Tackling Your Academic Works To Better Your Grades

Getting through school can be like cutting your way through a dense jungle, but both are possible with the right tools.
Most of us in school worry most about our grades. School grades are a major source of anxiety among youths. It can mean the difference between graduating and being left behind, between obtaining a well-paying job and getting only a minimum wage, between receiving the praise of parents and incurring their wrath.


Grades and tests have their place. Jesus Christ often tested his disciples understanding of certain matters (Luke 9:18). Test results can reveal areas of strength and weaknesses. Tests can act as motivating devices for future study. Your grades serve to give your parents some idea of how you are doing in school for better or for worse.


Too much concern about grades can create paralyzing stresses and ignite fierce competition. Students can especially be caught up in a competitive maze that emphasizes grades and class rank rather than learning. As a result, students learn early in school to ask what is going to be on the test and study only that material.
Consider Ecclesiastes 4:4. Fierce competition whether for material riches or academic accolades, is futile. Christian students see the need to apply themselves in school. Instead of making education their idol in life, they pursue spiritual interests, believing God for their spiritual needs-Mathew 6:33.


Education means more than piling points on tests. It means the development of what the writer of proverbs called "thinking ability ". (Proverbs 1:4). A youth who manages to get passing grades in school through guessing, memorizing or even cheating never really learns how to think. What  good is  a high grade in a subject if later on you find yourself unable to apply it.
The idea of our discussion today is to help you see grades, not as an end in themselves, but as a helpful means of possessing your progress at school. We are going to look at how you can achieve grades that reflect your abilities.


Take Responsibility For Learning :
Students blame their poor performance to sources beyond their control : Unfair test questions a prejudiced teacher, bad luck, fate, the weather. Consider (Proverbs 13:4). Laziness is the real reason for low grades see (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Good students take responsibility for their learning. How good your grades are depends for the most part, not on factor beyond your control, but on You -how hard you are willing to study and apply yourself in school.

Tools For Clearing Through :

TOOL 1 : A healthy attitude towards learning. It is near impossible to be motivated to do well in school if you have a negative view of learning. So try to see the big picture. See 1Corinthians 9:10, be enthusiastic. Learning will help you get diversified I'm order to save others, (1Corinthians 9:22).

TOOL 2: A positive view your abilities. Education and learning our potentials and talents. Paul writes "Sit up like fire the gift of God which is in you " (2Timothy 1:6).
Your scholastic abilities are not directly bestowed upon you by God. School can help you to discover and nurture abilities that you never knew you had.
Don't think you cannot improve. Always replace your negative thoughts about your abilities with positive thoughts. See (2Corinthians 10:10,11:6). Be aware of your weaknesses but know your strengths.

TOOL 3: Good study habits. There is no shortcut to success at school. Sooner or later you have to study. Study is beneficial with a little effort you msg find it enjoyable.
To cultivate a good study habit, though you will need to organise your time. Remember while you are in school, study should be a priority.


Note : There is time for everything. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4.11:9) with diligence your academic progress will be evident. See (1Timothy 4:15).
Trapped in a dense jungle, you would certainly need the proper tool to clear the path. The same is true with school. Rather than being anxious use the three tools that have been discussed to make a success of school.


Questions For Discussion

1. Do you struggle just to keep a passing grade in certain subjects? 
2. Why should you apply yourself to your studies at school? 
3. What kind of study/homework schedule will work for you? 
4. In your home, where is the best place for you to do your homework and to study?
5. How can you keep hobbies and recreation from interfering with your grades? 
6. What purpose do grades serve, and why is it important to have a balanced view of them? 
7. Why is it important that you take personal responsibility for learning? 
8. What are some things to consider about taking on after-school activities? 
9. What are some ways in which you can improve your grades? 
10. How can you prepare for tests? 
11. How should you view failure, and should such failure be concealed from your parents?