Have you ever found yourself in a class at the University that seemed beyond your abilities? I think most of us have felt that way at one point in time or another. The good news is that in most every such case, there’s a multitude of ways to progress and even excel in that class!
How? Here’s a list of strategies that depending on your preference and needs are sure to provide that extra needed boost!
Tutors and Teacher’s Aids
Many classes at University have tutors or teacher’s aids that are dedicated to helping students that need a bit extra help with the class. These are great go-to resources as they are close to the actual work being asked of students. And, they know what the instructor is looking for. While you will still need to put in the hard work, you will find that you will get a lot more out of the class by using a tutor or teacher’s aid!
Extra Study Guides
Oftentimes course books come with extra study guides to help further comprehend and work through the concepts that are being taught through the main course book. Don’t hesitate to leverage these great resources (if they are allowed). Oftentimes they are written in a bit more plain language that makes understanding the concepts easier.
Study Groups
If you are someone that learns well from working within groups, ask around within your fellow class mates to see if some of them want to form a study group. Chances are if you are struggling with the course work, they are too. They may feel a great sense of relief to be asked to join your study group!
Study Buddies
Some of us learn best one-on-one and that is what study buddies are for! Find someone in your class that studies in a manner similar to you and away you two can go! Together you can learn the courses concepts – and perhaps have some laughs along the way. Many great friendships have been formed that initially started out as study buddies.
You Aren’t Alone
Asking for help can be hard, but try to remember that if you are struggling in a class you most likely are not alone. We have all been there and while it’s hard, if you use your resources, it can make for a much easier and stress-free semester or quarter. Plus, someone may very well find great relief at not having to be the one to ask around. They may be thrilled that you asked to partner with them.
As with most things in life, alone we can succeed, but together we can excel!
What Has Your Experience Been Like?
How have you handled challenging classes? What strategies have worked best for you? What hasn’t worked quite so well?
Comments are closed.
Whether you want to grow your skills, get picked up by an employer who needs your specific knowledge, earn more qualifications for your CV, or some combination of the three, the My Need to Live community is here to support you.
Join the platformThe My Need to Live Support Directory is a resource created by us to help 16 – 24 year olds find the help, support, organisation or practitioner you need to help them with their wellbeing when they need it.
Support directory
I’m a university lecturer and I know how some students struggle. It’s also really important to ask for help – as you say, you’re not alone if you’re unsure of something or struggling xxx
Exactly Ashley – thanks for sharing, esp. from the lecturer level!
Great recommendations! Thank you!
Thank you Diane – and thank you for stopping by!
Hmm,……. I experienced challenging courses before. I squally do study group, and a tutor.
Those are both great options Fadima – I’m glad they worked out for you!
I’m going back to university soon for postgrad and I’ve chosen to do a course that’s different to my undergrad. I know it’s going to be difficult but these tips are really helpful!
I’m glad you found them helpful Enjoy_blogs!! I hope you have a wonderful postgrad experience!
Those are some great ideas! A friend who studies along with you is of a great help always!
It really is, isn’t it Nisha! 🙂
Great post! I think a lot of people feel shy to make their first move for asking help. That’s the main reason behind it. I enjoyed your piece. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Patricia – I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for stopping by!!
These are great tips. I will definitely keep these in mind as my kids get older and I can no longer help them!
Excellent Adriane – I hope they prove very helpful to your kids. I know they were for me!
These are good tips for excelling in challenging classes. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you Jojo – I”m glad you enjoyed the tips!
I usually do advance readings and I also do my own research. I use speed reading technique so I can get all the most important details. Great tips!
I am jealous – I’ve always wanted to be a speed reader. Impressive Emman!
I graduated from university 3 years ago and I can fully agree with these points you’ve made! Having a study buddy or study group is always good to go over things, others can sometimes help simplify difficult aspects of the course for you, and you could also do the same for them in areas.
Holly x
http://www.adailydoseofholly.com
Thanks for sharing your insights Holly – really appreciate you stopping by and commenting! 🙂
These tips are absolutely amazing!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Glad you like them Amie!
Thanks for the pro-tips, were really helpful ????
Glad they were helpful Favour – thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Oh man, this is something that I needed when I was still in school! I found making my own study guides being super helpful. Muscle memory goes a long way! With the hardest classes, if there’s no hope, I just have to hope for the best and power through.
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Muscle memory – good point Nancy! University bring with it many challenging but study guides like you sai,d, really help!