The Impact of Study Habits on Academic Success
As a teacher, one of the most essential aspects of my role is to prepare students for future academic endeavors, such as college and university. One particular concern that arises is when a student excels in quizzes and exams but struggles in the classroom, leading to potential academic performance issues later on.
There are several factors that contribute to a student's success, including their study habits. According to my observations, those who develop effective study habits tend to perform better when facing the demands of real-world study. The absence of developed study habits can lead to difficulties in managing the increased workload and stress of higher education.
A Balanced Grading System
During my first couple of years of teaching at a failing middle school, I implemented a balanced grading system to address these concerns. I divided the grade into three equal parts: exams, homework, and a math notebook. Any failure in one of these areas would automatically result in a D- grade, provided that perfect test scores were achieved. Additionally, I incorporated the use of the math notebook, emphasizing that it could be utilized during exams except for state-mandated standardized exams. The notebook served as both a journal and a reference tool, with specific requirements such as pagination, a table of contents, and dates.
This system worked well, and my students from this school ranked among the top in the district, only slightly trailing behind those in the gifted and talented school.
The Erosion of Academic Integrity
Unfortunately, all good things do not last, and a new administrator eventually took over. This new administrator believed that the weight given to homework and the notebook instruction was too high. Without the automatic failure option, students began to slack off, leading to a decline in test scores. An interesting anecdote occurred when I ran into a former student from three years earlier, who informed me that he had retained the notebook and continued to use it as a reference for his senior year. This highlighted the importance of consistent and effective study habits.
Ensuring Student Participation and Compliance
At a different failing school, early in my career, I faced a student culture that glorified stupidity. Faced with this challenge, I took a unconventional but effective measure by posting large grade charts, which essentially served as a visual grade book. While not entirely ethical, this tactic succeeded in conveying my seriousness about homework. Despite numerous protests, I remained firm, and eventually, a significant portion of the class complied with the homework requirements. Over time, those who resisted were shamed by their peers for their inaction, leading to a 90% compliance rate. Although I eventually removed names from the charts and replaced them with student ID numbers, the message had been effectively communicated.
These experiences underscore the critical importance of fostering a culture of academic integrity and consistent study habits. Students who do not complete their homework expect to perform well on exams, which is a common misperception. In reality, if they do not do the homework, they likely would not be receiving a "great grade" in my class. Furthermore, it would be highly unusual for a student not to engage in any work and still excel in exams.
As a teacher, it is my responsibility to prepare students for the challenges they will face in the future. Teaching them the importance of consistent study habits and homework completion is a vital part of this preparation. By doing so, I set them up for success in college and beyond.