July 12, 2021 Colleges, Learning Techniques, Private Tutoring, Raising Awareness, Schools 0

Fake it ‘til you Make it, That’s What Everyone Else is Doing

In an (almost) post-COVID world, going back to school and returning to studies can be hard for any student. There have been massive changes to the way things happen in the last year. The traditional way of going to school every day is a thing of the past. So with these changes comes inevitable unease and uncertainty. A lot of students are struggling. They need to be reminded that their grades don’t define them

From a young age, most people are taught that they should be getting A’s in school. A’s are a great goal to strive for, but if you’re doing the best you can that’s what matters. Some students see their grades dropping significantly and begin to panic. Even though this is a natural reaction, keeping a level head is the only way to return to normalcy.

Of course, keeping a level head is easier said than done. But, the most important thing is to understand that you’re not alone; there are many other students feeling this way, and you should not question your competency as a student. There is a great quote by Michelle Obama, “your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.” There is nothing wrong with a little slip in grades, what you do about it is how you determine your future.

Confidence

It might sound silly to some, but building confidence in students at a young age is a necessary part of their curriculum – almost as important as the subjects they’re being taught. Confidence, according to an article by Forbes, is something a lot of people think you have to be born with. It can be, to a certain extent, but it is more so something you work on your whole life to build. “Faking” confidence is half the battle, hence the saying, ‘fake it ‘til you make it.’

Kids are and should be the most confident people. They should be told from a young age that they can do anything, and they’re not yet aware of society’s standards to make them think otherwise. Confidence is “not based on your actual ability to succeed at a task but your belief in your ability to succeed” (Forbes).

So what happens when a straight-A student with tons of confidence starts sliding down the slope of lower grades? It can be easy to lose confidence. Below are some tips you/your student can try before reaching out for extra help

Staying Confident in School

Positive affirmations -before starting something (homework, test, etc.), give yourself a pep talk.
Acknowledge -what you’re proud of - if you’re having trouble in one subject, give yourself a pat on the back for doing well in the others
Rebuttal your negative thoughts - when you want to put yourself down, instead say something positive about yourself.
Don’t let mistakes slow you down -if you got a bad grade on a test, study harder for the next one.
Wear clothes that make you feel confident - look good, feel good.
Ask questions - no question is a bad question.
Take lots of notes -writing things down will automatically

It is important that we acknowledge how students are feeling in our changing world. Just as we are overwhelmed with our jobs, our students are too. In most cases, their job is to do well in school, and it can feel very stressful when they feel like they’re failing.

Options

If it’s possible, your student should get feedback from their teacher. There could be a lesson, or four, they missed and need a refresher on. This information will help the student decide where to start. Another beneficial option is investing in a tutor. This tutor will be someone they can count on to help them in subjects they’re struggling in, encourage them when they need it, and give them opportunities for growth.

Another option is connecting your child with mental health professionals that will help them work through their hard times. There are some great online resources for students, including www.betterhelp.com.

If you’re interested in seeking out a tutor for your student, Miles Smart Tutoring is a great place to look. For a free consultation, you can give us a call at (813)-328-3036 or visit our website www.milessmarttutoring.com

Confidence

Staying Confident in School

Options

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