Grade improvement 101: Success strategies for students

India has a highly competitive education system with a large population of students vying for limited seats in prestigious universities and colleges. Good grades are seen as a way to secure admission to these institutions and enhance future career prospects.

Also, scholarships and financial aid opportunities often require students to maintain a certain academic standard. Good grades can help secure financial assistance, reducing the financial burden on the families.

---

“Teachers can play a huge role in ensuring that the student gets good grades. “While teaching, they should ensure appropriate arousal level of children, which will result in better attention and active participation”

–Ravina Nimbolkar, PGT Psychology and School Counselor at Apeejay School, Kharghar

---

According to Ravina Nimbolkar, PGT Psychology and school counselor at Apeejay School, Kharghar learning is like building a sand castle. “Even if you take several hours to build it, it may not be there the next day. For it to become permanent you will have to use techniques and strategies to strengthen it. Similarly spending several hours studying will not necessarily result in good marks. For you to achieve good marks you will have to study actively rather than reading passively,” Nimbolkar explained. So what can students do to improve their grades?

1. Make SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time based).

2.  Use all your sensory systems while studying, use colors while making notes, mindmaps, diagrams, application examples from your experience, mnemonics.

3. Analyse all past question papers and their answers keys.

4. Solve one last year’s question paper every week and request your teacher to correct it.

5. Ask your class teachers for suggestions on writing answers.

6. Develop a growth mindset.

She also said that teachers can play a huge role in ensuring that the student gets good grades. “While teaching, they should ensure appropriate arousal level of children, which will result in better attention and active participation. While assessing answer sheets teachers can provide written feedback on how students can improve their answers. Discussion of questions and answers should be a continued practice,” Nimbolkar said.

Teachers can also give assignments where each student has to create a question paper, she added and said that the papers can then be shared with every student for practice. “Also, there are no alternatives But to building rapport with students; using positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. Not only students, but teachers too can have a growth mindset when it comes to challenges faced by students, instead of criticising them, let’s understand their concerns and design actions that lead to solutions,” Nimbolkar said.

Here are some more strategies that can help students to improve their grades.

Set clear goals: Define your academic goals for each subject or course. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve will help you stay focused and motivated.

Attend classes regularly: Attend all your classes and actively participate. Paying attention to lectures, taking notes, and engaging with the material during class will enhance your understanding and retention.

Break it down: Break down complex topics or subjects into smaller, manageable chunks. This will help prevent overwhelm and make studying more approachable. Focus on one concept or topic at a time, master it, and then move on to the next.

Seek clarification: If you’re struggling with a concept or have doubts, don’t hesitate to seek clarification. Ask your teacher, classmates, or use online resources to get a better understanding of the topic.

Revise regularly: Review your class notes, textbooks, and any supplementary material on a regular basis. Regular revision helps reinforce the information in your memory and prevents last-minute cramming.

Utilise available resources: Make use of additional resources such as textbooks, online tutorials, educational websites, or tutoring services. These resources can provide alternate explanations and examples that may enhance your understanding of the material.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy body and mind contribute to better academic performance. Get enough sleep, eat well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and take breaks during your study sessions to stay refreshed and focused.

Stay motivated: Maintain a positive mindset, believe in your abilities, and stay motivated throughout your academic journey. Celebrate small successes along the way, and don’t let setbacks discourage you.

“It is important to understand that every student’s learning style and approach may vary. So experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you. Consistency, discipline, and a genuine interest in learning are key to achieving good grades,” Nimbolkar said in conclusion.