Crunch Time

3/27/08

By Jennifer Ingram
Critic Staff

The semester is at its half way point, and those with poor grades are stressed and wondering whether they will make the final passing grade.

There can be multiple reasons for poor grades including not understanding the material that is being taught, not trying as hard as you could have or not understanding how to study. All is not lost. There are ways to improve those poor grades!

“I have always had a hard time in math. I am struggling to keep up and understand the material that is being taught in Basic Algebra,” Annie Hinman, a Human Services sophomore, said.

“When people have certain beliefs they only accept things that reinforce that, and that can make for hostile environments, and many times that can affect a students grade,” Joseph Rieckman, a Human Services sophomore, said.” I could be doing better in my classes; but part of the reason that I’m not is due to the fact that I have different views and opinions on moral matters.”

No matter what the reason for doing poorly, there are useful tips to help improve your semester grades, to better understand course material and to bring that poor grade up to a passing grade. Midway in the semester is not too late.

“The three most important things that students can do to improve their grades are one, go to class, two, ask questions and three, keep track of what they are expected to do, rather than waiting for reminders from the professor. Students need to understand that college courses generally require about two hours of studying for each hour in class -- about six hours a week for a three-credit course; if they don't know what they should be studying during those six hours, they should ask,” Andrea Luna, professor of English, said.

These tips from our own professor are reinforced in the website How to Improve Midterm Grades by the End of the Semester.

According to the website, How to Improve Midterm Grades by the End of the Semester on about.com: College Life a way to improve your semester grades is to:

“1) Get organized.
If you don't have an assignment book, get one (and use it).”

“2) Talk to your professors.
Make sure they know that you are committed to improving. Ask if there are any extra credits or practice problems that could help boost your performance.”

“3) Do not miss class.
Students who actually go to class perform better grades than those who don't. Being in class gives you regular access to your professors--this is good because you want them to notice your effort. It also reduces the need for cramming and makes studying a lot easier.”

“4) Identify your weaknesses.
Something went wrong during the first half of the semester, and it's important to figure out what it was. Maybe the essays really killed you, or perhaps you partied too hard. You can't begin to fix a problem until you know what it is.”

“5) Get extra help.
There's no shame in stepping up your game. Study with a friend. Look into tutoring programs. And whatever you do, if your classes offer recitations or study sessions, do not skip them.”

If your grades are not what you would like them to be, following the tips provided can help. With five weeks remaining in the semester, extra effort and work can make the difference. Poor grades can be made better.