengthen memory recall, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Consistency is equally important in learning. Students create a structured and organized approach to their academic pursuits by establishing consistent study habits. Regular and dedicated study sessions ensure that students allocate sufficient time to cover all necessary material and reinforce their understanding. Consistency also helps prevent procrastination and allows students to manage their time effectively.

Students can manifest good grades by incorporating repetitive and consistent learning practices into their study routines. These strategies optimize the learning process by enhancing understanding, retention, and application of knowledge. With repetition and consistency as their guiding principles, students can confidently approach their studies and achieve their desired academic success.

Manifesting Good Grades | FAQ

Is it possible to manifest good grades.

Yes, manifesting good grades is possible. It involves combining positive thinking, visualization, and focused affirmations to align your mindset with academic success. By cultivating a positive outlook and employing specific techniques, you can influence your academic journey positively.

How do you manifest good test results?

Manifesting good test results involves a multifaceted approach. Utilize positive affirmations, visualize success during study sessions, and maintain a confident mindset. Consistent preparation, effective study techniques, and a belief in your ability to perform well contribute to manifesting positive outcomes in exams.

What are affirmations for good grades?

Affirmations for good grades include statements like:

• “I am a capable and intelligent student.”
• “I easily understand and excel in my studies.”
• “Every day, I am getting closer to academic success.”
• “I am confident in my ability to perform well in exams.” Regularly repeat these affirmations to reinforce positive beliefs about your academic capabilities.

How do you visualize good grades?

To visualize good grades, close your eyes and vividly imagine receiving outstanding results. Picture the joy and pride you feel. Envision yourself confidently answering exam questions and mastering challenging topics. Regular visualization reinforces a positive mindset, making academic success feel more attainable, and it triggers the Law of Attraction, like attracts like. When you send out positive vibrations, you attract positive vibrations and outcomes.

How to manifest good grades using 369 method?

The 369 method involves writing your academic goals and affirmations a specific number of times:

• Write your academic goal (e.g., “I achieve straight A’s”) three times in the morning. And say it out loud for more power as well.
• Write the same statement six times in the afternoon.
• Write the same affirmation nine times before bedtime.

Repeating this process for at least 21 days is key to harnessing the power of intention, gratitude, and repetition to align your thoughts with manifesting academic success. The numbers 3, 6, and 9 are considered powerful in numerology and are central to this manifestation technique. Read more in my article: 369 Manifestation Method Step-by-Step Guide

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Coursework/GPA

Everyone struggles with homework sometimes, but if getting your homework done has become a chronic issue for you, then you may need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve written this article all about how to do homework. Once you’re finished reading it, you’ll know how to do homework (and have tons of new ways to motivate yourself to do homework)!

We’ve broken this article down into a few major sections. You’ll find:

• A diagnostic test to help you figure out why you’re struggling with homework
• A discussion of the four major homework problems students face, along with expert tips for addressing them
• A bonus section with tips for how to do homework fast

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to tackle whatever homework assignments your teachers throw at you .

So let’s get started!

How to Do Homework: Figure Out Your Struggles 

Sometimes it feels like everything is standing between you and getting your homework done. But the truth is, most people only have one or two major roadblocks that are keeping them from getting their homework done well and on time. 

The best way to figure out how to get motivated to do homework starts with pinpointing the issues that are affecting your ability to get your assignments done. That’s why we’ve developed a short quiz to help you identify the areas where you’re struggling. 

Take the quiz below and record your answers on your phone or on a scrap piece of paper. Keep in mind there are no wrong answers! 

1. You’ve just been assigned an essay in your English class that’s due at the end of the week. What’s the first thing you do?

A. Keep it in mind, even though you won’t start it until the day before it’s due  B. Open up your planner. You’ve got to figure out when you’ll write your paper since you have band practice, a speech tournament, and your little sister’s dance recital this week, too.  C. Groan out loud. Another essay? You could barely get yourself to write the last one!  D. Start thinking about your essay topic, which makes you think about your art project that’s due the same day, which reminds you that your favorite artist might have just posted to Instagram...so you better check your feed right now. 

2. Your mom asked you to pick up your room before she gets home from work. You’ve just gotten home from school. You decide you’ll tackle your chores: 

A. Five minutes before your mom walks through the front door. As long as it gets done, who cares when you start?  B. As soon as you get home from your shift at the local grocery store.  C. After you give yourself a 15-minute pep talk about how you need to get to work.  D. You won’t get it done. Between texts from your friends, trying to watch your favorite Netflix show, and playing with your dog, you just lost track of time! 

3. You’ve signed up to wash dogs at the Humane Society to help earn money for your senior class trip. You: 

A. Show up ten minutes late. You put off leaving your house until the last minute, then got stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to the shelter.  B. Have to call and cancel at the last minute. You forgot you’d already agreed to babysit your cousin and bake cupcakes for tomorrow’s bake sale.  C. Actually arrive fifteen minutes early with extra brushes and bandanas you picked up at the store. You’re passionate about animals, so you’re excited to help out! D. Show up on time, but only get three dogs washed. You couldn’t help it: you just kept getting distracted by how cute they were!

4. You have an hour of downtime, so you decide you’re going to watch an episode of The Great British Baking Show. You: 

A. Scroll through your social media feeds for twenty minutes before hitting play, which means you’re not able to finish the whole episode. Ugh! You really wanted to see who was sent home!  B. Watch fifteen minutes until you remember you’re supposed to pick up your sister from band practice before heading to your part-time job. No GBBO for you!  C. You finish one episode, then decide to watch another even though you’ve got SAT studying to do. It’s just more fun to watch people make scones.  D. Start the episode, but only catch bits and pieces of it because you’re reading Twitter, cleaning out your backpack, and eating a snack at the same time.

5. Your teacher asks you to stay after class because you’ve missed turning in two homework assignments in a row. When she asks you what’s wrong, you say: 

A. You planned to do your assignments during lunch, but you ran out of time. You decided it would be better to turn in nothing at all than submit unfinished work.  B. You really wanted to get the assignments done, but between your extracurriculars, family commitments, and your part-time job, your homework fell through the cracks.  C. You have a hard time psyching yourself to tackle the assignments. You just can’t seem to find the motivation to work on them once you get home.  D. You tried to do them, but you had a hard time focusing. By the time you realized you hadn’t gotten anything done, it was already time to turn them in. 

Like we said earlier, there are no right or wrong answers to this quiz (though your results will be better if you answered as honestly as possible). Here’s how your answers break down: 

• If your answers were mostly As, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is procrastination. 
• If your answers were mostly Bs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is time management. 
• If your answers were mostly Cs, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is motivation. 
• If your answers were mostly Ds, then your biggest struggle with doing homework is getting distracted. 

Now that you’ve identified why you’re having a hard time getting your homework done, we can help you figure out how to fix it! Scroll down to find your core problem area to learn more about how you can start to address it. 

And one more thing: you’re really struggling with homework, it’s a good idea to read through every section below. You may find some additional tips that will help make homework less intimidating. 

How to Do Homework When You’re a Procrastinator  

Merriam Webster defines “procrastinate” as “to put off intentionally and habitually.” In other words, procrastination is when you choose to do something at the last minute on a regular basis. If you’ve ever found yourself pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish an assignment between periods, or sprinting to turn in a paper minutes before a deadline, you’ve experienced the effects of procrastination. 

If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you’re in good company. In fact, one study found that 70% to 95% of undergraduate students procrastinate when it comes to doing their homework. Unfortunately, procrastination can negatively impact your grades. Researchers have found that procrastination can lower your grade on an assignment by as much as five points ...which might not sound serious until you realize that can mean the difference between a B- and a C+. 

Procrastination can also negatively affect your health by increasing your stress levels , which can lead to other health conditions like insomnia, a weakened immune system, and even heart conditions. Getting a handle on procrastination can not only improve your grades, it can make you feel better, too! 

The big thing to understand about procrastination is that it’s not the result of laziness. Laziness is defined as being “disinclined to activity or exertion.” In other words, being lazy is all about doing nothing. But a s this Psychology Today article explains , procrastinators don’t put things off because they don’t want to work. Instead, procrastinators tend to postpone tasks they don’t want to do in favor of tasks that they perceive as either more important or more fun. Put another way, procrastinators want to do things...as long as it’s not their homework! 

3 Tips f or Conquering Procrastination 

Because putting off doing homework is a common problem, there are lots of good tactics for addressing procrastination. Keep reading for our three expert tips that will get your homework habits back on track in no time. 

#1: Create a Reward System

Like we mentioned earlier, procrastination happens when you prioritize other activities over getting your homework done. Many times, this happens because homework...well, just isn’t enjoyable. But you can add some fun back into the process by rewarding yourself for getting your work done. 

Here’s what we mean: let’s say you decide that every time you get your homework done before the day it’s due, you’ll give yourself a point. For every five points you earn, you’ll treat yourself to your favorite dessert: a chocolate cupcake! Now you have an extra (delicious!) incentive to motivate you to leave procrastination in the dust. 

If you’re not into cupcakes, don’t worry. Your reward can be anything that motivates you . Maybe it’s hanging out with your best friend or an extra ten minutes of video game time. As long as you’re choosing something that makes homework worth doing, you’ll be successful. 

#2: Have a Homework Accountability Partner 

If you’re having trouble getting yourself to start your homework ahead of time, it may be a good idea to call in reinforcements . Find a friend or classmate you can trust and explain to them that you’re trying to change your homework habits. Ask them if they’d be willing to text you to make sure you’re doing your homework and check in with you once a week to see if you’re meeting your anti-procrastination goals. 

Sharing your goals can make them feel more real, and an accountability partner can help hold you responsible for your decisions. For example, let’s say you’re tempted to put off your science lab write-up until the morning before it’s due. But you know that your accountability partner is going to text you about it tomorrow...and you don’t want to fess up that you haven’t started your assignment. A homework accountability partner can give you the extra support and incentive you need to keep your homework habits on track. 

#3: Create Your Own Due Dates 

If you’re a life-long procrastinator, you might find that changing the habit is harder than you expected. In that case, you might try using procrastination to your advantage! If you just can’t seem to stop doing your work at the last minute, try setting your own due dates for assignments that range from a day to a week before the assignment is actually due. 

Here’s what we mean. Let’s say you have a math worksheet that’s been assigned on Tuesday and is due on Friday. In your planner, you can write down the due date as Thursday instead. You may still put off your homework assignment until the last minute...but in this case, the “last minute” is a day before the assignment’s real due date . This little hack can trick your procrastination-addicted brain into planning ahead! 

If you feel like Kevin Hart in this meme, then our tips for doing homework when you're busy are for you. 

How to Do Homework When You’re too Busy

If you’re aiming to go to a top-tier college , you’re going to have a full plate. Because college admissions is getting more competitive, it’s important that you’re maintaining your grades , studying hard for your standardized tests , and participating in extracurriculars so your application stands out. A packed schedule can get even more hectic once you add family obligations or a part-time job to the mix. 

If you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, you’re not alone. Recent research has found that stress—and more severe stress-related conditions like anxiety and depression— are a major problem for high school students . In fact, one study from the American Psychological Association found that during the school year, students’ stress levels are higher than those of the adults around them. 

For students, homework is a major contributor to their overall stress levels . Many high schoolers have multiple hours of homework every night , and figuring out how to fit it into an already-packed schedule can seem impossible. 

3 Tips for Fitting Homework Into Your Busy Schedule

While it might feel like you have literally no time left in your schedule, there are still ways to make sure you’re able to get your homework done and meet your other commitments. Here are our expert homework tips for even the busiest of students. 

#1: Make a Prioritized To-Do List 

You probably already have a to-do list to keep yourself on track. The next step is to prioritize the items on your to-do list so you can see what items need your attention right away. 

Here’s how it works: at the beginning of each day, sit down and make a list of all the items you need to get done before you go to bed. This includes your homework, but it should also take into account any practices, chores, events, or job shifts you may have. Once you get everything listed out, it’s time to prioritize them using the labels A, B, and C. Here’s what those labels mean:

• A Tasks : tasks that have to get done—like showing up at work or turning in an assignment—get an A. 
• B Tasks : these are tasks that you would like to get done by the end of the day but aren’t as time sensitive. For example, studying for a test you have next week could be a B-level task. It’s still important, but it doesn’t have to be done right away.
• C Tasks: these are tasks that aren’t very important and/or have no real consequences if you don’t get them done immediately. For instance, if you’re hoping to clean out your closet but it’s not an assigned chore from your parents, you could label that to-do item with a C.

Prioritizing your to-do list helps you visualize which items need your immediate attention, and which items you can leave for later. A prioritized to-do list ensures that you’re spending your time efficiently and effectively, which helps you make room in your schedule for homework. So even though you might really want to start making decorations for Homecoming (a B task), you’ll know that finishing your reading log (an A task) is more important. 

#2: Use a Planner With Time Labels

Your planner is probably packed with notes, events, and assignments already. (And if you’re not using a planner, it’s time to start!) But planners can do more for you than just remind you when an assignment is due. If you’re using a planner with time labels, it can help you visualize how you need to spend your day.

A planner with time labels breaks your day down into chunks, and you assign tasks to each chunk of time. For example, you can make a note of your class schedule with assignments, block out time to study, and make sure you know when you need to be at practice. Once you know which tasks take priority, you can add them to any empty spaces in your day. 

Planning out how you spend your time not only helps you use it wisely, it can help you feel less overwhelmed, too . We’re big fans of planners that include a task list ( like this one ) or have room for notes ( like this one ). 

#3: Set Reminders on Your Phone 

If you need a little extra nudge to make sure you’re getting your homework done on time, it’s a good idea to set some reminders on your phone. You don’t need a fancy app, either. You can use your alarm app to have it go off at specific times throughout the day to remind you to do your homework. This works especially well if you have a set homework time scheduled. So if you’ve decided you’re doing homework at 6:00 pm, you can set an alarm to remind you to bust out your books and get to work. 

If you use your phone as your planner, you may have the option to add alerts, emails, or notifications to scheduled events . Many calendar apps, including the one that comes with your phone, have built-in reminders that you can customize to meet your needs. So if you block off time to do your homework from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, you can set a reminder that will pop up on your phone when it’s time to get started. 

This dog isn't judging your lack of motivation...but your teacher might. Keep reading for tips to help you motivate yourself to do your homework.

How to Do Homework When You’re Unmotivated 

At first glance, it may seem like procrastination and being unmotivated are the same thing. After all, both of these issues usually result in you putting off your homework until the very last minute. 

But there’s one key difference: many procrastinators are working, they’re just prioritizing work differently. They know they’re going to start their homework...they’re just going to do it later. 

Conversely, people who are unmotivated to do homework just can’t find the willpower to tackle their assignments. Procrastinators know they’ll at least attempt the homework at the last minute, whereas people who are unmotivated struggle with convincing themselves to do it at a ll. For procrastinators, the stress comes from the inevitable time crunch. For unmotivated people, the stress comes from trying to convince themselves to do something they don’t want to do in the first place. 

Here are some common reasons students are unmotivated in doing homework : 

• Assignments are too easy, too hard, or seemingly pointless 
• Students aren’t interested in (or passionate about) the subject matter
• Students are intimidated by the work and/or feels like they don’t understand the assignment 
• Homework isn’t fun, and students would rather spend their time on things that they enjoy 

To sum it up: people who lack motivation to do their homework are more likely to not do it at all, or to spend more time worrying about doing their homework than...well, actually doing it.

3 Tips for How to Get Motivated to Do Homework

The key to getting homework done when you’re unmotivated is to figure out what does motivate you, then apply those things to homework. It sounds tricky...but it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Here are our three expert tips for motivating yourself to do your homework. 

#1: Use Incremental Incentives

When you’re not motivated, it’s important to give yourself small rewards to stay focused on finishing the task at hand. The trick is to keep the incentives small and to reward yourself often. For example, maybe you’re reading a good book in your free time. For every ten minutes you spend on your homework, you get to read five pages of your book. Like we mentioned earlier, make sure you’re choosing a reward that works for you! 

So why does this technique work? Using small rewards more often allows you to experience small wins for getting your work done. Every time you make it to one of your tiny reward points, you get to celebrate your success, which gives your brain a boost of dopamine . Dopamine helps you stay motivated and also creates a feeling of satisfaction when you complete your homework !  

#2: Form a Homework Group 

If you’re having trouble motivating yourself, it’s okay to turn to others for support. Creating a homework group can help with this. Bring together a group of your friends or classmates, and pick one time a week where you meet and work on homework together. You don’t have to be in the same class, or even taking the same subjects— the goal is to encourage one another to start (and finish!) your assignments. 

Another added benefit of a homework group is that you can help one another if you’re struggling to understand the material covered in your classes. This is especially helpful if your lack of motivation comes from being intimidated by your assignments. Asking your friends for help may feel less scary than talking to your teacher...and once you get a handle on the material, your homework may become less frightening, too. 

#3: Change Up Your Environment 

If you find that you’re totally unmotivated, it may help if you find a new place to do your homework. For example, if you’ve been struggling to get your homework done at home, try spending an extra hour in the library after school instead. The change of scenery can limit your distractions and give you the energy you need to get your work done. 

If you’re stuck doing homework at home, you can still use this tip. For instance, maybe you’ve always done your homework sitting on your bed. Try relocating somewhere else, like your kitchen table, for a few weeks. You may find that setting up a new “homework spot” in your house gives you a motivational lift and helps you get your work done. 

Social media can be a huge problem when it comes to doing homework. We have advice for helping you unplug and regain focus.

How to Do Homework When You’re Easily Distracted

We live in an always-on world, and there are tons of things clamoring for our attention. From friends and family to pop culture and social media, it seems like there’s always something (or someone!) distracting us from the things we need to do.

The 24/7 world we live in has affected our ability to focus on tasks for prolonged periods of time. Research has shown that over the past decade, an average person’s attention span has gone from 12 seconds to eight seconds . And when we do lose focus, i t takes people a long time to get back on task . One study found that it can take as long as 23 minutes to get back to work once we’ve been distracte d. No wonder it can take hours to get your homework done! 

3 Tips to Improve Your Focus

If you have a hard time focusing when you’re doing your homework, it’s a good idea to try and eliminate as many distractions as possible. Here are three expert tips for blocking out the noise so you can focus on getting your homework done. 

#1: Create a Distraction-Free Environment

Pick a place where you’ll do your homework every day, and make it as distraction-free as possible. Try to find a location where there won’t be tons of noise, and limit your access to screens while you’re doing your homework. Put together a focus-oriented playlist (or choose one on your favorite streaming service), and put your headphones on while you work. 

You may find that other people, like your friends and family, are your biggest distraction. If that’s the case, try setting up some homework boundaries. Let them know when you’ll be working on homework every day, and ask them if they’ll help you keep a quiet environment. They’ll be happy to lend a hand! 

#2: Limit Your Access to Technology 

We know, we know...this tip isn’t fun, but it does work. For homework that doesn’t require a computer, like handouts or worksheets, it’s best to put all your technology away . Turn off your television, put your phone and laptop in your backpack, and silence notifications on any wearable tech you may be sporting. If you listen to music while you work, that’s fine...but make sure you have a playlist set up so you’re not shuffling through songs once you get started on your homework. 

If your homework requires your laptop or tablet, it can be harder to limit your access to distractions. But it’s not impossible! T here are apps you can download that will block certain websites while you’re working so that you’re not tempted to scroll through Twitter or check your Facebook feed. Silence notifications and text messages on your computer, and don’t open your email account unless you absolutely have to. And if you don’t need access to the internet to complete your assignments, turn off your WiFi. Cutting out the online chatter is a great way to make sure you’re getting your homework done. 

#3: Set a Timer (the Pomodoro Technique)

Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro technique ? It’s a productivity hack that uses a timer to help you focus!

Here’s how it works: first, set a timer for 25 minutes. This is going to be your work time. During this 25 minutes, all you can do is work on whatever homework assignment you have in front of you. No email, no text messaging, no phone calls—just homework. When that timer goes off, you get to take a 5 minute break. Every time you go through one of these cycles, it’s called a “pomodoro.” For every four pomodoros you complete, you can take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

The pomodoro technique works through a combination of boundary setting and rewards. First, it gives you a finite amount of time to focus, so you know that you only have to work really hard for 25 minutes. Once you’ve done that, you’re rewarded with a short break where you can do whatever you want. Additionally, tracking how many pomodoros you complete can help you see how long you’re really working on your homework. (Once you start using our focus tips, you may find it doesn’t take as long as you thought!)

Two Bonus Tips for How to Do Homework Fast

Even if you’re doing everything right, there will be times when you just need to get your homework done as fast as possible. (Why do teachers always have projects due in the same week? The world may never know.)

The problem with speeding through homework is that it’s easy to make mistakes. While turning in an assignment is always better than not submitting anything at all, you want to make sure that you’re not compromising quality for speed. Simply put, the goal is to get your homework done quickly and still make a good grade on the assignment! 

Here are our two bonus tips for getting a decent grade on your homework assignments , even when you’re in a time crunch. 

#1: Do the Easy Parts First 

This is especially true if you’re working on a handout with multiple questions. Before you start working on the assignment, read through all the questions and problems. As you do, make a mark beside the questions you think are “easy” to answer . 

Once you’ve finished going through the whole assignment, you can answer these questions first. Getting the easy questions out of the way as quickly as possible lets you spend more time on the trickier portions of your homework, which will maximize your assignment grade. 

(Quick note: this is also a good strategy to use on timed assignments and tests, like the SAT and the ACT !) 

#2: Pay Attention in Class 

Homework gets a lot easier when you’re actively learning the material. Teachers aren’t giving you homework because they’re mean or trying to ruin your weekend... it’s because they want you to really understand the course material. Homework is designed to reinforce what you’re already learning in class so you’ll be ready to tackle harder concepts later.

When you pay attention in class, ask questions, and take good notes, you’re absorbing the information you’ll need to succeed on your homework assignments. (You’re stuck in class anyway, so you might as well make the most of it!) Not only will paying attention in class make your homework less confusing, it will also help it go much faster, too.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking to improve your productivity beyond homework, a good place to begin is with time management. After all, we only have so much time in a day...so it’s important to get the most out of it! To get you started, check out this list of the 12 best time management techniques that you can start using today.

You may have read this article because homework struggles have been affecting your GPA. Now that you’re on the path to homework success, it’s time to start being proactive about raising your grades. This article teaches you everything you need to know about raising your GPA so you can

Now you know how to get motivated to do homework...but what about your study habits? Studying is just as critical to getting good grades, and ultimately getting into a good college . We can teach you how to study bette r in high school. (We’ve also got tons of resources to help you study for your ACT and SAT exams , too!)

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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How to Get Good Grades in College

Students who earn good grades do all the basics: go to class, do the homework and ask for help.

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One key for maintaining good grades in college is leaning on the tutoring services offered on your campus if you need help.

Good grades can open many doors in college : scholarships, acceptance into certain majors and better chances of getting into graduate school.

Likewise, bad grades can close those same doors, possibly requiring students to repeat classes to reopen them. But what defines a good or bad grade largely depends on the goals students set for their collegiate career, academic experts say.

"We really want our students to work with us to define what they think good grades are for them to be successful. At a bare minimum, it's going to be a 2.0 (grade point average)," says Chris Jensen, assistant vice president for student success at Western Kentucky University . "That's what they need to graduate, but we want our students to strive for more than that."

Broken down by letter grade, a student with all A's earns a 4.0, all B's gets a 3.0 and all C's hits the 2.0 mark. GPA is calculated over a student's college career by averaging all of their class grades.

While a 2.0 may be enough to graduate from many college programs, it may fall short depending on major requirements. Some programs – particularly those with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math – require a 3.0 or better. Similarly, admission to graduate school typically requires a GPA higher than a 2.0, especially for competitive programs .

Falling below a 2.0 can come with consequences as dire as academic probation , suspension or even expulsion. Poor grades may also disqualify students from scholarships or financial aid and cost students more time and money when pursuing a degree.

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GPA also matters for students looking to transfer to a more competitive program or another college. Students who struggle prior to transferring can have a tougher time getting admitted to certain colleges. Others who need to retake classes they failed may have to "play catch up" to avoid staying in school longer than planned, says Yvette Walker, assistant dean of student affairs at Oklahoma University ’s college of journalism and mass communication.

Here are some tips from experts on how to earn high marks.

Go to Class

In college, attendance policies vary by professor, and it can be tempting to skip class. But experts emphasize the importance of being present and on time. If you must miss class, make sure to notify the professor.

"Classes are where professors provide information that shows up on exams," Jennifer LeBeau, executive director for student success initiatives at the University of Idaho, wrote in an email. "Classes provide an opportunity to interact with other students, to have questions answered, and to apply the material being taught and learned."

Read the Syllabus

A typical syllabus includes a class description, a calendar, the grading rubric, attendance policies and required materials. Students will also find details on deadlines, assigned readings, extra credit opportunities and more. Knowing what's in the syllabus can give you an idea of what to expect over the course of a semester.

"Students should keep the syllabus with them every day and refer to it often throughout the semester," LeBeau says.

It's particularly important for freshmen to review the syllabus for each class, Walker says, to ensure they understand class policies and expectations, which can often be more rigorous than what students were used to in high school. She sees the syllabus as an opportunity to emphasize attendance and plagiarism policies, which she says are important foundational concepts for new college students to grasp.

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With the syllabus serving as the class road map, attentive students know what assignment is around the bend. Online materials can also help.

"Today content is offered in these hybrid models where your information is online ahead of time. And it's also delivered in the classroom. So what can you be doing to work ahead?" says Stephanie Bannister, assistant vice provost for student success at Kansas State University . Students should use the information to get a jump on class reading assignments, she says.

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Go to Tutoring

Walker says students often ask about doing extra credit – which is good – but "the extra credit is not going to help them unless they get their grade as high as they can possibly get it,” she says.

Stay on top of homework, and reach out to on-campus tutoring services if you need help.

It's important to normalize the fact that students will struggle in college, says Thomas Stearns, manager of the university tutoring center at the University of Missouri—St. Louis .

“Sometimes we need to hear something a couple times," he says. "Sometimes we need to practice something multiple times before we get it down. Just developing a culture where that is normalized can really help to take some of the stigma away from that label of tutoring.”

Some colleges offer group tutoring, while others have one-on-one sessions. Likewise, some schools offer tutoring through each academic department, while others provide it at a learning center.

Meet With Faculty and Advisers

Faculty office hours exist for a reason, and experts encourage students to take advantage of that time.

Students should seek out academic advisers to connect with campus resources and decide on classes. Advisers can help students stay on track for graduation by helping them set reasonable course loads and expectations, Jensen says.

"During COVID, it became even more evident how important connections and communication between students and their faculty are for student success," Jensen wrote in an email. "Faculty are understanding when students go through challenging life circumstances; however, they cannot help if they are not aware of the situation."

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Find a Balance

For many students, a job is necessary to help pay for college. As of 2020, 25% of full-time students and 66% of part-time students worked at least 20 hours per week while in college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics .

While that may be unavoidable for some students – particularly adult learners – experts caution against working too much, especially at the beginning. A 2021 study from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton College of Business found students who worked had lower grade point averages.

Jensen recommends students don't work more than 20 hours a week during their first semester, while Bannister suggests students start out with a campus job of 10 to 15 hours a week and add more hours if they feel capable.

And whether it's a job or something fun, LeBeau encourages students to pursue what they're passionate about.

"Academic and personal success are closely related," she says. "Students will be most successful when they find a balance between the two."

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How to Get Good Grades in College: 16 Best Tips

Updated: February 16, 2023

Published: April 11, 2020

Have you been wondering how to get good grades? Here is a list of 16 hints and tips to help you improve your high school or college grades. Truthfully, the ultimate secret to getting good grades is to develop super study skills .

Top Tips on How to Get Good Grades

1. attend all your classes.

Try your absolute best to attend all of your classes. Sometimes missing a class is unavoidable, but there are enormous benefits to making sure that you never miss a class:

• You will be more likely to keep ahead of your subject
• You will avoid knowledge gaps due to missing out on important material
• You will have the opportunity to make your presence known, by answering questions, participating, and contributing your ideas, thoughts, and opinions.
• Some colleges give attendance points, so if this is the case, make sure that you benefit from them.

2. Master Your Professors

• Get to know your professors and make sure that they get to know you. They will have a better opportunity to understand your strengths and weaknesses.
• Let them know when you are struggling. They are there to help you.
• Understand your course expectations. If there is anything that you are unsure of, don’t hesitate to ask your professor to clarify.

3. Stay Organized

If you want to know how to get even better grades, organization is really key.

• Use a planner or calendar and make sure that you are up to date with all of your deadlines
• Create a designated workspace with good lighting and a comfortable chair
• Declutter your desk
• Schedule blocks of time for learning
• Organize your digital files in named folders for ease of access
• Keep stationery on hand. Make sure that you have pens, highlighters, eraser, sharpener, notebooks, flashcards, and colored markers

Photo by  Bram Naus  on  Unsplash

4. time management.

Balancing work, study, and family responsibilities can be challenging if your time is not managed carefully . Time is a valuable commodity.

• Make a To Do list: Once everything that you need to do is written down, it not only helps you to remember it, but it gives you some relief from worrying about it.
• Use a planner/calendar: Record assignment deadlines and schedule your learning.
• Set goals: Decide on your daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Once you know where you need to get to, you will already be half way there. Setting goals gives you clarity and motivates you to take action.
• Utilize your “dead time”: Such as time in a doctor’s waiting room or time travelling on buses or trains. This time can be used for reading, researching, or typing up your thoughts, ideas, and notes.
• Clear your workspace: Our physical environment has a major effect on the way we work. A tidy space creates a tidy mind. Keep your workspace tidy and remove all clutter. A tidy workspace helps you to have a clearer mind. Marie Kondo, a decluttering expert and author of the book “Spark Joy” has some excellent hints and tips on how to keep your workspace tidy .

5. Taking Notes

Taking notes will help you at the revision and exam stage. The use of abbreviations is the best way to speed up your note taking . Your abbreviated notes should then be written out fully after class.

According to a research study on the correlation between writing and memory at Princeton University, there is a direct correlation between writing and memory. Writing involves a thinking process, resulting in greater retention of information, while typing on a keyboard can be done verbatim, without processing and reframing information, resulting in a lower rate of retention.

In order to get better grades, close your laptop and go back to old-fashioned pen and paper!

6. Become An Active Listener

• Concentrate on the words and messages. Avoid being distracted by a lecturer’s accent, clothes, speech, or mannerisms.
• Try to identify the most important points and take notes on them.
• Avoid getting distracted by your smartphone. Turn it off completely in class.

7. Participate In Class

• If you ask questions , you are more likely to remember the material, as the answers to your questions relate to your thoughts on the subject. If you make a habit out of asking questions, it has the additional advantage of encouraging you to listen well.
• Listen to the opinions and thoughts of your classmates. Listening will help you to process and remember information. Conversations tend to be remembered more than written information.
• Contribute to the discussion — by developing a regular habit of making contributions to discussions on the subject, it encourages you to listen, focus, and process. You will want to make a good impression by making educated and intelligent contributions.

8. Develop Good Writing Study Habits

During lectures, it’s generally a good idea to write down points, which can act as memory joggers. Then, after class, you can write out these notes in full.

Another popular method is to draw out mind maps during the lecture and expand on them later on. A mind map is a visual, usually colored diagram designed to be a hierarchy of information in which main points can be expanded on in note form later on.

How to Mind Map with Tony Buzan

Another tip on writing notes well is to draft, rewrite, and proofread your work. The more comprehensive your notes are, the easier it will be to review and study them at the exam stage.

9. Learn In Groups And Learn From Each Other

• Studying in small groups can break up the monotony of revision.
• You will have the opportunity to learn from each other.
• Make sure that when you are learning in a group, it doesn’t turn into a social event and you don’t get too distracted by unrelated conversations.

10. Know Your Learning Style

In order to become a better learner, you need to define and categorize the method by which you learn best. Once you have done this, you will have a much clearer idea of how to help yourself to process, absorb, and memorize information.

The VARK model of learning styles, developed by Neil Flemming — an educational theorist — identifies 4 distinctive categories of learners:

• V – Visual – Visual learners learn through seeing, therefore respond well to visual aids such as maps, charts, graphs, presentations, images, and videos.
• A – Auditory – Auditory learners learn through hearing and best absorb information that they hear such as lectures, discussions, and listening to audio books.
• R – Reading and Writing – Reading and writing learners learn through the input and output of words. This includes writing assignments, essays, reading books, manuals, and websites.
• K – Kinesthetic – Kinesthetic learners learn through touching, interacting, and doing. They learn best when they are physically engaged or active during the learning process. They remember and process knowledge best by interacting hands-on with their environment.

Assess yourself! Once you know how you learn best, you will be a far better learner.

11. Use Learning Aids And Study Resources

There are plenty of online tools and resources for flashcards, mind maps, quizzes, record keeping, scheduling, and memorizing that can be highly beneficial to learning.

To save you time, we have compiled a list of excellent study resource websites. Check out the following:

• Hippocampus
• StudyBlue (Chegg)
• Studystack .

12. Manage Interruptions And Distractions

• Find a quiet place to study. It can be a designated space at home or a library.
• Turn off your smartphone during your study sessions. Checking your phone every time you receive a notification is distracting and will take your mind off your learning and hinder your concentration.

13. Eat healthily and exercise

• Make sure to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly. It doesn’t need to be a full workout or an expensive gym membership. Go for walks, jog, run, or take a regular exercise class.
• Exercise improves concentration and memory .
• Drink plenty of water.

Photo by  Mae Mu  on  Unsplash

14. ask for help.

Many students see asking for help as a weakness. But asking for help is a strength! It shows that you have maturity, self-awareness, and that you are able to recognise a problem before it develops. If you are struggling with your schoolwork or have a personal problem, speak to your professors about it. They are there to help you with all your needs.

15. Take Regular Breaks

In order to get the most out of your study, you need to take breaks regularly.

Set an alarm every 30 to 60 minutes and get up, close your laptop and books, and get some fresh air for 5 to 10 minutes. Do any activity that will take your mind off studying so that when you come back to it, you are feeling refreshed and energized.

Everybody knows that lack of sleep is detrimental to your health. It produces lethargy, lack of concentration and “brain fog,” a form of mental clouding.

However, research has shown that a good night’s sleep is not only vital for health and general well-being, but extremely beneficial for learning and memory. During sleep, our brain is not resting as is commonly believed. Findings reveal that our brain mechanisms are at work during sleep, solidifying our memories by transferring them to more permanent regions of the brain.

The Bottom Line

If you follow these 16 tips on how to get good grades, you will surely see a marked improvement on your next test scores.

If you are still undecided on your choice of study and need to balance studying for a degree with work or family commitments, University of the People is a tuition-free, American accredited university that provides world-class bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

To learn more about us, see our informative and inspirational TED talk by Shai Reshef , founder of UoPeople.

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Discovering 21 Ways to Get Good Grades: Cruise to Success

• Post author By admin
• September 13, 2023

Elevate your academic game with these 21 ways to get good grades. Discover tips for success and unlock your full potential.

Hey there, fellow student! We get it – the quest for those stellar grades can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster ride. But fear not, because we’re about to embark on a journey that will transform your academic life.

Welcome to “21 Ways to Get Good Grades as a Student” – your roadmap to conquering the world of academia while having a bit of fun along the way!

Picture this: you, confidently acing your exams, understanding complex topics like a pro, and feeling like a true scholar. It’s not a distant dream; it’s your next big adventure.

In this guide, we’re not going to bore you with textbook jargon or impossible standards. Instead, we’ll spill the beans on 21 practical, real-life strategies that will help you skyrocket your grades. From managing your time like a champ to sneaky tricks for staying motivated, we’ve got you covered.

So, grab your backpack, your favorite study snack, and get ready to dive into a world where the pursuit of knowledge meets the thrill of success. We promise, this journey will be worth every “A” you earn. Are you ready to unlock your full academic potential? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Importance of Getting Good Grades

Getting those stellar grades in school? It’s not just about impressing your teachers – it’s a ticket to a world of opportunities! Here’s why acing those tests and assignments is so darn important:

Academic Success

Good grades aren’t just random numbers; they’re proof that you’ve got a grip on the stuff you’re learning. Think of it as building a solid foundation for the brainpower of the future.

Educational Adventures

Ever dreamt of going to that top-tier college or studying abroad? Well, good grades can swing open those fancy gates, my friend.

Money Matters

Scholarships and financial aid love students who excel academically. Earning good grades could save you a boatload of cash on tuition fees.

Job Hunt Advantage

Employers, especially for those entry-level gigs, often peek at your grades. Good grades can make you shine in a sea of applicants.

Confidence Boost

Imagine the swagger that comes with nailing a tough exam. Good grades can seriously pump up your self-esteem and make you feel like you can conquer the world.

Brainpower Booster

Striving for good grades sharpens your problem-solving skills. It’s like a mental gym that keeps you in tip-top shape for life’s challenges.

Time Mastery

Keeping those grades up teaches you the art of managing your time like a pro, a skill that comes in handy both academically and personally.

Networking Gold

Being an A+ student might land you cool opportunities to hobnob with professors, classmates, and experts. Who knows where those connections might take you?

Intellectual Thrills

Excelling academically often means you’re diving deep into intriguing ideas, fostering a love for learning that’ll last a lifetime.

Competitive Edge

In the fierce race of life, good grades can be your secret weapon, setting you apart from the competition.

But here’s the kicker: while grades matter, remember they’re just one part of the puzzle. Balancing your academic success with life’s other adventures – like friendships, hobbies, and some good old relaxation – is key. Because, in the end, it’s not just about acing the test; it’s about acing life! 

21 Ways to Get Good Grades

Have a close look at 21 ways to get good grades:-

1. Attend every class

Here’s the scoop – attending every class is like catching the latest episode of your favorite show. It’s not just a no-brainer; it’s the secret sauce for academic success.

Think of it as your backstage pass to crucial information and expert guidance. When you’re there, you’re in the front row, soaking in every vital detail.

Missing class is like skipping a chapter in your favorite book – you’ll miss out on the plot twists that could make or break your academic journey.

So, make showing up a habit, and you’ll be well on your way to acing your studies!

2. Take good notes

Let’s talk notes, shall we? Taking great notes is like having your secret treasure map to academic success. It’s not just about staying organized; it’s your ticket to remembering all those juicy nuggets of knowledge from class.

With note-taking, there’s a buffet of techniques out there – pick the one that feels like a snug fit for you, whether it’s bullet points, doodles, or even emojis!

Your notes aren’t just scribbles; they’re your trusty sidekick on your educational adventure, helping you navigate the terrain with style.

3. Review your notes regularly

Regularly reviewing your notes is like tending to a garden – it keeps your knowledge blooming. Don’t procrastinate until the eve of a test; instead, make it a habit to revisit your notes consistently.

This ensures the information stays sharp and readily accessible in your memory. It’s like doing small, frequent waterings for a lush mental garden, rather than a frantic, last-minute rescue mission.

So, nurture your notes regularly, and watch your understanding and confidence flourish

4. Ask questions

When in doubt, asking questions is your golden ticket to clarity and learning. Don’t hesitate; reach out to your teacher or classmates when something’s unclear.

The sooner you seek help, the smoother your learning journey becomes. It’s like asking for directions when you’re lost – the sooner you do it, the quicker you find your way.

Embrace questions as your allies in understanding, and you’ll navigate the academic landscape with confidence.

5. Form a study group

Ever thought about teaming up with fellow students to conquer those textbooks? Forming a study group is like creating your own academic dream team.

It’s not just about hitting the books together; it’s about staying pumped up and accountable. Think of it as having your own cheering squad, motivating each other to excel.

Just like how workout buddies keep you hitting the gym, study buddies keep you on track for academic victory.

So, why not assemble your crew and tackle those challenges together, armed with enthusiasm and mutual support?

6. Create a study schedule

Let’s talk study schedules – your secret weapon against the dreaded cram session! Creating a study schedule is like plotting your own adventure map through your academic terrain.

First, figure out how much daily study time you need and then stick to it like a pro. It’s your way of staying on the path to success, just like pacing yourself in a race.

With a solid schedule, you not only absorb information better but also keep stress at bay. So, think of it as your passport to a more balanced and effective learning journey.

7. Find a quiet place to study

Let’s talk study spaces – your ticket to the distraction-free zone! Finding a quiet spot to study is like discovering your very own Batcave.

It’s where you can channel your inner focus superhero and shield yourself from the forces of distraction. Think of it as crafting your personal haven amidst the academic buzz.

By nesting in a peaceful nook, you’re not just studying; you’re unleashing your learning potential. So, go ahead, find your quiet sanctuary, and dive into the world of productive, uninterrupted studying!

8. Take breaks

Let’s chat about study stamina – we all need a breather! Long study marathons can feel like running on empty. So, here’s the scoop: taking breaks is your secret weapon.

Every 20-30 minutes, it’s your cue to hit pause and recharge. It’s like refueling your brain’s tank. Stand up, stretch, grab a snack – heck, even a dance break!

Think of it as a mini vacation for your mind, preventing burnout and keeping your study sessions fresh and lively. So, break free, and return to your books with newfound energy and focus!

9. Get enough sleep

Let’s talk about the magic of sleep – it’s not just for dreams! Getting enough shut-eye is like giving your brain a superhero boost. When you’re well-rested, your focus and learning powers go into overdrive.

It’s like having a mental energy drink minus the jitters. So, hit the sack, recharge your brain, and wake up ready to conquer the world of knowledge!

10. Eat healthy foods

Fueling up with nutritious bites isn’t just about a balanced diet; it’s your secret sauce for study stamina. Eating healthy foods provides the energy your brain craves to stay sharp and focused.

It’s like giving your mental gears the best-quality oil to run smoothly. So, load up on those brain-boosting snacks, and let your taste buds power up your learning journey

11. Exercise regularly

Let’s talk about a double win – exercise! It’s not just about staying fit; it’s your stress-busting, focus-boosting secret weapon. Sweating it out regularly is like a mental refresh button.

It clears away the cobwebs of stress and amps up your concentration. It’s like a superhero workout for your brain, so lace up those sneakers and get ready to conquer stress and sharpen your focus with every step!

12. Manage your time wisely

Time management is your ticket to balance in the hectic student life. It’s not just about squeezing more hours into your day; it’s about finding that sweet spot.

Learning how to budget your time ensures you have room for studies, assignments, and well-deserved ‘me-time.’ It’s like being the conductor of your own orchestra, harmonizing work and play.

So, grab that conductor’s baton, and make your daily symphony of responsibilities and leisure a masterpiece!

13. Stay positive and motivated

Let’s talk about the magic of staying positive and motivated – it’s your secret recipe for success. Here’s the deal: not every test will be an A+ moment, and that’s okay.

Think of it as seasoning on your academic journey. If a grade doesn’t quite hit the bullseye, don’t let it rain on your parade. Instead, see it as a challenge to rise even higher.

Keep that fire of determination roaring, and watch how your hard work blooms into improvement over time. It’s like turning academic hurdles into stepping stones towards your goals!

14. Reward yourself for your hard work

Let’s talk about the art of self-pampering – it’s your secret sauce for staying pumped up! When you hit a goal, don’t be shy to throw yourself a little celebration.

It’s like giving yourself a high-five. These mini-rewards are like turbo boosts for your motivation engine, propelling you forward to conquer the next challenge.

So, go ahead, savor that victory, treat yourself, and keep riding that motivation wave!

15. Get help when you need it

Seeking help when you’re in a tight spot isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a smart move. Whether it’s reaching out to your teacher, a tutor, or tapping into available resources, think of it as summoning your academic superheroes.

They’re there to swoop in and save the day when you’re struggling. It’s like having a lifeline in the academic game show.

So, remember, when you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to raise that flag and get the assistance you need to soar to success!

16. Find a mentor

17. set realistic goals.

Let’s chat about goal-setting – it’s like crafting your personal treasure map to success. Instead of trying to conquer the world in one leap, break your dreams into bite-sized, manageable steps.

It’s like turning a colossal puzzle into smaller, solvable pieces. By taking it step by step, you not only make your journey less daunting but also up your odds of reaching those glittering goals.

So, picture your ambitions as a staircase, and start climbing, one step at a time!

18. Don’t procrastinate

Let’s talk about the notorious procrastination monster – we’ve all had our battles. The secret weapon? Start your study sessions early and avoid those heart-pounding, last-minute cramming sessions.

It’s like setting sail on an academic adventure well-prepared, rather than rushing to put out fires. By taking the reins early, you not only slash stress levels but also open the doors to deeper understanding and solid retention.

So, bid farewell to procrastination and say hello to the liberating world of early action!

19. Stay organized

Let’s dive into the wonderful world of organization – it’s like having your own superpower for school success!

To keep the chaos at bay, grab a trusty planner or calendar and jot down your assignments, due dates, and essential notes.

Think of it as crafting your very own treasure map to acing your academic journey. With your path clearly marked, you’ll sail through your educational adventure smoothly, never missing a beat or a deadline.

20. Take care of yourself

Let’s chat about self-care – it’s like your personal superhero cape in the academic world! Make sure you’re catching enough Zzz’s, munching on nourishing foods, and giving those muscles a workout.

Think of it as tending to your own secret garden of well-being. By nurturing your body and mind, you’ll have the energy and mental agility to conquer the academic battlefield.

So, make self-care your daily mission and unleash your inner academic superhero!

21. Believe in yourself

Let’s dive into the magical realm of self-belief – it’s your secret potion for success! When you believe in yourself, it’s like igniting a rocket that propels you towards your goals.

Picture it as your very own cheering section, rooting for you to conquer every challenge. So, wrap yourself in that cloak of self-belief, because it’s your superpower, making success not just possible but inevitable!

Remember that everyone’s learning style is unique, so it’s essential to experiment with different strategies to discover what works best for you. Adapt these tips to your personal preferences and needs to improve your academic performance.

Benefits to Get Good grades

You know what’s pretty cool about getting those good grades? Well, here are some awesome perks:

Scholarships and Money Matters

Good grades can be your golden ticket to scholarships and financial aid, helping you dodge the financial hurdles on your path to education.

Dream School Dreams

Ever had that dream college in mind? Well, good grades can open those admissions doors wide, giving you a better shot at joining the ranks of your dream school.

Workplace Wow

When you step into the job market, employers often take a peek at your grades. Good ones can send a loud message: “I’m a hard worker and I’ve got the skills!”

The World of Opportunities

Good grades are like keys to a treasure chest of opportunities – think internships, research gigs, and leadership roles. These experiences aren’t just résumé boosters; they’re life experiences that shape your skills and connections.

When you’re acing those tests and assignments, your confidence gets a power-up. It’s like having a secret superpower that spills over into everything you do.

That ‘I Did It’ Feeling

Earning good grades isn’t just about numbers; it’s about achieving goals. It’s a pat on the back and a reminder that you’ve got what it takes.

So, getting those good grades isn’t just about impressing the report card—it’s about unlocking doors to a world of opportunities and boosting your confidence along the way!

How can I get good grades easily?

Have a close look at how to get good grades easily”-

• Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve in each subject.
• Organize Your Space: Create a tidy, quiet study area.
• Plan Your Time: Make a schedule for studying and stick to it.
• Prioritize: Focus on important assignments first.
• Effective Techniques: Use proven study methods.
• Good Notes: Take clear, organized notes in class.
• Participate: Engage in class discussions and ask questions.
• Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to seek help when needed.
• Break Tasks Down: Divide big tasks into smaller steps.
• Online Resources: Use online tools and resources.
• Practice Regularly: Practice problems and review.
• Stay Healthy: Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep.
• Minimize Distractions: Remove distractions while studying.
• Set Realistic Goals: Don’t overwhelm yourself.
• Stay Positive: Believe in your ability to succeed.
• Take Breaks: Include short breaks in your study sessions.
• Peer Groups: Study with classmates when possible.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of assignments and deadlines.

Consistency and a positive attitude can make getting good grades easier.

How to get 100 on grades?

Have a close look at how to get 100 on grades.

• Set High Standards: Aim for excellence in every subject.
• Understand Grading: Know what’s expected in each assignment or test.
• Participate Actively: Engage in class and ask questions.
• Take Good Notes: Organized notes are essential for studying.
• Stay Organized: Use tools to manage your assignments and deadlines.
• Study Effectively: Find techniques that work for you.
• Seek Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
• Review Regularly: Revisit your notes and materials consistently.
• Stay Positive: Believe in yourself and stay motivated.

Remember, perfection isn’t always attainable, but aiming high and putting in consistent effort can lead to excellent results.

How do I make straight A’s?

Have a close look at how to make straight A’s:-

• Set Clear Goals: Aim for top grades in each subject.
• Study Smart: Use effective study techniques.
• Stay Organized: Use planners to manage assignments and deadlines.
• Review Regularly: Consistently revisit notes and materials.
• Practice Test-Taking Skills: Learn strategies for exams.

Balancing hard work and smart strategies is key to achieving straight A’s.

How do you become an A+ student?

Have a close look at how to become an A+ student:-

• Set high standards for yourself.
• Use effective study techniques.
• Manage your time well.
• Actively participate in class.
• Take detailed notes.
• Stay organized.
• Seek help when needed.
• Review and practice regularly.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Believe in your abilities and stay motivated.

As we come to the end, think of your quest for better grades like a thrilling adventure. These 21 strategies we’ve explored are like your trusty companions on this journey.

But here’s the real gem: It’s not just about the grades; it’s about the incredible growth and life skills you pick up along the way.

Whether you’re a high school student, a college-goer, or someone simply hungry for knowledge, remember that learning is a lifelong voyage. These tips are your buddies on this ride, but don’t forget to enjoy the sheer joy of learning itself.

In the grand scheme of life, good grades are just one chapter. What truly matters is the amazing person you become through your learning adventures. So, stay friendly, stay curious, and keep embracing the wonders of knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if i’m still struggling with my grades despite following these tips.

If you’re still facing challenges, consider seeking additional support from tutors, academic counselors, or study groups.

Can these strategies be applied to both high school and college?

Yes, these strategies are applicable to students at all levels of education.

How can I balance extracurricular activities with academics?

Prioritize your commitments and create a balanced schedule that allows time for both academics and extracurriculars.

Is it necessary to follow all 21 strategies, or can I pick and choose?

You can customize your approach based on your individual needs and preferences. Start with a few that resonate with you and add more as needed.

What’s the role of self-discipline in getting good grades?

Self-discipline is crucial for consistency in implementing these strategies. It helps you stay on track and focused on your goals.

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How to Make Sure Grades Are Meaningful and Useful to Students

Giving grades that truly reflect student learning is one of the perennial problems in teaching, and these shifts in thinking about how to gather and report grades can help.

Confession: There was a point in my career when I hated assessment. I dreaded the ways students reacted when I said we would have a test. I loathed handing back grades because of what it did to student motivation. Most importantly, I hated feeling like assessment didn’t really matter.

I tried to fix it—I changed my grade category weights, how I reported grades, and the types of assessments I gave, and yet none of those changes really made a difference beyond the surface. What I learned is that I was putting lipstick on a pig, but I wasn’t changing the function of assessment in my classroom.

Slowly but surely, I started to identify some crucial mindset shifts that I had to make if I really wanted assessments to be meaningful.

Assessments as Evidence of Learning

The assessment doesn’t matter; the learning it reveals does. That was hard for me to grapple with. The key is in remembering that a single assessment is just part of a larger ecosystem of information that can be used to determine student progress. This helped me broaden my understanding of assessment. A conversation with a student? That’s evidence! Listening in on some group work? Evidence!

How did I make the shift? It came down to asking two questions: What do I want my students to learn? And what are the ways that they can show me that they have learned it? An approach to assessment that uses a variety of techniques gives you a more complete picture of student learning than you would get from an isolated snapshot.

Multiple Attempts, Not Redoing Tasks

When students have multiple attempts to provide evidence of learning, we can start questioning the practice of having students redo tasks. There are absolutely times when students need to understand the value of creating a high-quality product through revisions, but doing something again for the sake of points is just painful.

Instead of making a student redo something, what if we asked, “How else can you show me you know it?” That takes the emphasis off the task and puts it back on the student and their learning.

How did I make the shift? Recognize that not all of the multitudes of standards deserve equal time and focus. This matters because you can’t offer multiple attempts at a million standards. Limit multiple attempts to what is essential. Think deep, not wide, so that you can gather multiple pieces of evidence for a single concept or skill.

The Grade Book Can Be a Communication Log

I can remember the moment —walking down the hallway at the end of my first year of teaching to submit my final grades—when I thought, "What does this thing mean to anyone?" I knew who was good at quizzes, who turned things in, and honestly who hated my class, but that was about it. I had to ask, “What is my grade book communicating, and why?”

How did I make the shift? Step one is to identify the information you want to communicate. Think about what information would be helpful for all stakeholders, and then think about how you can clearly communicate that. From there, create space in your grade book for each of those individual elements. Make your grade book clear, make it meaningful, and make it accurate.

Using Comments to Point Students Toward Further Learning

When I started teaching, most of the feedback students got was a simple identification of an error, whether that was through a comment or a score. Slowly, I learned that my job wasn’t to identify the mistakes; my job was to identify the trends, analyze them to determine the learning need, and then point students in the right direction.

How did I make the shift? Honestly, this one came down to finding new ways to leave feedback. A short, written comment often didn’t do what I needed in terms of helping the student focus on the learning—too often my comments focused them on the mistakes. By leaving  video feedback , using text expanders , leveraging one-on-one conferences, and making use of feedback portfolios, I was able to provide feedback that was more than just the sum of the mistakes.

I know these shifts seem small, but without them, our assessment practices will stay rooted in methods that don’t align with how kids learn best. For too long, grading and assessment have been a threat for students as they go through the school system, kicking them into a fight, flight, or freeze response because the assessment process has not felt safe, positive, or helpful to them.

The problem was that grades were out of their control, a process they didn’t feel part of. I still give grades, but with the changes I’ve made students know they are part of the process—they have a say in it and ownership over the results.

These shifts in thinking aren’t everything, but I can tell you that they have changed the atmosphere in my classroom. My kids don’t run from assessment anymore—they aren’t afraid of it. They understand it, and they understand that it has value for them, not just for me.

That matters.

Daniel Wong

22 Study Habits That Guarantee Good Grades

Updated on June 6, 2023 By Daniel Wong 18 Comments

Were you hoping to get an A for your last test or exam, but your study habits got in the way?

Maybe you got a B, or maybe you did worse than that.

It’s annoying, isn’t it…

You put in all those hours of studying. You even gave up time with your friends.

So what if I could show you a way to work smarter and not harder, so you get good grades and have time for the things you enjoy and find meaningful?

Even better, what if I could guarantee it?

Well, I can.

All you have to do is adopt these 22 study habits.

(Throughout my career as a student I got straight A’s, so I can promise you that these study habits work.)

Want to get the grades you’ve always wanted while also leading a balanced life?

Then let’s get started.

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the habits found here, plus 5 exclusive bonus habits that you’ll only find in the PDF.

The best study habits.

Add these effective study habits to your routine to start getting good grades with a lot less stress.

Habit #1: Create a weekly schedule

When you schedule time for a particular task like studying, you’re saying to yourself, “I’m going to focus on studying at this time, on this date, and it’s going to take this number of hours.”

Once it’s down in writing, it becomes a reality and you’re more likely to stick to it.

This might sound weird, but it’s true.

Do this in your calendar, in a spreadsheet, or download a template – whatever works best for you.

First, think about your fixed commitments like school, sports practice, family time, religious activities and so on.

Now, decide which times around these fixed commitments are the best for you to do your work and revision each week.

Don’t worry about exactly what work you’ll be doing, or what assignments are due. Just focus on blocking out the times.

Your weekly study schedule might look something like this (the blue slots are the times you’ve blocked out to do work):

Give yourself a study-free day (or at least half a day) once a week.

Everyone needs a break, so you’re more likely to come back to the work refreshed if you give yourself permission to take some time off.

Habit #2: Create a pre-studying checklist

Have you ever heard your mother say you should never go to the supermarket without a shopping list?

You’ll wander up and down the aisles, wasting time. You’ll make poor choices about what to buy and end up with all the wrong things for dinner.

By using a shopping list, your mind will be focused. You’ll only put items in your shopping trolley that you need, checking them off as you go.

It’s no different from a checklist used by a pilot before he takes off, or a mechanic as he services a car.

Checklists are essential as you learn how to develop good study habits. They ensure that you cover all the necessary steps to achieve an outcome.

Here are some of the things that might be on your pre-studying checklist:

• Set up workspace
• Make sure your phone is in another room or turned off
• Let family members know not to disturb you until the end of the study session
• Gather together all the notes and reference books needed
• Get a glass of water

Keep your checklist handy, and tick everything off at the start of every study session.

Habit #3: Create a study plan

The purpose of a study plan is similar to that of a checklist. It keeps you on track.

When you go camping, you might have a checklist that covers all the equipment you need to pack into the car.

But you also need a road map to show you how to get to the campsite. It allows you to plan your route, and keeps you focused on your destination.

So, at the start of each study session, create a study plan.

For example, today you might need to complete a math assignment and write up the summary notes of chapter 4 of your history textbook.

Write down the key tasks, together with a list of steps you’ll need to take along the way.

To complete your math assignment, you might write:

• Read notes from math class
• Read chapter in the textbook on algebraic calculations
• Do questions 1 to 3

Your study plan will help you concentrate on what you need to get done today, without being distracted by the things that can wait until tomorrow.

Habit #4: Study offline as much as possible

When you study, you want to be focused, which means limiting all those annoying interruptions that happen when you’re online.

Switch off your Internet connection and give your brain the peace and quiet it needs to concentrate.

And while you’re at it, try not to use a laptop to take notes.

This may sound like strange advice, but research has shown that taking notes by hand is a much smarter way of learning.

When you write notes by hand, your brain absorbs the meaning of what you’re writing. But when you use a laptop, you’re not processing what you’re learning as deeply.

Habit #5: Take three deep breaths before each study session

What’s the one thing that comes to you so naturally, you don’t even think about it?

We each take about 20,000 breaths a day, so you’d think we’d be pretty good at it. But did you know that there are better ways to breathe than others ?

And guess who breathes the best? Babies.

As babies, we all take deep, relaxing breaths. These breaths push the oxygen around our bodies and into our brains, helping us to concentrate better.

But as we get older, we take shorter, faster breaths. As a result, we have trouble staying alert.

There are plenty of ways to breathe more deeply, but here’s one method you can try before you start each study session:

• Close your eyes and breathe in through your nose for four seconds
• Exhale through your mouth for four seconds
• Repeat three times

Tip: Try this just before you go to bed as well. It will help you sleep better.

Habit #6: Learn how to motivate yourself

Do you find that sometimes it’s almost impossible to start studying? In fact, your body feels like a heavy stone as you drag yourself towards your workspace.

Don’t worry. Everyone feels like that from time to time.

You just need to know how to motivate yourself to study , and to do that we’re going to create another list.

This time, write down all the reasons why you want to study hard, such as:

• I want to do my best
• I want to become more disciplined
• I want to prepare well for the future
• I want to develop perseverance
• I want to learn as much as I can

Put your list somewhere you can see it. The next time you feel like watching TV instead of studying, go through your list.

You’ll be fired up and ready to get back to your studies in no time!

Habit #7: Take notes during class

Taking notes in class is an important study tip to implement .

Think about the number of classes you go to every day at school and the mountain of information that gets thrown at you.

You’d never be able to remember everything you learned without taking notes.

Taking notes also helps you to absorb and retain information much better than just listening.

And lastly, think of your class notes as the backbone of your focused study time . They sum up what you’ve learned, and they make your study time more efficient.

(Here are some proven tips on how to take notes effectively .)

Habit #8: Review what you learned in school that day

Reviewing new information you learned in class is one of the most effective study habits you can develop.

Before the end of each day, read the notes you took or re-read the chapter that your teacher taught in class.

It won’t take long to do, and it will help you retain what you learned. It will also make the process of moving the information from short-term to long-term memory smoother.

Habit #9: Read your notes before you start doing your homework

This is similar to the last study habit we talked about.

The first thing you should do in your study session is to re-read the notes you took in class before you start the homework assignment for that topic.

Don’t forget to include this task in your study plan (see Habit #3).

It will refresh your memory, so you’ll be well prepared to tackle the assignment and you’ll finish your homework faster .

Habit #10: Get at least eight hours of sleep every night

We all know that a good night’s sleep makes us more alert and energised the next day.

But did you know that it also improves your memory and makes you a better student ?

You probably think there’s no way a top student could get enough sleep, but you’re wrong. In fact, getting eight hours of sleep before an exam is more effective than staying up late, trying to cram all the information in.

The best way to make sure you get eight hours of good quality sleep is to go to bed at the same time each night. (Set an alarm to remind you, if necessary.)

Read a chapter of a book, but don’t read it on your phone or tablet. This is because the light from such screens makes it difficult for the brain to wind down and inhibits melatonin production.

In addition, turn off phones and other electronic devices that may disturb you during the night.

Habit #11: Create an environment that helps you study

Trying to work in a noisy room, or one with poor lighting, is going to make your study time less effective.

To develop good study habits, take a few minutes to ensure your workspace is conducive to studying.

Here are a few things to think about:

• Do you have the necessary supplies and stationery within reach?
• Is the lighting adequate?
• Make sure your desk is tidy and uncluttered (do this before and after each study session)
• Is the room at the right temperature?
• Is your work chair comfortable?
• Is the room quiet? (Use earplugs if necessary)
• Is your phone switched off?
• Delete any apps on your phone that you might be tempted to open when you should be studying
• Are there any other distractions in the room that might disturb you, like a magazine or the TV? Switch them off or remove them altogether.

Habit #12: Time your study sessions and breaks

Do you find it hard to concentrate for more than 45 minutes at a time? That’s perfectly normal.

In fact, I’d recommend that you take a 5-minute break from studying every 30 to 40 minutes.

Don’t fall into the study habit of stretching out your break so it ends up being longer than your study time, though.

When you start a study session, set a timer for 30 to 40 minutes and then take a break. Likewise, set the timer for the end of the break so you know when to get back to work.

Habit #13: When you take a study break, step away from your desk

To develop good study habits, don’t forget to take breaks and use them wisely.

Step away from your desk and do something completely different to give your brain a break, as well as your body. Go for a short walk around the block or get a snack from the kitchen.

I encourage you not to watch a video, turn on the TV or check your social media news feed.

This is because these activities won’t give your brain a proper break.

Habit #14: Make use of the breaks you have during the school day

Do you have a long break in the middle of the school day or after lunch?

Is there something useful you could be doing with this time?

Maybe you could review the notes you took that morning or start preparing your study plan for later in the day.

Another great use of your free time is to seek out a fellow student and talk about what you’ve just learned. This is especially so if you need some clarification, or if you have doubts about something.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s an excellent way to learn faster and better.

Habit #15: Stay on top of your homework

This may sound like an obvious habit to cultivate as a student , but I’m often surprised by the number of students who let their homework pile up.

If it gets out of hand, just the thought of doing your homework can become overwhelming and stressful.

Before you know it, you’ll find yourself working so hard to catch up, you’ll have no time to study for important tests and exams, which are stressful enough on their own .

One of the most effective study habits to practise is to start your homework on the day it’s assigned.

At the very least, take a look at the questions while the information you learned is still fresh in your mind.

That way, if you have to come back to it later, you’ll have a rough framework as a starting point, making it much easier to complete.

Habit #16: Ask your teachers for help at least once a week

Your teachers are there to help you succeed . Don’t be afraid to reach out to them.

Asking for help is a crucial study habit to cultivate.

Include asking for help in your weekly schedule (see Habit #1) and keep a list of any questions you think of during the week.

Bring the list of questions with you, and don’t let them pile up.

If you let the questions pile up, you may start to feel overwhelmed, and you may become reluctant to seek help.

Habit #17: Use a planner to keep track of assignments and deadlines

If you’re not organised when it comes to things related to school , you’ll waste precious time doing last-minute work you forgot about.

Or you may stay up late to finish an assignment you should have started a week earlier.

Use a planner to keep track of important dates, tasks and deadlines. You can either use a physical diary or an online one like Google Calendar.

The important thing is to keep your planner up to date, so you don’t have to rely on your memory or wait for your teachers to remind you.

Planning and studying effectively will improve your test-taking skills and performance.

Don’t just include the date of a test, for example, when you use your planner. Include a reminder to start revising for the test well in advance.

And review your planner at least once a week. Every Monday, go through all the upcoming deadlines, and prioritise the tasks and projects you’ll need to keep on top of for the week.

Habit #18: Test yourself periodically

Don’t wait for regular tests and exams to come around before you start studying. Set mini-tests for yourself every few weeks.

You may have reviewed your class notes once, but it doesn’t mean the information has been absorbed or effectively memorised for a future exam.

Here’s how to test yourself…

When you review your class notes, highlight some of the key things you’ve learned.

For example, in history it might be the date of an important event. Write down some test questions on a separate sheet of paper as you go, such as “When did the war start?” or “What caused the civil war?”

The next day, pull out the test questions and see how many answers you can remember.

It takes some effort to succeed at a test you give yourself, but that effort will be rewarded when it comes to exam time.

Habit #19: Check your work before you consider it done

When you finish an assignment, don’t consider it done until you’ve double-checked your work for careless mistakes.

Here’s what you should be looking out for:

• Spelling mistakes
• Grammar mistakes
• Poor presentation
• Have I responded to the question?
• Have I left out key facts?
• Have I got the equations correct?

Habit #20: Keep a “worry” list

It’s common for students to worry about not doing well, but it’s a distracting pastime.

When you worry about something, it can hinder your ability to focus on learning and improving.

That’s why you need to keep a “worry” list.

Strange as it may sound, research has shown that writing down a list of your fears about school can actually improve your grades.

When you write down a list of your worries, it’s as though you’re unloading your anxieties and freeing up your brain to concentrate on learning.

So whenever a worry pops into your mind, write it down and move on.

Habit #21: Use online resources (if your teacher isn’t available)

Your teacher should be the first person you go to with a question or concern about the class material – unless you can easily find the answer on the Internet.

But if your teachers aren’t available when you need something clarified (which often happens in the middle of study time), there are some great online resources you can use.

Here are some of them:

• Khan Academy
• BBC Bitesize
• Mathispower4u

Habit #22: If you struggle with procrastination, use the Pomodoro Technique

Procrastination or a lack of focus is a big problem during study time.

We’ve already talked about the need to take regular breaks (see Habit #13), but there’s another method you might find useful.

It’s called the Pomodoro Technique.

The idea is that you’ll stay on top of your work if you break your study periods up into focused but manageable bursts of 25 minutes.

This is instead of trying to concentrate for two hours or more at a go, which takes a lot of energy and willpower.

The objective is to train your brain to focus on a task that needs to be completed and postpone all distractions until later.

Here’s how it works:

• Set a timer for 25 minutes
• Concentrate 100% on studying until the timer rings
• Take a five-minute break – and remember to step away from your desk
• Repeat until the end of your study session

Here are some apps you can try:

• Focus Booster – This is available for desktop and mobile devices. You can download the starter version for free.
• Marinara Timer – This one is free and doesn’t need downloading. Just open it up and start the timer.

Check out this article for even more apps you can use.

Start practising your new study habits

Well done! You’ve read about the 22 study habits that are guaranteed to improve your grades.

(On top of that, here are 8 bad study habits you’ll want to avoid.)

Reading about these habits is a great start. But nothing’s going to change if you just click away from this article.

If you’re wondering how to get good grades , you need to take action – every day, every week, and every month. Start tomorrow with just one new study habit. Make it part of your daily routine.

After a week, pick another one and put it into practice.

Before you know it, you’re going to turn those disappointing B’s and C’s into straight A’s. I guarantee it!

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

July 31, 2019 at 7:50 pm

Thanks for the study habits, I will definitely use them in my daily life.

July 31, 2019 at 8:08 pm

You’re welcome, Greta.

August 1, 2019 at 3:03 pm

Thanks, Daniel, for making the points simple, clear and doable!

August 1, 2019 at 3:46 pm

You’re welcome!

August 2, 2019 at 8:53 am

thank you so much for the tips sir. my A/L are literally in next two days. it will be very helpful if you can send me some tips about how to work during the exam time and now…….TBH I just want to take at least 3Bs…..thank you again for everything.

August 2, 2019 at 10:56 am

You’re welcome. All the best for your exams! I’ve actually created this guide ( https://www.daniel-wong.com/taking-tests-exams/ ), which should help you do much better for your exams.

August 2, 2019 at 12:33 pm

Thank you so much…

August 3, 2019 at 6:14 am

Ur an amazing tutor Daniel!

August 3, 2019 at 8:14 am

I don’t really consider myself a tutor, but I’m glad that you found the article useful!

August 18, 2019 at 3:02 am

Thank you so much. You have been a great help! especially all your free pdfs have helped me be a lot more organized. Thanks a lot!

September 23, 2019 at 4:16 am

Great tips. Thank you Daniel for sharing

February 1, 2020 at 2:54 pm

You are great! I also remained an a grader for long but lost track with your tips I will be back

April 5, 2020 at 6:53 pm

Hi. Hope you doing well. Great tips. Are these tips good for the university too? or they are just for school time? BTW I read your website every day! You are amazing. God bless you

November 14, 2020 at 4:02 am

Some of them sound as if they are for university, so I would say both.

August 8, 2020 at 11:43 pm

Simply the best and so practical and nicely presented i like a lot. Keep it up!

Really good job doing for the students and even for professionals this is going to help a lot.

January 6, 2021 at 11:06 pm

Great article

January 7, 2021 at 9:31 pm

The most important habits I am trying to adopt this semester are #1 Create a weekly schedule. #3 Create a study plan. #4 Study offline as much as possible.

September 26, 2021 at 12:53 am

THIS IS GOING TO HELP ME THANKS.

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A professor’s secrets to getting good grades

About the author

Hi there. I am the prolific professor with 15 years of experience teaching online and in-person. I have a graduate degree. I have a passion for education. But I’ve also worked in the professional world (outside of education) too. Thanks for visiting.

How to get get good grades in college

You’ve landed here because you are wondering how to can get better grades.

Maybe you are working hard, and just not earning good grades, or you are getting ready to start the semester and want to figure out this whole college thing.

Lastly, you could be that student who just wants to find out the secrets to getting good grades with the least amount of effort required.

Well, I know a lot of information that can help you succeed. I was a professor for 15 years. And I graded thousands of students’ assignments, gave hundreds of exams, and created dozens of grading rubrics. So, I know a thing or two.

After reading this article, you are going to know exactly what professors are looking for so that you can make good grades. And I will give you some tips on how to earn good grades too.

I do need to say that not every student will succeed, even with all these secrets because not everyone has the same academic rigor, skills, knowledge or time to make good grades. While I think the vast majority of people can do it with these tips, not everyone can.

But I bet you can. Let’s get started.

Read the grading rubric and follow it

Most professors should have a grading rubric for how they objectively grade assignments. Not every professor will have a rubric because it isn’t some kind of college policy, but it is just a good practice.

A rubric should categorize all the content that the professor expects from students. And you should know exactly what would get a perfect score on an assignment vs a bad grade. It’s literally a road map to your success.

Keep in mind that grading rubrics can be rather vague and subjective, so your grade might not always align with the rubric. Anytime a human is grading an assignment, there will be some subjectivity.

What I mean is that one professor could grade your assignment and give you a 90 while another professor thinks it’s a 70. That’s because there is some subjectiveness to grading, most of the time.

So, grab the rubric, and make sure you hit all the marks for a perfect score.

Talk to your professor

I know it may seem intimidating and time consuming to talk to your professor, but reach out to them anyway.

If you have a major assignment due, go to their office weeks before it is due, and ask about their expectations. I wouldn’t suggest you bring a rough draft or anything in for them to review, because they aren’t going to want to edit a draft just for you and not everyone else. But instead, give them your ideas for the project, and ask what they think about your vision. You could even bring in an outline.

Hopefully they will give you the green light to move forward. It doesn’t guarantee a good grade, but it can help.

So, reach out, and meet with them. Let them know you are very concerned about getting a good grade on the project and want to make sure you are meeting their expectations. Every little bit helps.

Your professor can make sure you understand the project and can direct you further. Don’t underestimate these opportunities.

And if you have made a bad grade, and are wondering how you could improve, you should schedule a meeting with your professor to talk about your performance. Since they are the ones who are creating the exams, and grading assignments, they need to be the ones to tell you how you can get better.

But never ever wait until the end of the semester to start these discussions. They need to happen from the very beginning of the semester.

Get a tutor

Some universities have teaching or graduate assistants. There might be someone in the department that can give you FREE tutoring. Talk to your professor and ask if they have any suggestions for a tutor.

Sometimes it comes directly from the college, or a third-party contract. Maybe your college works with a company that provides tutors for college students. Or maybe they have tutors that they’ve hired and students can attend on campus.

I have seen colleges hire adjunct professors for tutoring positions so it’s quite possible they offer something like this. Go to your college’s website and search tutoring or tutor and see what you can find. It’s often free.

If you had the funds, you could always hire a private tutor. And remember, your professor should be willing to help you understand the material so go during office hours to discuss anything you need help with. While they can’t repeat entire lectures or sit with you while you do your homework, they should be able to answer your questions to clarify the material.

Improve your studying habits

You might not get good grades because you just don’t know how to study. Think about how you could improve your studying habits and strategies.

Some colleges have seminars where you could learn more information on these subjects. Check and see if there is a counseling or student life department at your university. I have seen many colleges who regularly hold seminars/trainings for students in different areas.

They may include something about studying tips and tricks. If not, start researching the best ways to study and see if you can get to work on improving your strategies.

Lastly, reach out to your professor and ask if they have any tips based on their experience. Sometimes they can share with you what other students have done in the past to make good grades.

Find out what kind of learner you are

There are different types of learners. Some people learn better visually while others might need to immerse themselves in activities for a more hands-on experience.

Either way, people learn differently and you need to think about how you learn.

Do you prefer to be more visual? Do you need the PowerPoints to stay focused or would you prefer to read the information in a book. Maybe you really like exercises or are more inclined to hear the information presented.

As you can see, there are different ways people learn and take information in. If your professor primarily does PowerPoints, but you need activities to learn better, you’ll need to understand how to adapt.

Create a study group

Sometimes students learn better from other students. Talk with other classmates and find out if they want to create a study group. Maybe you meet once a week or every other week to review the material.

Having other students who can share their ideas and explain material is really powerful for students.

So, please consider creating a study group with other classmates to go over the material.

If it doesn’t help you get better grades, at least you made a few friends.

Your grades can be a reflection of how much time and effort you put into studying, so make sure you are really spending enough time doing these things.

While you need to study the right way, you also need to study enough.

If you aren’t making good grades, you should really think about how much time you are spending on the course. If you aren’t spending the recommended time reviewing the material, you need to increase this right away.

This is often where I would see most students miss the mark. The problem was usually their studying habits and by spending more time focusing on the material, students usually did better.

Find your passion

Oftentimes people will be more inclined to study and immerse themselves in a subject when they are really passionate about a topic.

If you aren’t really enjoying your major, maybe it isn’t for you. Obviously bad grades don’t always mean that you aren’t passionate about the subject, but it’s something to consider.

Look, I get it. Not every course you take at a college will be directly focused on your major, or even your career. And sometimes you just have to get through it.

But the more classes you take, that you love, the better experiences you will probably have. It’s just hypothetical, and may not be true for everyone, but it’s worth talking to an advisor about and pondering.

Find the perfect professor

I am not suggesting that you just look for professors that are considered easy professors, but search for professors that are most compatible with you and your learning style.

I have the perfect guide to finding a terrific professor here.

But keep in mind that you are really trying to find a good match for you, and not just looking for the easiest classes.

When you find that professor who just clicks with your learning style, and makes you excited to come to class, I think you’ll see your grades improve.

Students’ grades don’t always fall back on the professor and their teaching abilities, but there could be some correlation.

Stay organized

During your college career, you are going to need some organization to stay focused. Make sure you plan accordingly to study, do assignments, and go to class.

You might need to get a planner to organize everything, but don’t underestimate the power of organization. If you are planning everything out and actually making time for college, you will likely do better.

Don’t overlook organization. Think about it. Bad grades might happen because you rushed to complete an assignment because you forgot about it or procrastinated. But if you would have just prepared for it in advance, you might have done better.

Look, college can be challenging, and it should be, but it doesn’t have to be disappointing. Take these things and implement them to make good grades.

You’ve got this.

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Professor explains how to ask your professor to take an exam earlier than when it’s scheduled and when they might say yes.

A professor tells students what they should do if their professor hasn’t posted final grades and they don’t have a grade on their transcript.

I taught college students for about 15 years. I have experience teaching online and in-person. I have a graduate degree. I have a passion for education. But I’ve also worked in the professional world (outside of education) too. And with my teaching and educational experience, I want to help students answer their most pressing questions. I want to give my wealth of knowledge to college students to help make their life easier.

Before you change your major because of bad grades, read this

Professor explains how to ask for career advice w/ email template.

Center for Teaching

Grading student work.

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What Purposes Do Grades Serve?

Developing grading criteria, making grading more efficient, providing meaningful feedback to students.

• Maintaining Grading Consistency in Multi-Sectioned Courses

Minimizing Student Complaints about Grading

Barbara Walvoord and Virginia Anderson identify the multiple roles that grades serve:

• as an  evaluation of student work;
• as a  means of communicating to students, parents, graduate schools, professional schools, and future employers about a student’s  performance in college and potential for further success;
• as a  source of motivation to students for continued learning and improvement;
• as a  means of organizing a lesson, a unit, or a semester in that grades mark transitions in a course and bring closure to it.

Additionally, grading provides students with feedback on their own learning , clarifying for them what they understand, what they don’t understand, and where they can improve. Grading also provides feedback to instructors on their students’ learning , information that can inform future teaching decisions.

Why is grading often a challenge? Because grades are used as evaluations of student work, it’s important that grades accurately reflect the quality of student work and that student work is graded fairly. Grading with accuracy and fairness can take a lot of time, which is often in short supply for college instructors. Students who aren’t satisfied with their grades can sometimes protest their grades in ways that cause headaches for instructors. Also, some instructors find that their students’ focus or even their own focus on assigning numbers to student work gets in the way of promoting actual learning.

Given all that grades do and represent, it’s no surprise that they are a source of anxiety for students and that grading is often a stressful process for instructors.

Incorporating the strategies below will not eliminate the stress of grading for instructors, but it will decrease that stress and make the process of grading seem less arbitrary — to instructors and students alike.

Source: Walvoord, B. & V. Anderson (1998).  Effective Grading: A Tool for Learning and Assessment . San Francisco : Jossey-Bass.

• Consider the different kinds of work you’ll ask students to do for your course.  This work might include: quizzes, examinations, lab reports, essays, class participation, and oral presentations.
• For the work that’s most significant to you and/or will carry the most weight, identify what’s most important to you.  Is it clarity? Creativity? Rigor? Thoroughness? Precision? Demonstration of knowledge? Critical inquiry?
• Transform the characteristics you’ve identified into grading criteria for the work most significant to you, distinguishing excellent work (A-level) from very good (B-level), fair to good (C-level), poor (D-level), and unacceptable work.

Developing criteria may seem like a lot of work, but having clear criteria can

• save time in the grading process
• make that process more consistent and fair
• communicate your expectations to students
• help you to decide what and how to teach
• help students understand how their work is graded

Sample criteria are available via the following link.

• Analytic Rubrics from the CFT’s September 2010 Virtual Brownbag
• Create assignments that have clear goals and criteria for assessment.  The better students understand what you’re asking them to do the more likely they’ll do it!
• letter grades with pluses and minuses (for papers, essays, essay exams, etc.)
• 100-point numerical scale (for exams, certain types of projects, etc.)
• check +, check, check- (for quizzes, homework, response papers, quick reports or presentations, etc.)
• pass-fail or credit-no-credit (for preparatory work)
• Limit your comments or notations to those your students can use for further learning or improvement.
• Spend more time on guiding students in the process of doing work than on grading it.
• For each significant assignment, establish a grading schedule and stick to it.

Light Grading – Bear in mind that not every piece of student work may need your full attention. Sometimes it’s sufficient to grade student work on a simplified scale (minus / check / check-plus or even zero points / one point) to motivate them to engage in the work you want them to do. In particular, if you have students do some small assignment before class, you might not need to give them much feedback on that assignment if you’re going to discuss it in class.

Multiple-Choice Questions – These are easy to grade but can be challenging to write. Look for common student misconceptions and misunderstandings you can use to construct answer choices for your multiple-choice questions, perhaps by looking for patterns in student responses to past open-ended questions. And while multiple-choice questions are great for assessing recall of factual information, they can also work well to assess conceptual understanding and applications.

Test Corrections – Giving students points back for test corrections motivates them to learn from their mistakes, which can be critical in a course in which the material on one test is important for understanding material later in the term. Moreover, test corrections can actually save time grading, since grading the test the first time requires less feedback to students and grading the corrections often goes quickly because the student responses are mostly correct.

Spreadsheets – Many instructors use spreadsheets (e.g. Excel) to keep track of student grades. A spreadsheet program can automate most or all of the calculations you might need to perform to compute student grades. A grading spreadsheet can also reveal informative patterns in student grades. To learn a few tips and tricks for using Excel as a gradebook take a look at this sample Excel gradebook .

• Use your comments to teach rather than to justify your grade, focusing on what you’d most like students to address in future work.
• Link your comments and feedback to the goals for an assignment.
• Comment primarily on patterns — representative strengths and weaknesses.
• Avoid over-commenting or “picking apart” students’ work.
• In your final comments, ask questions that will guide further inquiry by students rather than provide answers for them.

Maintaining Grading Consistency in Multi-sectioned Courses (for course heads)

• Communicate your grading policies, standards, and criteria to teaching assistants, graders, and students in your course.
• Discuss your expectations about all facets of grading (criteria, timeliness, consistency, grade disputes, etc) with your teaching assistants and graders.
• Encourage teaching assistants and graders to share grading concerns and questions with you.
• have teaching assistants grade assignments for students not in their section or lab to curb favoritism (N.B. this strategy puts the emphasis on the evaluative, rather than the teaching, function of grading);
• have each section of an exam graded by only one teaching assistant or grader to ensure consistency across the board;
• have teaching assistants and graders grade student work at the same time in the same place so they can compare their grades on certain sections and arrive at consensus.
• Include your grading policies, procedures, and standards in your syllabus.
• Avoid modifying your policies, including those on late work, once you’ve communicated them to students.
• Distribute your grading criteria to students at the beginning of the term and remind them of the relevant criteria when assigning and returning work.
• Keep in-class discussion of grades to a minimum, focusing rather on course learning goals.

For a comprehensive look at grading, see the chapter “Grading Practices” from Barbara Gross Davis’s  Tools for Teaching.

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Grades, What are They Good For?

• Posted October 8, 2021
• By Andrew Bauld
• Disruption and Crises
• Inequality and Education Gaps
• Student Achievement and Outcomes

Now What? — A six-part series focused on education fixes as we head back to school in person.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools recognized the struggles their students were facing, many hit pause on traditional grading. In doing so, it gave some districts a chance to rethink grading altogether.   

Research has long shown that the traditional points system is riddled with problems, from unfairly factoring in non-academic considerations like turning in an assignment late, to lacking consistency based on the whims of some teachers, to actually diminishing student motivation. 

For the nearly 106,000 students who attend the San Diego Unified School District, those elements will no longer be a factor in how they are graded thanks to the adoption of a new standards-based learning system. 

“It’s the removal of non-academic factors in grading,” says San Diego Unified instructional support officer Nicole DeWitt. The elementary schools in the district have been using the system for a decade, but now the secondary schools will be providing students opportunities for revision and reassessment and shifting factors like classroom behavior and punctuality towards a student citizenship grade.  

The goal is to improve learning for students and make grading more equitable. Here are some of the ways San Diego’s new grading system plans on doing that:  

1. It will tackle inequity.    It wasn’t a health epidemic that initially moved the district to rethink its grading policy but rather a societal one. In the aftermath of the death of George Floyd and the outcry for social justice in July 2020, the district evaluated its institutional practices and determined its grading practices were having a negative impact on students of color. 

“Seeing that there was a large discrepancy of D’s and F’s for students of color, students with disabilities, and ESL students, led to a change to make grading more equitable,” says DeWitt. In the first semester of school prior to the pandemic, that included nearly 30% of all D and F grades going to English language learners, while Hispanic students received 23% of failing grades and Black students 20%. Only 7% of failing grades went to white students. 

DeWitt and the district believe that by removing non-academic factors from grades and shifting the focus to mastery as opposed to a yearly average will give all students a more equitable chance of success.   

2. It will make mastery the goal. While the school will continue to use a letter grade for college transcripts, teachers take a harder look at the criteria that makes up those grades and ensure that students are evaluated based on mastery as opposed to just earning points. 

“When a student gets an assignment back with points earned, it doesn’t give you much,” says DeWitt.

In the new grading system, students will have a clearer picture of where they stand in their academic progress thanks to standards-based rubrics and feedback. They will also have additional opportunities to show mastery as opposed to one make-or-break test, including student projects and presentations. The goal is to improve learning, but also relieve pressure and decrease stress for students. 

3. Faculty and families are involved. Communication has been key for the district in getting all stakeholders on board with the new system. That has included rethinking communicating with parents about standards. Revising grading comments and feedback will be part of the next phase of implementation. 

The district also worked with experts in the field, including Joe Feldman, Ed.M.’93, an education consultant and author of the new book Grading for Equity , to give teachers in various academic departments a chance to ask questions about different ways to implement changes and brainstorm ideas for starting points. 

4. Schools won’t forget who this is all for. Already other districts have reached out to San Diego Unified to learn more about their new grading system, and DeWitt says they are also in talks with the Hewlett Foundation about a partnership to do research on the impact of the grading policy on students so other schools can learn from it. But there’s one piece of advice she already has for school leaders thinking about implementing a grading change: remember your audience.  

“A lot of us in education tend to forget we have this ‘edu-speak’ that we put into policy that isn’t necessarily parent or student friendly. It’s crucial to talk with students, teachers, administration, counselors, and parents so everyone can look at the policy, review the language, and ask questions before it goes to the board.”   

Want to learn more about breaking away from traditional grading?

• Listen to this episode of the EdCast about grading for equity with Joe Feldman.
• Read a Harvard Ed. magazine Q+A with Feldman.
• Watch a panel discussion with Nicole DeWitt and the Education Writers Association..

More from the Now What? series:

• Make Outdoor Learning Your Plan A
• Treat Students Like Human Beings
• The Kids Are Still Not Alright — But Counselors Can Help
• Speed Up to Catch Up
• Where Everybody Knows Your Name

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• 14 Ways to Improve Your Grades if You’re Underperforming

Even the brightest students can sometimes find themselves academically underperforming, often through no fault of their own. When students find themselves in this situation, it’s often because they’re stuck in a rut and are not sure what to do to improve. If this sounds like you, the first step is to work out the reasons why you may be underperforming, and the next step is to work out how to tackle the problem. If you’re not sure how to go about it, this article shows you what you can do to form an improvement plan to help you achieve the grades you know you’re capable of achieving.

1. Adopt a positive mental attitude

In the face of lower-than-expected grades, it’s only human to react by feeling disappointed with oneself. When you’re frequently receiving lower grades than you’d hoped for, you may start to feel depressed or defeated, and feel like giving up. The first step on the road to improving your grades is to turn this negativity on its head. You need to be positive about the situation if you’re to stand a chance of improving it. Acknowledge that your grades aren’t what you’re aiming for, but believe that you can do something about it. Start by mentally taking control of the situation: instead of thinking “I’m a failure”, think “I can and will do better than this.” Don’t give up – take positive steps towards achieving the improvement you’re more than capable of achieving.

2. Work out where you’re falling short

You need to work out which areas need targeting before you can draw up a plan of action, so the next step is to figure out the areas in which you’re underperforming, and why. Are your grades consistently lower than you’d like them to be across all your subjects, or is there one particular area you’re struggling with that’s bringing down your overall performance in a particular subject? Take a look at your grades over the last few months and look for patterns. Has there been a general decline in academic achievement, or have your grades in certain areas always been lower than you’d hoped? Are your grades always low in the same areas, such as one problem subject? You’ll probably already have a vague idea of the answers to these questions, but seeing your grades written down on paper – perhaps even in graph format – can help you see things more clearly. Next, think about the reasons why you’re not performing to your full academic potential in the areas you’ve identified. Are there external factors that may be negatively affecting your grades, such as a family problem or worrying about a social situation at school? Are you struggling with any particular academic skills that might be dragging you down, such as essay-writing or note-taking? And are you studying in a way that works for you? These are all factors that could be affecting your academic performance, so once you’ve isolated what the problem is – it could be a combination of more than one of these issues – you’ll be able to start tackling it. If the problems are external, you’ll need to take steps towards getting them to a point at which they no longer adversely affect your studies; seeing a counsellor might help, for instance. If they’re academic, read the rest of this article for some suggestions on how you can improve.

3. Talk to your teachers

Your teachers know you best, so it’s worth talking to them when you’re drawing up a plan of action for improving your grades. Ask them where they think you need to improve, and they’ll probably have some advice on how you can go about it. Coupled with the advice in the rest of this article, this should allow you to tailor an action plan to your personal situation.

4. Pay more attention in class – and ask questions

If you’re prone to daydreaming in class, it’s time to start focusing on the here and now. Listen to what the teacher is saying rather than talking with friends or allowing your mind to wander. Don’t simply copy down what’s on the board without thinking about it; make sure you’ve understood it, make neat notes so that you can understand them when you come back to them (more on that later), and don’t be afraid to speak up if there’s something you don’t understand or want clarifying. It’s much easier to ask a teacher to explain something differently than it is to trawl through books trying to find a clearer explanation for yourself, and they won’t think less of you for asking.

5. Start organising your life

Clutter of any kind inhibits our ability to operate efficiently, so another way of improving your academic performance is to get organised. Keep your workspace tidy and all your notes and textbooks organised in such a way that you know where everything is. Start thinking more about your time management, too, as this will allow you to prioritise your time effectively, freeing time for problem subjects. Write yourself a daily timetable that incorporates your school schedule, dividing your day into slots of time and fitting in plenty of time for studying. Allocate extra time to subjects or topics you’ve identified as being ones you’re struggling with; it could be that the reason for your underperformance in these subjects is that you’re simply not devoting enough time to them.

6. Improve your note-taking skills

One of the reasons you may have identified for underperforming is that you’re not taking good enough notes. Hurriedly scrawled notes from class can be difficult to make sense of when you come to revise from them, or even to write an essay based on them. It’s all too easy to misunderstand your own notes and fail to get a strong enough grasp of the topic. It’s imperative, therefore, that you produce good notes from each of your classes and from the books you use – notes that you can read, that are useful, and that are logically organised. If you make notes by hand – in class, for example – try to type them up at the end of the day, while they’re still fresh in your mind.

7. Improve your essay-writing skills

Another common reason for academic underperformance is that the student’s essay-writing skills aren’t sufficient for the level required to achieve top grades. This is fairly easily fixed by improving your essay-writing technique. Good essay technique covers all aspects of essay-writing, from the research phase to the final proofread, and even how you respond to the feedback you get for your essays. Responding in the right way to feedback – and not taking criticism personally – will be particularly useful if you feel you’re underperforming, as this should give you the guidance you need to be able to improve.

8. Find the right learning style for you

If you’re academically underperforming, another possible reason could be that you haven’t found the right learning style for you. We’re all different, and each of us has our own way of studying that yields the best results. Perhaps you just haven’t found your most effective studying style yet. If you’ve been trying to work on your own, for example, you might find it easier to work with a friend or two, so that you have someone else there to motivate you.

9. Improve your memory

Many students struggle to remember all the information they need for exams, and this brings their grades down. With so much to learn across many subjects, remembering facts, figures and arguments is a pretty monumental task, and you need to arm yourself with some effective memory aids to help you. You’ll find more tips on improving your memory in our article on memory techniques for exam preparation.

10. Stop procrastinating

One of the reasons why you’re underperforming could be that you’re spending too much time procrastinating – that is, putting off work by distracting yourself with other things, such as social media. This is a common response to a big workload; when you have so much to do that you don’t know where to start, the temptation is simply not to start. The problem is that in doing so, you’re delaying the inevitable, as well as making your task worse by eating into the time when you could be productive. If you’re guilty of procrastination – and we all are at some point or another – take a look at our article on five reasons we procrastinate and how to stop it.

11. Allow plenty of time for revision

If you’re achieving lower scores than you’d hoped for on timed tests or mock exams, it could be because you’re not allowing enough time for revising for them. This may be because you know it’s not ‘the real thing’, but practice exams are just as important as real ones. They show you which areas you need to spend more time on, and achieving good grades in them will give you a confidence boost. Treat them as seriously as you would a real exam, allowing yourself plenty of time to revising for them. Better still, revise everything you learn as you go along, so that you learn it properly first time round and have less need for revision. Also, be sure to read our articles on effective revision techniques for science students and humanities students.

12. Make learning more fun

Sometimes students underperform because they have simply lost the motivation to learn. It’s not surprising, when the pressure of exams and doing well at school takes away the enjoyment of learning. It’s easy to get so focused on achieving top grades that you forget that learning can actually be fun – and not only that, but it’s much easier to do well when you’re enjoying it. If studying has become a chore for you, it’s time to put the fun back into learning. You could do this by gamifying your studies, or by trying some of the ideas in our article on 15 ways to make studying less stressful.

13. Hire a private tutor

As a last resort, if the ideas in this article haven’t worked for you, you might consider hiring a private tutor to help you improve your grades for a particularly tricky subject. Some extra tuition may be just what you need to help bring your grade up, as you’ll benefit from one-to-one tuition in an environment in which you might feel more able to ask questions without the fear of speaking up in front of your peers. If you think this would help you, speak to your parents and suggest that they place an advert in the local paper if they’re willing to cover the cost of private tuition for you.

14. Go on a summer school

A final option – best taken alongside the other advice in this article, rather than instead of it – is to book yourself onto an academic summer school. Taking part in a summer school would allow you to learn away from the pressures of the classroom and exams, reinvigorating your love of learning and inspiring you to take a more determined approach to your studies. What’s more, summer schools are great for helping you get to grips with trickier subjects, so this could be a good solution to your underperforming subjects as well. Take a look at our Oxford summer school courses to find one to help you start improving your grades. It’s not just an option in the summer – ever-popular Easter revision courses are a great way to get a boost shortly before your exams.

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Top 10 Strategies On How To Get Good Grades In Exams

In this generation, getting good grades is an important part of academic success. Good grades open doors to new opportunities for further education and career growth and measure one’s knowledge and understanding of a subject. But due to high competition, it’s not easy to get for students. They always want to know how to get good grades. 

The main reason behind getting high grades is to apply for the best colleges or jobs; they evaluate several factors, including grades. They look at your actual degrees and analyze your overall academic performance background. Achieving good grades requires dedication, hard work and consistent effort. 

These strategies include encouraging yourself, hard work, asking for help, and caring for your health. By following these strategies, students can increase their chances of academic success and achieve their goals.

This blog will discuss some effective strategies on how to get good grades.

Why do Students want To Get Good Grades?

Table of Contents

There are many reasons for getting good grades: 

• Opportunities: If you get good grades, you can get good opportunities for higher education and better job prospects. Many employers and graduate schools look at a candidate’s academic record when making hiring or admissions decisions. So it is very important to get good grades. 
• Knowledge and skills: Good grades show knowledge and skills in a subject. It shows that you understand the concept and can apply it effectively. 
• Personal Growth: Achieving good grades can be a source of self-confidence. It can also help you develop a sense of discipline and responsibility.
• Financial Help: Good grades can also make you eligible for scholarships, grants, and other financial help to help you pay for your education.
• Future Success: Good grades can lead to success in your chosen career and personal life. A strong academic record can be helpful for the foundation of learning.

How To Get Good Grades 

Following are the steps to get good grades by the students.

step 1:- Encourage yourself

How To Get Good Grades In Exams – It’s anything but difficult to get down on yourself in case you’re not doing so excellent in school. In any case, the first step to getting better grades is to be optimistic. Acknowledge that there’s some room for development, but tell yourself you can gain better grades.

Alternatively of thinking to yourself, “I’m a loser, and I’m just not a good student,” tell yourself, “With a little struggle, I can and will develop!” 

Step 2:- Get a planner, journal, and a projectile diary. 

Whether it’s a day executive you carry in your backpack, a list on your wall at the house, a to-do list you make at the end of every day, or an online diary, it can help you keep track of when assignments are due and stay organized.

At the starting of the time, when you get your executive, note down each test, quiz, and assignment due date. Do this for each class.

Consistently when you return home from school, check your schedule and see what should be done before tomorrow as well as what’s on the horizon for the next few days. Verify off what you have already done.

Step 3:- Use time wisely

Even if you do not procrastinate and are the usually organized person in the world, time can be one of your most essential competitors in school. Here are some tips for using time wisely:

Step 4:- Tackle harder work first. 

Yes, tackle the more complicated stuff first so that you are sure to have enough time to finish it. You’ll feel a higher sense of accomplishment finishing the work in this order.

Step 5:- Take breaks as a reward for work. 

Reward yourself for completing a significant task by taking a break and chatting with a friend or watching some television. Not only are the breaks the right motivation to help you achieve something, but you’ll also be more refreshed to tackle the next bit of work after a pause.

Break larger projects into smaller, easy-to-accomplish pieces. If you have a substantial term paper due at the end of the semester, break up the work into smaller chunks and assign deadlines to each part.

Step 6:- Do not overextend yourself; learn to say no. 

Besides all your educational work, you will also be asked to get included in all sorts of clubs and institutions while in college and at any point, you will have to study to say no to some requests of your time.

Step 7:- Must work hard

One of my favorite students used to say that she worked hard so that she would have the time to play hard — and that’s the right balance. Just make sure you do the work first.

Step 8:- Try to Take clear notes by hand.

Try to better by self take notes as thoroughly and legibly as possible. While you want to be thorough, summarize the lecture instead of copying it exactly.

Use abbreviations and keywords instead of full sentences so you can keep up with your teacher. Skip lines, so it’s more suitable to read your notes later and try to keep learning organized with part headings and bullet points.

Handwriting notes, instead of typing, will help you understand the information correctly. After class or during a free period, compare notes with a friend to make sure you didn’t miss any critical details.

Step 9:- Ask for help

If you’re not confident what’s required for a high grade or are struggling with the coursework, ask your mentor for advice. It doesn’t have to be a complicated question; your teacher is always happy to help you. Ask after class, as office times, or in an email for assistance.

Step 10:- Take Care Of Your Health

Your health and wellness affect every part of your life- including your school life. If you are not eating good food and sleeping well at night, your mind will not get the proper fuel to function properly and be productive. A healthy lifestyle also means playing sports and exercising for overall development.

How To Increase Your Score Without Studying

How To Get Good Grades In Exams – Whether you’re in grade school, high school, or a post-secondary institution, grades are an essential factor in your success. Better and good grades comparison to others will help open many doors for you in the future.

Getting high grades in school isn’t something that happens. It takes persistence, self-control, and a lot of struggle on your part. Going from getting mediocre grades into high grades isn’t going to happen overnight.

It takes time to get yourself organized and grow the skills you need to succeed. To help you boost your grades, here are a few easy tips you can start implementing today.

1. Attend all your classes

It can be effortless to skip a lesson or two, but attending every level can help ensure two things: you get participation marks (if the instructor is giving them), and you’re extra likely to remember something explained in class.

2. Put your hand up

If you have an inquiry in lecture time, ask it. If you think you know the answer to a question, the instructor asks, answer it. Besides, if class participation is part of your class grade, asking and answering questions in class will help you get those points.

3. Keep Distractions to a Minimum

How To Get Good Grades In Exams – If there is anything about you that could be a distraction and prevent you from learning, you need to get rid of it. Don’t imagine with your phone, listen to music or sit so far back in the classroom that you can’t see or hear what the teacher is talking about.

Sit closer to the front of the room to make sure you can listen to what the teacher is saying and take accurate notes. Don’t allow other classmates who might not be interested in learning to distract you from bettering yourself.

Reasons Why Students Get Poor Grades

There are some possible reasons that students earn poor grades.

Some are external factors, such as the subject matter being too complicated, the teacher’s difficulty understanding, and problems at home. Other reasons have to do with student attitudes, such as didn’t do homework and wasting time in class. Lastly, there are reasons related to individual issues, such as test anxiety and problems concentrating.

1. External factors

External factors that harm your grades are somewhat out of your control. If the subject is too difficult or you have a useless teacher, you might have to leave the course, if you can.

2. A few teachers should not be teachers.

Some may have problematic foreign stress that makes it difficult to understand. Others can’t transparently clarify things. Also, some might not have any desire to explain things by any stretch of the imagination. They say, “You should have learned that last year, so I’m not going to describe it over once more.” 

A few teachers don’t like individual students, and that can affect their grades. But also, some students don’t want individual teachers and thus may not cooperate in class.

Having a poor teacher can make it trying to get a good grade in the course. But it is not an excuse for failing the course. The most useful thing to do is to make the most of it this term, but then try to get a more skilled teacher the next semester.

3. Poor attitudes

If you have bad attitudes toward school and studying, it can result in getting bad or failing grades.

4. Lack of motivation

Sometimes you can want the motivation to do well in school.

One big reason for a lack the motivation is that you have no dreams of what you need to do or can see no profit by going to class. 

5. Individual issues 

Individual issues can also affect your grades. Procrastination and putting off assignments can affect your grades. Also, not being useful in taking tests is a significant factor in getting poor grades. Get the best assignment help in Canberra from the experts at nominal charges. We are the best option for assignment help Canberra .

FAQs (How To Get Good Grades In Exams)

How to get good grades asap.

To achieve good grades in maths, you should focus on problem-solving and practice maths daily as maths comes by practice.

How to get good grades online?

You can score good grades online by actively participating in the class and communicating with the teachers and students. You will utilize online resources effectively and join online study groups.

Is there a trick to getting good grades?

Time management can be the best tool in your arsenal for getting better grades. Creating a study schedule can help you manage your time and keep from cramming.

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How to Score Good Grades in Academics: Tips for School and College Students

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We all know that good grades indicate subjective understanding. But do you know that it paves the way for future learning and career opportunities? In simple words, we could say that no matter what course one is studying, it is important for them to maintain top grades in their academics. Academic success might not be an easy road, but it is for sure that it will lead students to good places and help them be successful in their lives. But what is the best way to earn the desired grades in assignments and exams? In this blog from the experts at AllAssignmentHelp.com , we will discuss how you can improve your academic grades. Whatever your subject, all you need to do is follow some habits, and you will see a great change. So let’s find ways to unlock excellence by achieving good marks in academics.

Why Is a Good Score Important in Academics?

As a student, it is normal to aspire to achieve academic excellence. You strive hard every day to achieve new heights in academics. You make every effort, but still, it is possible to fail miserably. This may result in low confidence and grades. However, still scoring well in academics is of utmost importance. Here is why:

• A low score will take you nowhere in your career. For a good job and a financially secure life, you must have a good score on the mark sheet, or else you end up as a failure in life.
• It will help you get recognition at the college and improve your knowledge.
• A good score indicates that you have a brilliant brain.
• The cost of education for studying is high in many countries, and with high grades, you may earn different scholarships and reduce the cost of education.
• Good grades will lead you towards more success. You can go for higher studies only if you score well in college.
• It is a harsh truth today that good marks are considered to be a factor in honor in society.
• There is no doubt that, with good academic success, you may find a lot of future opportunities in front of you. But in addition to this, you may also see an improvement in your confidence level and the way you speak and behave. All in all, it will help you become a better person and a better speaker.

Therefore, as a student, you should make every effort to earn good grades in your academics. For example, if you are having trouble earning top grades in your college programs, you may hire someone to take your online class . With this effort, you may get your entire coursework and classes done at an affordable price and score well.

Possible Reasons for Poor Grades

Before starting our discussion about how to get good grades in academics, we need to understand the reasons for low grades. A disease cannot be treated completely if the root cause is unknown. Similarly, to overcome the problem of low-scoring marks, you need to have a good idea about the weak areas. This will prevent you from wasting your energy in the wrong area. So let’s see some of the possible reasons for which you may be scoring low marks.

1- Lack of direction 

Students do not have an idea of what to do, how to do it, or when to do it. After completing high school, they don’t know what subject will suit their capabilities or area of interest. Sometimes, due to peer or parental pressure, they choose a stream that doesn’t suit them. This is the starting point for all the problems. Once you enter a discipline that is not aligned with your dreams or skills, you start scoring low. So to tackle such an issue, you need proper guidance and counselling sessions. Many schools and universities organize career counseling programs to guide students in the future. You should go in there and discuss all your queries and things you want to know. This will provide you with some direction and guidance on what you should do and how to choose the right thing for you.

2- Pressure from parents or peers

As discussed in the previous section, peer and parental pressure can be a bad thing for students. We all know that good grades are important for academics. But to achieve academic success, you must not be hard on yourself. Do not go over the board to stand high on your parents’ expectations or to meet the grades of your siblings. If you think academic pressure is not possible to handle, you must talk to your parents and explain your point of view. By telling your parents about your difficulties, you may find the right guidance.

Now, peer pressure also becomes a hindrance for an individual when choosing a subject after completing high school. Do not do what others are doing. It would be a disastrous decision for you if you went by the choices of your friends. They have a different set of skills, and you have different ones. Choose a field in which you have an interest or that suits you the best so that you may have the best time learning. Once you start showing interest in learning automatically, you will see improvements in your academic grades.

3- Laziness and procrastination

How do I get good grades? Lazy people don’t have the right to ask this question. To achieve good grades in your academics, you need to be active, both mentally and physically. A passive person cannot achieve great heights in life. If you are a lazy person and have been procrastinating, then you need to understand that scoring good marks in your academics may not be possible for you. Being a school and college student, it is normal to be lazy with things, but you should not make this a habit, as you won’t be able to achieve academic success. There are many ways to overcome your laziness, and you should implement them all before it is too late.

4- Lack of confidence

Lack of confidence is also one of the main reasons students face difficulty scoring well. Also, if you are not well prepared for the subject, your confidence dwindles. Often, students get low confidence levels when they can’t score well. Most students have a fear of a particular subject and fail to work on its assignments and exams. You need to overcome this thing, and it will eventually build up your confidence level, and you will see rapid improvement in academics.

5- Family or relationship problems

You might wonder: Do students even go through issues in their lives? but the answer is yes. Everyone has their problems, no matter whether they are students or working people. Some are occupied with family chaos, and some are stuck in bad relationships . Disputes with family, friends, or your loved ones can have a significant impact on your academic life. Indeed, family problems may not continue throughout the year, but this may hurt students, and they might fail to concentrate on their academics.

6- Drug addicts

Nowadays, drug addiction is becoming common among students. They find drugs an easy way to escape all the problems of life. They relax themselves with drugs, which are extremely harmful for life. Once they become habitual with drugs, they lose all the focus and interest from their studies. Drug addiction is a serious issue that needs consideration and care from their parents. If you are a parent and find anything abnormal with your kids, rather than scolding them, you need to provide proper care and guidance to them so that they overcome and understand what is right and what is wrong for them.

7- Excessive Involvement in social and athletic activities

Making new friends and being active on social media is a good way to keep in touch with the outside world. But excess of anything is harmful. When you get too involved in your social circle, you don’t get much time to study. You spend your whole day hanging out with friends and clubbing. You lose focus on the academics.

Along with social involvement, too much inclination towards athletic activities can also reduce your academic scores. Students forget their studies, participate in competitions and fail to maintain good grades. These things lead to the absence of important lectures and, eventually, a lack of concept or topic clarity.

Also Read: Importance of Online Assignment Help – Maximize Your Academic Success

8- Learning difficulty

A difficult subject also becomes an obstacle to achieving good grades. When you choose a difficult subject, scoring well gets tough. You face trouble with assignments, exam preparations, and all the other things related to that subject. Every student has some subject that they find difficult to learn about. Mathematics, statistics, and accounting are some of the subjects where students face the most difficulty in learning. in this subject, they even maintain good grades. But you do not need to worry; you may contact assignment writing services for help and submit high-quality assignments within the deadline.

9- Part-time jobs

Students, when they step into college life, start doing part-time jobs to earn money for their education and to fulfill their needs. They cannot get enough time to study and prepare for exams. Eventually, they end up with poor grades. In this situation, you may try to do your job and fully focus on your learning. But rather than quitting your part-time job, you need to maintain a proper balance between your studies and work life.

10- Laborious Study Environment

Last but not least, a laborious study environment also affects your grades. If you are trying to study in an unsuitable environment, then you are just being hard on yourself, as you may not achieve anything and become tired. Find the best study method for you and start utilizing it while studying to see positive results.

There are many reasons why you might not be able to score good grades in your academics. The above are just a few of the possible reasons experienced by most of the school and college students. In the above section, we have not only listed reasons for poor grades but also some of the ways to overcome them. If you are also having the same reasons, it is high time for you to make a change in your life, study, and diet to have a successful academic journey. Moreover, some students also feel the need for extra and professional assistance and seek online assignment help . You may also get help from online writers and have the best and most stress-free academic life.

How to Get Good Grades in Academics

In the above section of this blog post, we discussed the reasons for poor grades in academics. Before looking at the steps to earning good grades, you might be wondering why we looked at the reasons for lower marks in academics. The main reason for discussing it before is because it will help you find where you are going wrong. When you get the idea of the reasons for scoring low, you can easily work on them and improve your score. Once you learn about your mistakes and errors, you may correct them and move forward with other techniques to see improvement in your academic grades.

In this section of the blog, you will learn how to get good grades in school and college. Let’s have a look at them:

1- Create a morning routine that will influence your entire day

Make it a habit to wake up early in the morning. It will provide you with many benefits. For example, it will help you be more organized and active throughout the day. You can be more productive and follow your study timetable appropriately. You may have enough time to complete your school and college assignments before the deadline. After making it a habit, you should try to plan your morning routine. Make a list (within writing or in your mind) of what you will do throughout the day. This will help you find a good amount of time for your other work and your studies. Setting up your routine and breaking your morning hours into chunks of work will also be easy to do. You may plan things like the ones below:

• Wake up early with optimistic minds.
• Make your bed.
• Do exercise and yoga to have some fresh thoughts.
• Read a novel or any of your subject books.
• Eat nutritious food.
• Separate a good amount of time for your study, writing assignments, and exam preparations.

These habits are not tough to follow. You may think that these things will help you with your academic scores, but eventually, they will also give your life direction and assist you in your future as well.

2- Start prioritizing your sleep

Time is of the essence in school, and sleep is one of the biggest thieves. While sleep is important, learn to need less and less of it. No matter how early you get things out of the way, there will always be nights when you need to stay up. Less sleep will automatically add more hours to your day. You can devote more time to your studies by doing this. Also, if you sleep for the right amount of time, you can engage yourself in other fun activities that you want to do without disturbing your studies.

3- Remove distractions to score good grades

By this, we meant not a distraction to spoil yourself, but a distraction from the hustle and bustle of college life. For instance, if you have a passion for writing, then write something; if you think you are an artist, then draw something. These kinds of activities keep your mind fresh, and they can also be a reward for studying the whole day. Such activities will keep you motivated for your studies.

Remove all sources of distraction from your life if you are aiming to earn good grades in your academics. Distraction might occur many times, but it will only affect your study life. Removing distractions does not mean completely stopping using mobile phones or watching TV; we meant to limit your use. We completely understand that social media or watching YouTube videos might relax you, but make sure that it does not overpower you or affect your studies. Most of the school and college-going children fall prey to these things, but make sure you don’t do this.

4- Join a study group and earn good grades

Joining a study group is also another way to improve your academic grades. Whether it is an online study group or an offline one, you may get the benefit of clearing up all of your course-related doubts and becoming a better learner. Many students think that the study group may destroy the road to academic success, but that is not true. rather, it will help you externalize your thoughts and have a better classroom experience. Once you start enrolling in study groups, you may potentially have the best GPA in the classroom.

Also Read: The Art of Making Excuses For Not Doing Homework

5- Write everything down and improve your note-taking skills  

Some students like to show off. They say they don’t feel the need to write anything or make notes on any subject. But this only reflects that you are not a good student at all. You need to make notes all the time to revise the topic in the future. If you do not make notes, then it will get tough for you to recall things at home. Notes will also assist you in writing your assignments. When we say taking notes in a lecture, it refers to noting down important points. Do not write in a detailed manner; just take short notes, which you may refer to in need. Come to your home and then elaborate on them and do some research online on those points. This will also help you with research paper writing. You may also use the below-given methods to improve your note-taking skills:

• Effective note-taking is an important part of your learning process. It all starts with understanding your complex course concepts.
• Do not write a full sentence, as it will take a lot of your time. Try short words or use phrases instead.
• If you are taking notes for an essay or some important concepts, you may use headings or subheadings to divide the information.
• Use a pointer to highlight important information.
• Do not consult your friend about taking notes. Write it in your own words so that you may refer to it and learn from it.

6- Earning good grades will be easier with expert help

If you have missed something in class or are having difficulty understanding any topic, then you should look for expert help. You also know that assignments are of immense importance for students. So if you have any assignments left and don’t have any idea about the topic, then go for academic help from professional subject matter experts . On the internet, you can find various academic writing services that may help with assignments and assist students in getting the best possible grades on their assignments. They have expert writers who will make sure to provide you with a well-researched assignment. You may consult them for assistance. The best part of these services is that they are all affordable, and you may get their help without having a hole in your pocket.

7- Read over as soon as you get home

Go to your place and take a nap for one or two hours. Wake up and read all the things you learned in the class. This will engage only an hour or two of your day but make a good impact on your knowledge and subject understanding. This will also help you correct your mistakes in learning. All the information will settle in your brain for a long time, and you may easily earn good grades.

8- Three Time’s the Charm

You might have heard of the term that our brains only retain 30% of information, so we have to read things three times to score 90%. No facts prove how much it is true or the science behind it. But you can give it a try. To test these things, you can read your notes, then read your book on the same topic and do some small research on it over the internet or in the library. This will help in imprinting the information in your brain.

10- Do not involve yourself too much with your friends

If you want to score good grades, then you must keep yourself at a distance from your friend circle. not every time, but especially while studying. It’s good to have friends, but if they are not serious about studying, then keep yourself at a distance. Trust me, you will improve in academics soon. Moreover, you can focus on other good activities, like reading and writing.

11- Take care of yourself

Eat healthy and stay healthy. Your health is your biggest wealth. If you are not healthy, then you may not be able to study with focus. Bad health will always be an obstacle in the path of your good grades and academic success. Along with eating healthy, give an hour to your body. Do some yoga or workout. This will keep you in shape and help build confidence. Exercise will also boost your immunity and keep you healthy and disease-free.

12- Be Proactive 

It sounds simple, but many people make a big mistake by procrastinating. Lazy people will end up with zero accomplishments. You need to stop procrastinating and develop the habit of procrastination to achieve good grades in all of your subjects and exams. You need to keep going, no matter what; just don’t get stuck at any place. Till the time you are in motion, you will climb the mountain, and if you show lazy stuff or procrastinate, you will get stuck if you become lazy. All you need to do is go out of your comfort zone and challenge the obstacles. Following are some of the ways to be proactive as a student:

• Learn to manage your time
• Establish good relationships with your teachers so that you get one-on-one attention from them.
• Find a good study place to have the best learning experience.
• Make a timetable and stick to it no matter what.
• Do not be lazy and try to attend all of your classes.
• Complete all your assignments and homework before the deadline.
• Give your 100% in everything you do.

13- Set realistic goals that you may achieve

As a student, you need to understand the importance of a timetable and try to make one for yourself. The goal of scoring good grades does not stop with creating the right timetable for you. It is a process of sticking to it tightly, no matter what happens. When making a schedule, make sure you divide things equally so that you do not overburden yourself. Divide your tasks into manageable chunks to complete your assignments within the allotted time.

Scoring academically good grades is like a journey where everything matters and you live in every moment. No matter how small or big your efforts, they will make a big difference in your good grades. You may implement some of the above steps to achieve academic success. Do not expect to score full marks overnight. It is a process that will take time, and you need to be patient to achieve academic excellence and success.

Now let’s conclude this blog by recalling all the things we have discussed related to the topic of how to get good grades in academics. This blog begins with a small description of the need to perform well in exams and the importance of scoring well. Then we shifted to the reasons for getting poor grades. In that section, we have discussed in detail all the important reasons for getting poor grades in academics. Understanding these reasons will take you one step further in getting the answer to the question, “How do I get good grades?” The third thing in this blog is about the steps to getting good grades in academics. If you follow these steps, then surely you will achieve success in your academic life. We hope this blog helped you learn the answer to the question, “How to get good grades?”

Also Read: Learn About Online Assignment Services For Law Students

I am not able to score good grades in my academics, is there someone who can take my online exam for me ? If this question still irritates you, then it’s time to get assistance from All Assignment Help. We have writers who are experienced enough to take up all of your midterm, final, proctored, and unproctored exams before the deadline. Our professionally trained academic writers can not only take your exams but also your online classes, assignments, discussions, and exams. So whenever you think you are not scoring well in your academics, you may contact us for help and receive top-quality and timely assistance.

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Grades Have Huge Impact, But Are They Effective? 

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You can listen to this episode of the MindShift Podcast on Apple Podcasts ,  Google Podcasts ,  NPR One ,  Spotify ,  Stitcher  or wherever you get your podcasts.

Grades can determine so much of a child’s future – the ability to get into college, qualify for scholarships and lessen student debt, land a higher paying job that will lead to a better quality of life and accelerate social mobility. At the start of the pandemic, several school districts switched to pass/fail models, but that period of grace disappeared by fall 2020. Subsequently, students this year saw a spike in Fs and Ds as they struggled with distance learning, financial and physical security at home, mental health, work and more.

This reignited some of the debates about equitable grading , putting into question what teachers grade and the accuracy of their methods.  

“If I don’t grade it, the student won’t do it.” 

It’s a common phrase used by teachers to extrinsically motivate students to do homework, turn in assignments, show up for class and test students on their knowledge. Teachers’ ability to grade everything became even more pronounced in the 1990s due to ed tech and digital grading programs that average scores based on a 100-point scale. Some outcomes of the 100-point scale meant that getting a zero on an assignment could derail a student’s average. Also, failure is over represented on a 100-point scale, making up nearly 60 percent of the possible grades.  

Claim: An F, or fear of getting an F, will motivate a student to work harder. FALSE

Joe Feldman: There’s no research that F’s motivate students to do better except for a tiny slice of students. The only research that supports that F’s motivate, or that low grades motivate, is for the students who have gotten A’s historically. And when they start to get a B or a C, they scramble like mad because they don’t want to get anything lower because it implicates all aspects of the fixed mindset they have about themselves. 

But for everyone else, in all other circumstances, there is no research to support that Fs motivate. In fact, there’s research that Fs demotivate students because they know that they don’t know something. 

And in the way that we historically average performance over time, that F now is a hole that students have to dig themselves out of. And they know the math. They know that if they get a couple of F’s early, forget having high grades at the end of the term. And so what’s the point? They might as well use their energy elsewhere.

W hat we’ve got to do instead is help students understand that even if they fail early, if they get low grades early, miss things early, they can always keep learning, they can always redeem themselves with our help and support, and success is never out of reach for them. 

CLAIM: Giving some students more time – without any penalties – is unfair to those who do turn it in on time. FALSE 

Feldman: So I think there’s a couple of things underneath that. One is that if something is unfair, that suggests that there’s a competition. And I think we’ve come a long way in disabusing ourselves of the idea that grades should be a competition. Because if I’m trying to teach a class, I really shouldn’t care if I have a whole lot of kids who are successful.  

You know, we don’t want students to feel like they’re competing against each other because we know that only adds stress and demotivates students and lowers performance. And learning is not a race. Just because someone is able to learn something quicker, that doesn’t have any value in whether or not a student learned. A grade should only reflect the level of understanding a student has of the content, not the speed at which they learned.  

Claim: Students can learn without being graded on their behavior. TRUE

Feldman: We want students to learn how to manage their time and we want students to know how to work diligently and to take notes and to be a good citizen of the classroom. We can have ways of giving feedback to students and even consequences that can help them understand how to learn effectively and to learn the skills – the soft skills they’ll need for success in the professional world. But that doesn’t mean that it has to be included in the grade. We, as teachers, want students to self regulate. We want them to understand that if I didn’t take very good notes one time, I can connect not taking very good notes to having lower performance on that quiz or assessment. So now I will learn that I have to take good notes so I do well on the next test. And that’s what we want to get kids to do.

Claim: If I don’t grade it, the student won’t do it. FALSE

Feldman: So that is a commonly held belief based on extrinsic motivation – that the only way a student will do it is if the value that I invest in it is through the points that I use to grade it.  

I was just talking to a teacher yesterday who said, ‘I used to grade every single homework assignment because I thought that if I didn’t grade it, the students wouldn’t do it. And then I stopped including homework in the grade and I was shocked that the students kept doing it. And in fact, some students did more than before. And then when the students handed it in, I knew it was actually their work rather than copying because so many students copy each other’s homework because otherwise they lose points.’

(Note: There are plenty of students who don’t do the homework even when it counts towards their grades.)

CLAIM: Giving points for extra credit helps those who fell behind during the year. TRUE, BUT

Feldman: Oh, well, that is a “true, but.” It certainly can help them get the points that they missed out so I guess it does mathematically help them in their grade. But the problem is it renders the grade inaccurate. 

For example, I didn’t know the political causes of Reconstruction, but I brought in cake. So points are just fungible, I guess. And if I didn’t learn something there, I can just get the points over here. It doesn’t matter whether I actually learned the thing. 

So it teaches students that all you have to do is get points. You don’t actually have to learn, you just have to get points. 

It perpetuates institutional biases because the students who can do the extra credit usually require additional resources, whether that be time or money or transportation. 

You can read an excerpt of Joe Feldman’s book “ Grading for Equity ” on MindShift and check out his website .

So When a Teacher Reimagines Grading, What Happens to Students? 

The disruptions caused by the pandemic gave teachers, students and families deep insights into some of the inequities in learning. The spike in Ds and Fs in school districts across the country, especially for high school students, has a lot of people thinking about what’s important to learning. Experts at the start of the pandemic called for cutting down curriculum clutter and focusing on relationships. But these practices shouldn’t be just a reaction to a pandemic. 

In order to better assess his students, Syrie changed how he graded. Instead of being the sole distributor of points, he asked students to self-assess their work and tell him what grade they deserved. And if their grades were unsatisfactory, students could revise their work, demonstrate what they learned and improve their grade. But for Syrie, this also meant changing how he teaches because teaching and grading go hand in hand.

“I no longer have the power to motivate kids with points,” said Syrie, who teaches at Cheney High School in Spokane County, Washington.  

He had to create meaningful learning tasks that would help students on assessments. These tasks weren’t graded, but students would have to find the value in doing the work in order to feel better prepared for the assessments. He said transitioning to this model had its challenges because some students wouldn’t see the value of the tasks until after stumbling on the first assessment. “And then they started to realize, like, wait a minute, [this learning task] is putting things in place for us so by the time we get to the assessment, we’re prepared for the assessment,” he said. 

This model of learning and grading was a major adjustment for students who were used to programming all their efforts on the expectations of a teacher. Instead, students had to reflect more upon their own efforts and abilities. 

“We had a full conversation about our grades and why we believed we deserved the one we chose, and that was something I literally never experienced before,” said Lauren Hinrichs, who was Syrie’s student three years ago when he started to implement these changes. “I think we always saw the teacher-student relationship as a parent-child relationship. Or, as a student, I always viewed the teachers as someone above me, never as a fellow human, always kind of that other more significant figure,” she said. The new system allowed her to see her teacher and herself differently. “Instead, it’s kind of a human-to-human [relationship], eye-to-eye.”

Not being graded on everything meant feeling more open to learning and engaging more deeply with peers as a community, even for students like Lauren who take high-pressure courses. “It allowed me to ‘chill out’ in the best way possible. And you know what? That motivated me even more to get my schoolwork done.”  

The feedback process was an important part of Syrie’s class – for grades, assignments, revisions – and opinions were not exclusive to the teacher; students were active participants, too. Throughout the year, students gave feedback to one another on class presentations, which helped build camaraderie among students.

During the first five minutes of each class, students did check-ins sharing things that made them smile (like having a great snack) or frown (a personal setback). Hinrichs said getting to know each other this way helped build greater community among her classmates, but also, helped understand inequities in the classroom. Just because teens show up in the same space every day doesn’t mean they know about each others’ joys and struggles outside of school. But getting to know each other through smiles and frowns created the space to do that. 

“There are 15-year-olds out there working night shifts or working right after school to provide for their family. And they don’t have time to do three hours of homework for a project,” she said. These check-ins helped students who were not in each other’s worlds connect in ways they wouldn’t in a typical classroom. She said the sense of community helped the students learn in ways she hadn’t in any other class. 

“I’ve never been able to take five minutes to engage with my fellow students. It was constantly work, work, work, work, work,” she said. Getting to know other students helped her see how inequitable school can be and she felt fortunate to have the time after school to do homework in other classes. But the smiles and frowns activity helped her see what her classmates were going through no matter what their peer groups were.  

“We were all so close. And to be honest, I would have never gotten to know some of those kids the way I did in Syrie’s class had it not been for the few minutes he took every day to spend with us and spend to connect one another,” Hinrichs said. 

You can read more about Monte Syrie’s journey with grading on his Project180 site.

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Grade Calculator

Use this calculator to find out the grade of a course based on weighted averages. This calculator accepts both numerical as well as letter grades. It also can calculate the grade needed for the remaining assignments in order to get a desired grade for an ongoing course.

Final Grade Calculator

Use this calculator to find out the grade needed on the final exam in order to get a desired grade in a course. It accepts letter grades, percentage grades, and other numerical inputs.

Related GPA Calculator

The calculators above use the following letter grades and their typical corresponding numerical equivalents based on grade points.

Brief history of different grading systems

In 1785, students at Yale were ranked based on "optimi" being the highest rank, followed by second optimi, inferiore (lower), and pejores (worse). At William and Mary, students were ranked as either No. 1, or No. 2, where No. 1 represented students that were first in their class, while No. 2 represented those who were "orderly, correct and attentive." Meanwhile at Harvard, students were graded based on a numerical system from 1-200 (except for math and philosophy where 1-100 was used). Later, shortly after 1883, Harvard used a system of "Classes" where students were either Class I, II, III, IV, or V, with V representing a failing grade. All of these examples show the subjective, arbitrary, and inconsistent nature with which different institutions graded their students, demonstrating the need for a more standardized, albeit equally arbitrary grading system.

In 1887, Mount Holyoke College became the first college to use letter grades similar to those commonly used today. The college used a grading scale with the letters A, B, C, D, and E, where E represented a failing grade. This grading system however, was far stricter than those commonly used today, with a failing grade being defined as anything below 75%. The college later re-defined their grading system, adding the letter F for a failing grade (still below 75%). This system of using a letter grading scale became increasingly popular within colleges and high schools, eventually leading to the letter grading systems typically used today. However, there is still significant variation regarding what may constitute an A, or whether a system uses plusses or minuses (i.e. A+ or B-), among other differences.

An alternative to the letter grading system

Letter grades provide an easy means to generalize a student's performance. They can be more effective than qualitative evaluations in situations where "right" or "wrong" answers can be easily quantified, such as an algebra exam, but alone may not provide a student with enough feedback in regards to an assessment like a written paper (which is much more subjective).

Although a written analysis of each individual student's work may be a more effective form of feedback, there exists the argument that students and parents are unlikely to read the feedback, and that teachers do not have the time to write such an analysis. There is precedence for this type of evaluation system however, in Saint Ann's School in New York City, an arts-oriented private school that does not have a letter grading system. Instead, teachers write anecdotal reports for each student. This method of evaluation focuses on promoting learning and improvement, rather than the pursuit of a certain letter grade in a course. For better or for worse however, these types of programs constitute a minority in the United States, and though the experience may be better for the student, most institutions still use a fairly standard letter grading system that students will have to adjust to. The time investment that this type of evaluation method requires of teachers/professors is likely not viable on university campuses with hundreds of students per course. As such, although there are other high schools such as Sanborn High School that approach grading in a more qualitative way, it remains to be seen whether such grading methods can be scalable. Until then, more generalized forms of grading like the letter grading system are unlikely to be entirely replaced. However, many educators already try to create an environment that limits the role that grades play in motivating students. One could argue that a combination of these two systems would likely be the most realistic, and effective way to provide a more standardized evaluation of students, while promoting learning.

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Grade Calculator

Our Grade Calculator can help you determine what you need to get on your final exam to achieve the final grade you would like for a given course.

Do you know your Current Grade?

Fill in your assignment grades on the right to automatically calculate your Current Grade

Grade Needed on Final Exam

Please make sure all text fields are filled out.

Minimum Attainable Course Grade: 0%

Maximum Attainable Course Grade: 100%

Enter your assignment scores here to automatically calculate your current grade (e.g. midterms, homework, tests, labs, etc.)

Important Notes

You can use our grade calculator to calculate the final exam grade you will need to achieve the overall course grade you desire. Our calculator requires you to enter the current percentage grade you have currently obtained for that course together with the weight of the final exam as a percentage value. However, if you do not know what your current grade is, for the question "Do you know your Current Grade?" select the answer "no." Enter the grades you have received for all of your assignments, homework, test, labs, and anything else that contributes to your final grade, as well as the weight of each grade. Our grade calculator will automatically calculate not only your current grade but the grade you need to achieve on your final exam to achieve the overall course grade you desire. In addition, both the minimum and maximum course overall grades will be provided.

Once you have entered the information required, the system will generate both a table and a chart that show the different final exam grades you may obtain as well as the overall course grades that go with them.

Inputting Data in our Grade Calculator

When entering your current grade and the weight of your final exam, our calculator will assume that your current grade has been based on the weight of the course prior to your final exam and calculates it as the input weight subtracted from 100%. If your current grade hasn't taken your coursework into account, the generated results will not be accurate.

Similar to the above, if you don't know what your current grade is and you enter both the coursework grades and the associated weights into the calculator, the calculator will automatically calculate your current grade and the weight of the final exam. In this situation, the weight of your final exam is calculated by taking the sum of the weight of your course work subtracted from 100%. With that in mind, if you enter too many or not enough assignments, the weight of the final exam that is calculated will most likely not match the actual weight of the final exam in your chosen course.

You may also be interested in our Flesch Kincaid Calculator

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6 Ways to Get Good Grades in your Assignments

Why do Assignments matter?

Generally, the students believe that assignments are just a waste of time and there is no academic importance of them for grades. They get annoyed whenever their teachers give them essays, reports, thesis, assignments, or other things. Assignment writing is not liked by students and they generally take Assignment Help.

It has been a practice from the start by the teachers to give assignments to the students. The purpose of it is to make sure that their analytical and critical are developed. The assignments are not complex in the beginning stages of education, i.e., elementary school. But with time, when the student enters into the colleges or universities, the assignments become complicated as well as lengthy.

Students are given essential knowledge and information from the instructors throughout the term.  Different concepts are taught to them in all the courses. However, the students can’t be given everything by the teachers because this will make them lazy and they won’t work hard. Their learning is affected and education seems meaningless to them. Therefore, assignments help them in exercising their knowledge and concepts.

Transform your assignments from ordinary to exceptional with Assignmentstudio. Access expert Tips To Write Academic Assignments From The Professional Assignment Providers In Australia , designed to enhance your writing proficiency and academic success.

We have highlighted some of the significances of assignments in a student’s life.

• Assignments help in developing the focus of the students

The students have to submit their assignments within the deadlines to pass their course. Their final grades are boosted if they submit quality assignments. Therefore, they are kept focused on assignments as they want to enhance their grades. They concentrate more on their studies and work hard to get good grades.

• Assignments ensure learners’ advancements

Students are asked to submit different types of assignments and they do it at their homes or through Assignment Help . This results in their dedication towards their education and results in their academic development. Various experts say that human growth is linked to the utilization of the brain directly. Hence, the more effort and time students give to their assignments, the more knowledge they gain.

• Assignments teach new skills and techniques to the students

Students learn new techniques, concepts, and writing tips through assignments that help them in their academic life. When someone writes an assignment, they solve different problems, present their ideas on certain topics, and make arguments or opinions. This helps them in developing new skills and techniques which will help them throughout their academic as well as professional life.

• Assignments make students effective in managing their time

The assignments have certain deadlines and must be submitted within that specified period. This makes the student effective in time management. They prioritize their tasks and complete them as per their urgency and significance. This skill always remains helpful for the students in their personal as well as professional life. Therefore, assignments make a person ready to handle his work, life, family, etc through effective time management skills.

• Assignments help instructors in evaluating the students

One of the purposes of giving to students is to evaluate their learning. If the students are not clear about the concepts, they will not submit quality assignments. This will make the teachers reflect on their teaching styles, they can even ask the students for improvements to ensure their maximum learning.

• Assignments help students in becoming successful

Assignments assist students with their future studies and concepts. It helps in preparing the students for their exams. By submitting effective assignments, a person gets a chance of achieving their targets and goals in the future.

What are the 6 Ways through which you can get good grades in your assignments?

It is not easy to write an assignment. The students have to study all the requirements, keep the marking rubric in mind, and then write a quality assignment. They also have to check the assignment on grammar checker and plagiarism checker so that they can get good grades. The sources used in the assignments have to be cited properly. Therefore students learn different referencing styles such as APA, MLA, Harvard, et c.

We have come up with a guide on how can you write an assignment which will give you good grades.

• First of all, make an outline of your assignment

Before you start writing an assignment, you must draft an outline. This helps you in discussing all the points while writing. It will also result in putting all the necessary required information in your writing. The students don’t forget the basic idea of their assignment topic when they are making different headings and paragraphs because of the outline. It also saves your time and your assignment stands out among all the students.

• Maintain the structure of your assignment

It is suggested that a proper structure should be followed which will help you in creating the perfect look of your assignment. This will result in your good grades as well. The main headings of your assignment are

Introduction:

You must write an introductory paragraph while writing an essay, report, thesis, or any other academic work. The paragraph must have a thesis statement, summary, and an idea of what you are going to discuss in the succeeding paragraphs.

Once the introductory paragraph is written, you must start working on the central body where you will present your opinion, arguments, and evidence to support those arguments. One thing to keep in mind is that you should not overload your assignments with a lot of unwanted details and research.

Conclusion: 

It is also important to write a concluding paragraph that summarizes all your discussion. You must try to use authentic lines in this part instead of citing others’ work.

• Make bullet points or do proper numbering

One other thing to keep in mind is to discuss your views or arguments in the form of bullets or numbers. This technique helps in making the argument more effective and original. To score well in your assignments, you must follow tips for easy formatting so that your assignments are well-formatted.

• Try to include neutral statements 

While writing assignments, it is preferred to use neutral statements and make arguments in the third-person tone. The discussion will seem more reliable then. The students should avoid ‘I’, ‘me’, or 1 st person in their assignments. This will help you in getting good grades on your assignments.  

• Make sure that there is continuity in your ideas and discussions

You must ensure that your ideas have continuity in your assignments as this will make them look more authentic. The instructor or readers also find it interesting to read the assignments as the paragraphs are related and there is nothing complex. If you want to discuss new points or something in your assignment, start with a new paragraph.

• Provide examples with the arguments for a better understanding

When you give examples with your arguments, they become more authentic. You must always remember this trick. You can also use phrases, and quotes in your assignment to back your argument. This will please the instructors and result in good grades.

How can Assignment Studio ensure Quality in your assignments ?

You don’t have to remember all these details if you take assignment help from the Assignment Studio as we have the best academic writing experts to do all this fo you. Our services are vast and we never compromise on quality writing as this has a huge impact on your grades.

We try to help you by;

• Writing customized assignments for you based on your requirements
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• Running the work on the grammar checker
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• Ensuring you good grades

So, take help from the best Assignment Help service and ace your grades!

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What is a Grade?

Grading is used to evaluate and provide feedback on student work. In this way, instructors communicate to students how they are performing in the course and where they need more help to achieve the course’s goals. For instructors, grades help to assess what information, concepts, and skills students have successfully understood and which ones they have not. This kind of information helps you know what you may need to reiterate in class and what may require reworking in the course design. Grades also provide a standardized way of communicating student performance to third parties, including the departments in which students are enrolled, and students themselves.

To ensure that grades are fair and to motivate students to improve their performance, instructors should think about the alignment of their assignments to the course’s overarching goals and communicate their expectations and grading practices in a transparent manner. Students are generally highly motivated to improve their work when the instructions of an assignment are clear and achievable, when the standards the instructor uses for grading are clear and fair, and when the feedback is timely and well aligned with the assignment in question. This kind of transparency will also enable students to understand what skills and content they have learned and what they are still struggling with in the course.

It helps to consider grading as a process. It is not simply a matter of assigning number or letter grades. As a process, grading may involve some or all of these activities:

• Setting expectations with students through a grading policy
• Designing assignments and exams that promote the course objectives
• Establishing standards and criteria
• Calibrating the application of a grading standard for consistency and fairness
• Making decisions about effort and improvement
• Deciding which comments would be the most useful in guiding each student’s learning
• Returning assignments and helping students understand their grades

What Purpose Do Grades Serve?

Grades are essentially a way to measure or quantify learning and intellectual progress using objective criteria. They can serve many purposes:

• As an evaluation of student work, effort, understanding of course content, skill development, and progress;
• As a source of self-motivation to students for continued learning and improvement;
• As a means of communicating feedback to students on their performance;
• As a means of communicating to students, parents, graduate schools, professional schools, and future employers about a student’s potential in college and predictor for further success;
• As a means of organizing a lesson, a unit, or a semester in that grades mark transitions in a course and bring closure to it (i.e. a summative assessment).

As feedback, grades can also inform:

• Students as to their own learning, clarifying for them what they understand, what they don’t understand, and where they can improve.
• Instructors on their students’ learning to help inform future teaching decisions.

Grades vs. Learning Assessment

Grades on assignments, tests, and activities communicate feedback to students.  How do grades differ from assessment?  Essentially grades are symbols of relative achievement among students in a class section and reflect teacher’s pedagogy and their class’s unique array of student abilities. Whereas, the fundamental purpose of assessment is to determine how effective a course’s assignments and tests are in meeting specific learning goals to understand and improve student learning, the quality of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs that students have acquired, most often as the result of learning in their courses. While assessment is at certain levels a process that involves goal setting and evidence gathering (at an institution-, college-, or department-level), when viewed in a separate context it can also mean actions undertaken by teachers and students to document student learning in a given course.

Differences Between Grades and Assessment

• Student Assessment in Teaching and Learning

Grading Student Work

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• Published Sep 20, 2023

Simplify your class workflow with new Assignments features from Teams

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Whether it’s the beginning of a new school year or mid-winter semester, we know it’s important for you to have the right tools to help prepare, teach, and assess your students more efficiently. With customizable features and options, Microsoft Teams for Education helps you simplify your class workflow and create a quality learning environment for students as well as educators.

Explore four new Assignments features in Microsoft Teams for Education designed to help you make the most of your valuable instruction and assessment time.

1. Duplicate or share assignments in a snap with new quick actions

With the latest updates to quick actions in the Assignment list, you can click on an assignment and choose from these options: Edit, Copy Link, Duplicate, Mark as Inactive, or Delete. With Duplicate, you can copy the assignment to another class. With Copy Link, you can get a direct link to the assignment and share it over chat, email, or any other platform you use to communicate with your students.

With quick actions in the Assignment list in Teams, you can choose these options for assignments: Edit, Copy Link, Duplicate, Mark as Inactive, or Delete.

2. Set individual assignment due dates for multiple classes

If you have multiple classes to publish an assignment to, you can now set individual schedule, due, and close dates for each class with new multi-publish support. With new multi-class assignment options, you can quickly make one or more changes and publish to all your classes in one action, saving you time and streamlining the management of your assignment timelines.

3. Configure quiz time limits directly in Assignments

Timed Quiz is a popular feature in Microsoft Forms, enabling you to set the amount of time students have for a quiz. Now, you can configure and change the time for each quiz directly inside of Assignments settings in Teams. This new capability allows you to make any quiz a Timed Quiz without having to go into Forms to change the settings.

Configure and change the time for each quiz directly inside of Assignments settings in Teams.

4. Customize your grading with new Grade settings

In Assignments and Grades, the Grade settings now support multiple grading schemes. Use this feature to map to your grading schemes for grading inside Teams . Once configured, you can either use points or a new scheme of your choice in your grading and reporting. The system is flexible to support a variety of needs—you can even use emojis for your grading!

In Assignments and Grades, use the Grade settings to customize your grading schemes for grading inside Teams.

With the latest updates from Microsoft Teams for Education , you’ll find simplified ways to help streamline, manage, and customize your class workflow. Discover all the newest updates to Microsoft Teams in What’s New in Teams for Education | August 2023 .

Ready to go deeper? Take the free, online training Master Microsoft Teams for any learning environment from Microsoft Learn.

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California schools are using more chatbots, and teachers are using them to grade papers and give students feedback.

Lea esta historia en Español

Your children could be some of a growing number of California kids having their writing graded by software instead of a teacher.

California school districts are signing more contracts for artificial intelligence tools, from automated grading in San Diego to chatbots in central California, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area. 

English teachers say AI tools can help them grade papers faster, get students more feedback, and improve their learning experience. But guidelines are vague and adoption by teachers and districts is spotty. 

The California Department of Education can’t tell you which schools use AI or how much they pay for it. The state doesn’t track AI use by school districts, said Katherine Goyette, computer science coordinator for the California Department of Education. 

While Goyette said chatbots are the most common form of AI she’s encountered in schools, more and more California teachers are using AI tools to help grade student work. That’s consistent with surveys that have found teachers use AI as often if not more than students , news that contrasts sharply with headlines about fears of students cheating with AI.  

Teachers use AI to do things like personalize reading material, create lesson plans, and other tasks in order to save time and and reduce burnout . A report issued last fall in response to an AI executive order by Gov. Gavin Newsom mentions opportunities to use AI for tutoring, summarization, and personalized content generation, but also labels education a risky use case. Generative AI tools have been known to create convincing but inaccurate answers to questions, and use toxic language or imagery laden with racism or sexism.

California issued guidance for how educators should use the technology last fall, one of seven states to do so. It encourages critical analysis of text and imagery created by AI models and conversations between teachers and students about what amounts to ethical or appropriate use of AI in the classroom.

But no specific mention is made of how teachers should treat AI that grades assignments. Additionally, the California education code states that guidance from the state is “merely exemplary, and that compliance with the guidelines is not mandatory.”

Goyette said she’s waiting to see if the California Legislature passes Senate Bill 1288 , which would require state Superintendent Tony Thurmond to create an AI working group to issue further guidance to local school districts on how to safely use AI. Cosponsored by Thurmond, the bill also calls for an assessment of the current state of AI in education and for the identification of forms of AI that can harm students and educators by 2026.

Nobody tracks what AI tools school districts are adopting or the policy they use to enforce standards, said Alix Gallagher, head of strategic partnerships at the Policy Analysis for California Education center at Stanford University. Since the state does not track curriculum that school districts adopt or software in use, it would be highly unusual for them to track AI contracts, she said.

Amid AI hype, Gallagher thinks people can lose sight of the fact that the technology is just a tool and it will only be as good or problematic as the decisions of the humans using that tool, which is why she repeatedly urges investments in helping teachers understand AI tools and how to be thoughtful about their use and making space for communities are given voice about how to best meet their kid’s needs.

“Some people will probably make some pretty bad decisions that are not in the best interests of kids, and some other people might find ways to use maybe even the same tools to enrich student experiences,” she said.

Teachers use AI to grade English papers

Last summer, Jen Roberts, an English teacher at Point Loma High School in San Diego, went to a training session to learn how to use Writable, an AI tool that automates grading writing assignments and gives students feedback powered by OpenAI. For the past school year, Roberts used Writable and other AI tools in the classroom, and she said it’s been the best year yet of nearly three decades of teaching. Roberts said it has made her students better writers, not because AI did the writing for them, but because automated feedback can tell her students faster than she can how to improve, which in turn allows her to hand out more writing assignments.  

“At this point last year, a lot of students were still struggling to write a paragraph, let alone an essay with evidence and claims and reasoning and explanation and elaboration and all of that,” Roberts said. “This year, they’re just getting there faster.”

Roberts feels Writable is “very accurate” when grading her students of average aptitude. But, she said, there’s a downside: It sometimes assigns high-performing students lower grades than merited and struggling students higher grades. She said she routinely checks answers when the AI grades assignments, but only checks the feedback it gives students occasionally. 

“In actual practicality, I do not look at the feedback it gives every single student,” she said. “That’s just not a great use of my time. But I do a lot of spot checking and I see what’s going on and if I see a student that I’m worried about get feedback, (I’m like) ‘Let me go look at what his feedback is and then go talk to him about that.’”

Alex Rainey teaches English to fourth graders at Chico Country Day School in northern California. She used GPT-4, a language model made by OpenAI which costs $20 a month, to grade papers and provide feedback. After uploading her grading rubric and examples of her written feedback, she used AI to grade assignments about animal defense mechanisms, allowing GPT-4 to analyze students’ grammar and sentence structure while she focused on assessing creativity.

“I feel like the feedback it gave was very similar to how I grade my kids, like my brain was tapped into it,” she said.

Like Roberts she found that it saves time, transforming work that took hours into less than an hour, but also found that sometimes GPT-4 is a tougher grader than she is. She agrees that quicker feedback and the ability to dole out more writing assignments produces better writers. A teacher can assign more writing before delivering feedback but “then kids have nothing to grow from.”

Rainey said her experience grading with GPT-4 left her in agreement with Roberts, that more feedback and writing more often produces better writers. She feels strongly that teachers still need to oversee grading and feedback by AI, “but I think it’s amazing. I couldn’t go backwards now.”

The cost of using AI in the classroom

Contracts involving artificial intelligence can be lucrative. 

To launch a chatbot named Ed, Los Angeles Unified School District signed a $6.2 million contract for two years with the option of renewing for three additional years. Magic School AI is used by educators in Los Angeles and costs $100 per teacher per year. 

Despite repeated calls and emails over the span of roughly a month, Writable and the San Diego Unified School District declined to share pricing details with CalMatters. A district spokesperson said teachers got access to Writeable through a contract with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for English language learners. 

Quill is an AI-powered writing tool for students in grades 4-12 made by the company Quill. Quill says its tool is currently used at 1,000 schools in California and has more than 13,000 student and educator users in San Diego alone. An annual Quill Premium subscription costs $80 per teacher or $1800 per school.

Quill does not generate writing for students like ChatGPT or grade writing assignments, but gives students feedback on their writing. Quill is a nonprofit that’s raised $20 million from groups like Google’s charitable foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation over the past 10 years.

Even if a teacher or district wants to shell out for an AI tool, guidance for safe and responsible use is still getting worked out. 

Governments are placing high-risk labels on forms of AI with the power to make critical decisions about whether a person gets a job or rents an apartment or receives government benefits . California Federation of Teachers President Jeff Freitas said he hasn’t considered whether AI for grading is moderate or high risk, but “it definitely is a risk to use for grading.”

The California Federation of Teachers is a union with 120,000 members. Freitas told CalMatters he’s concerned about AI having a number of consequences in the classroom. He’s worried administrators may use it to justify increasing classroom sizes or adding to teacher workloads; he’s worried about climate change and the amount of energy needed to train and deploy AI models’ he’s worried about protecting students’ privacy, and he’s worried about automation bias.

Regulators around the world wrestling with AI praise approaches where it is used to augment human decisionmaking instead of replacing it. But it’s difficult for laws to account for automation bias and humans becoming placing too much trust in machines.

The American Federation of Teachers created an AI working group in October 2023 to propose guidance on how educators should use the technology or talk about it in collective bargaining contract negotiations. Freitas said those guidelines are due out in the coming weeks.

“We’re trying to provide guidelines for educators to not solely rely on (AI), he said. “It should be used as a tool, and you should not lose your critical analysis of what it’s producing for you.” 

State AI guidelines for teachers

Goyette, the computer science coordinator for the education department, helped create state AI guidelines and speaks to county offices of education for in-person training on AI for educators. She also helped create an online AI training series for educators. She said the most popular online course is about workflow and efficiency , which shows teachers how to automate lesson planning and grading.

“Teachers have an incredibly important and tough job, and what’s most important is that they’re building relationships with their students,” she said. “There’s decades of research that speaks to the power of that, so if they can save time on mundane tasks so that they can spend more time with their students, that’s a win.”

Alex Kotran, chief executive of an education nonprofit that’s supported by Google and OpenAI, said they found that it’s hard to design a language model to predictably match how a teacher grades papers.

He spoke with teachers willing to accept a model that’s accurate 80% of the time in order to reap the reward of time saved, but he thinks it’s probably safe to say that a student or parent would want to make sure an AI model used for grading is even more accurate.

Kotran of the AI Education Project thinks it makes sense for school districts to adopt a policy that says teachers should be wary any time they use AI tools that can have disparate effects on student’s lives. 

Even with such a policy, teachers can still fall victim to trusting AI without question. And even if the state kept track of AI used by school districts, there’s still the possibility that teachers will purchase technology for use on their personal computers.

Kotran said he routinely speaks with educators across the U.S. and is not aware of any systematic studies to verify the effectiveness and consistency of AI for grading English papers.

When teachers can’t tell if they’re cheating

Roberts, the Point Loma High School teacher,  describes herself as pro technology. 

She regularly writes and speaks about AI.  Her experiences have led her to the opinion that grading with AI is what’s best for her students, but she didn’t arrive at that conclusion easily. 

At first she questioned whether using AI for grading and feedback could hurt her understanding of her students. Today she views using AI like the cross-country coach who rides alongside student athletes in a golf cart, like an aid that helps her assist her students better.

Roberts says the average high school English teacher in her district has roughly 180 students. Grading and feedback can take between five to 10 minutes per assignment she says, so between teaching, meetings, and other duties, it can take two to three weeks to get feedback back into the hands of students unless a teacher decides to give up large chunks of their weekends. With AI, it takes Roberts a day or two.

Ultimately she concluded that “if my students are growing as writers, then I don’t think I’m cheating.” She says AI reduces her fatigue, giving her more time to focus on struggling students and giving them more detailed feedback.

“My job is to make sure you grow, and that you’re a healthy, happy, literate adult by the time you graduate from high school, and I will use any tool that helps me do that, and I’m not going to get hung up on the moral aspects of that,” she said. “My job is not to spend every Saturday reading essays. Way too many English teachers work way too many hours a week because they are grading students the old-fashioned way.”

Roberts also thinks AI might be a less biased grader in some instances than human teachers who can adjust their grading for students sometimes to give them the benefit of the doubt or be punitive if they were particularly annoying in class recently.

She isn’t worried about students cheating with AI, a concern she characterizes as a moral panic. She points to a Stanford University study released last fall which found that students cheated just as much before the advent of ChatGPT as they did a year after the release of the AI. 

Goyette said she understands why students question whether some AI use by teachers is like cheating. Education department AI guidelines encourage teachers and students to use the technology more. What’s essential, Goyette said, is that teachers discuss what ethical use of AI looks like in their classroom, and convey that — like using a calculator in math class — using AI is accepted or encouraged for some assignments and not others. 

For the last assignment of the year, Robers has one final experiment to run: Edit an essay written entirely by AI. But they must change at least 50% of the text, make it 25% longer, write their own thesis, and add quotes from classroom reading material. The idea, she said, is to prepare them for a future where AI writes the first draft and humans edit the results to fit their needs. 

“It used to be you weren’t allowed to bring a calculator into the SATs and now you’re supposed to bring your calculator so things change,” she said. “It’s just moral panic. Things change and people freak out and that’s what’s happening.”

For the record: An earlier version of this story misnamed the AI tool made by the company Quill. Quill is both the name of the company and the tool.

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The Ethicist

Can i use a.i. to grade my students’ papers.

The magazine’s Ethicist columnist on artificial intelligence platforms, and whether it’s hypocritical for teachers to use these tools while forbidding students from doing the same.

By Kwame Anthony Appiah

I am a junior-high-school English teacher. In the past school year, there has been a significant increase in students’ cheating on writing assignments by using artificial intelligence. Our department feels that 13-year-old students will only become better writers if they practice and learn from the successes and challenges that come with that.

Recently our department tasked students with writing an argumentative essay, an assignment we supported by breaking down the process into multiple steps. The exercise took several days of class time and homework to complete. All of our students signed a contract agreeing not to use A.I. assistance, and parents promised to support the agreement by monitoring their children when they worked at home. Yet many students still used A.I.

Some of our staff members uploaded their grading rubric into an A.I.-assisted platform, and students uploaded their essays for assessment. The program admittedly has some strengths. Most notable, it gives students writing feedback and the opportunity to edit their work before final submission. The papers are graded within minutes, and the teachers are able to transfer the A.I. grade into their roll book.

I find this to be hypocritical. I spend many hours grading my students’ essays. It’s tedious work, but I feel that it’s my responsibility — if a student makes an effort to complete the task, they should have my undivided attention during the assessment process.

Here’s where I struggle: Should I embrace new technology and use A.I.-assisted grading to save time and my sanity even though I forbid my students from using it? Is it unethical for teachers to ask students not to use A.I. to assist their writing but then allow an A.I. platform to grade their work? — Name Withheld

From the Ethicist:

You have a sound rationale for discouraging your students from using A.I. to draft their essays. As with many other skills, writing well and thinking clearly will improve through practice. By contrast, you already know how to grade papers; you don’t need the practice.

What matters is whether an A.I.-assisted platform can reliably appraise and diagnose your students’ writing, providing the explanation and guidance these students need to improve. In theory, such tools — and I see that there are several on the market, including from major educational publishers — have certain advantages. The hope is that they can grade without inconsistency, without getting tired, without being affected by the expectations that surely affect those of us who hand-grade student work.

I notice you haven’t raised concerns about whether the platform provides reliable assessments; you’ll have to decide if it does. (If it isn’t quite up to snuff, it might become so in a year or two, so your question will persist.) Provided the platform does a decent job of assessment, though, I don’t see why you must do it all yourself. You should review the A.I.-annotated versions of your students’ writing, check that you agree with the output, and make notes of issues to bring up in class. But time saved in evaluating the papers might be better spent on other things — and by “better,” I mean better for the students. There are pedagogical functions, after all, that only you can perform.

In sum: It’s not hypocritical to use A.I. yourself in a way that serves your students well, even as you insist that they don’t use it in a way that serves them badly.

Readers Respond

The previous question was from a reader who asked about professional boundaries. He wrote: “I am a retired, married male psychiatrist. A divorced female former patient of mine contacted me recently, 45 years after her treatment ended. Would it be OK to correspond with her by email? Or is this a case of ‘once a patient, always a patient?’”

In his response, the Ethicist noted: “The relevant professional associations tend to have strictures that are specifically about sexual relationships with former patients. … In light of the potential for exploitation within the therapist-patient relationship, these rules are meant to maintain clear boundaries, protect patient welfare, uphold the integrity of the profession and eliminate any gray areas that could lead to ethical breaches. But though you do mention her marital status, and yours, you’re just asking about emailing her — about establishing friendly relations. The question for you is whether she might be harmed by this, whether whatever knowledge or trust gained from your professional relationship would shadow a personal one. Yes, almost half a century has elapsed since your professional relationship, but you still have to be confident that a correspondence with her clears this bar. If it does, you may email with a clear conscience.” ( Reread the full question and answer here. )

As always, I agree with the Ethicist. I would add that the letter writer’s former patient doesn’t realize that the therapist is actually two different people — the professional and the regular person underneath. Therapists portray their professional selves to their clients. The former client may be disappointed upon meeting the therapist outside of the professional context. Additionally, the feelings she has toward the therapist may be based on transference, and they would need to address that. — Annemarie

I am a clinical psychologist. While the Ethicist’s description of professional ethical boundaries is correct, there is more to the story, and I disagree with his conclusion. A very big question here is why this former patient contacted him after 45 years. That is a question that is best explored and answered within the context of a therapeutic relationship. He would be well- advised to respond in a kind and thoughtful way to convey the clear message that he is not available for ongoing communication, and he should suggest that she consult with another therapist if she feels that would be helpful. — Margaret

In my case, it was the therapist who reached out to me, seeking to establish a friendship several years after our sessions ended. I was surprised, but he shared that he had since experienced a similar personal tragedy to one I had explored with him in sessions. Since it had been several years since we saw each other professionally, I responded. There was never any hint of romantic or sexual interest. Still, as he continued to reach out to me, clearly desiring a friendship, it never felt right to me. It did feel unprofessional, as his knowledge of me was borne out of a relationship meant to be professional, never personal, as warmly as we might have felt during our sessions. I ended up being disappointed in him for seeking out my friendship. — Liam

I am a (semi)retired psychiatrist who has been practicing since 1974. In my opinion, “once a patient, always a patient” is correct. Establishing any type of personal relationship with a former patient could undo progress the patient may have made in treatment, and is a slippery slope toward blatantly unethical behavior. As psychiatrists, our responsibility is to work with patients in confronting and resolving issues that are preventing them from having a reality-based perception of their life. With such an outlook, they are more capable of establishing satisfying relationships with others. An ethical psychiatrist is not in the business of providing such satisfaction to his or her patients. — Roger

I think there is a difference between being friendly and being friends with a former client. As someone who used to attend therapy with a therapist I think dearly of, she made it clear to me that it was OK to send her emails with life updates after our therapeutic relationship ended. But beyond that, I think it would be inappropriate and uncomfortable to pursue a friendship with her, and vice versa, because of the patient-provider relationship that we previously had and the power dynamic that existed between us. The letter writer didn’t share the content of the email his former patient sent to him, but if it’s just a friendly life update, I think it’s fine to write back and thank her for sharing. Beyond that, I feel like it would be unprofessional to meet or pursue a deeper relationship. — Meghan

Kwame Anthony Appiah is The New York Times Magazine’s Ethicist columnist and teaches philosophy at N.Y.U. His books include “Cosmopolitanism,” “The Honor Code” and “The Lies That Bind: Rethinking Identity.” To submit a query: Send an email to [email protected]. More about Kwame Anthony Appiah

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Grades not updating after returning Assignment

I have returned assignments to students recently and have noticed that it is not contributing to their total grade for the course. I did some digging and noticed that under "insights", it says the assignment has not been returned, but under "assignments" it does say it has been returned.

Below is a screenshot of the students grade under "insights"

=========================================================================================================

Below is a screenshot of their returned grade under "assignments"

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I am curious whether this may be an issue resulting from me providing video feedback to my students over Teams. This was not an issue before I started doing this.

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Hi Chandler, Thank you for reaching out. My name is Furkaan, a user just like you. I’d be happy to help you with your concerns. There are a couple of things you can try to fix the issue of grades not updating after returning assignments in Microsoft Teams: Refresh and Check Different Platforms: Refresh: Sometimes a simple refresh of the Teams window can solve the problem. Try closing and reopening the Assignments tab. Teams Web App: The issue might be specific to the desktop app. Try accessing Teams on the web ( https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/log-in) and see if the grades are updated there. Verify Returning the Assignment: Double-check: Make sure you haven't just graded the assignments but actually clicked the "Return" button after entering grades. Check for Phantom Grades: There have been reports of a bug where Teams shows "X/Y returned" but clicking on it reveals all grades are entered. Try opening the assignment and back out again. This might trigger the update. Update Teams App: Outdated App: An outdated Teams app can sometimes cause syncing issues. Make sure you're using the latest version. Click on your profile picture and choose "Check for updates" to install any available updates. Contact IT or Microsoft Support (If Issue Persists): If none of the above solutions work, it might be a more complex issue. If you're an administrator, consider contacting your organisation's IT department for further assistance. If you're a teacher using Teams for personal education, you can reach out to Microsoft support for help. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Give back to the Community. Help the next person who has this issue by indicating if this reply solved your problem. Click Yes or No below. Best Regards, Furkaan

Hello Chandler C, Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community. My name is Gunasekar and I'm happy to help. Please make sure to grade and return students one by one and verify if you can complete the action for each student and check the insights. If you encounter issues with all or some of the students, please attempt to repeat the steps using both the Teams desktop and web app - https://teams.microsoft.com/. Video feedback shouldn't directly prevent grades from updating. However, you could try returning an assignment with just written feedback (no-video) and see if the grade updates normally. This will help determine if the video itself is causing the problem. If you are still experiencing issues, I suggest you raise a support ticket from the Microsoft 365 admin center and report the issue to the related team. The more reports they receive from different customers, the more likely they are to be able to find something that affects common users, do investigation, and fix it soon. Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/admin/get-help-support?view=o365-worldwide Note: To create a support ticket, you need to have Microsoft 365 admin privileges, and if you're not an admin for your Office 365 organization, contact the admin of creating a new ticket. Give back to the Community. Help the next person who has this issue by indicating if this reply solved your problem. Click Yes or No below. I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will be happy to help you further. Best regards, Gunasekar N

I tried individually returning grades in the grades tab, and this is what shows up. Note this is a new assignment I created today. I seem to be having issues returning any assignment with all my Teams Channels

This was done in the Web version and this error persists.

I also tried removing the videos and returning the assignments again, however, to no avail.

I am having the same issue, I recently noticed Marks are not updating at all.. Regardless what you put in the marks field.

I have the same issue. Any mark I input does not count towards the average.

Please MS people help to resolve this issue Immidiatly. Students arent very happy to not know their marks.

same issue and this is the end of the year. please fix ASAP

This is really frustrating. No Response yet. Their Grade Book isnt working at all. I created new teams to test out how its computing... After entering few assignments, nothing is showing up...

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