What to do if you’re failing a class

If you receive a failing grade in a particular class, the problem may seem insurmountable. But don’t throw in the towel just yet! Take a step back, acknowledge your disappointment and frustrations, and think about the factors that may have contributed to your situation. Then, set yourself realistic goals. Here are some questions to keep in mind:  

• Are you organized? Using an agenda or calendar can help you set priorities. It will be much harder for you to procrastinate if you can easily see upcoming assignment due dates and tests. 
• Do you have a routine? Routines may sound childish, but they’re incredibly useful at any age. Establishing a sensible routine when you get home from school can help you cross things off your to-do list and give you a sense of control.
• Are you involved in too many extracurricular activities? It’s important to have a life outside of school. Being part of a club, sports team, or specialized class (e.g., dance, art, music) can help you relax, learn in different ways, develop teamwork skills, build confidence, and have fun! But too many after-school activities can hinder your performance at school. Having a part-time job may also affect your ability to complete homework assignments and study for tests. So, you may want to count the hours spent on extracurricular activities to decide whether you should drop one. 
• Are you often distracted in class? We all have trouble concentrating sometimes, but being too distracted can affect your school performance. Factors such as fatigue, stress, a lack of preparation, and personal problems can take up a lot of head space. 
• Do you understand the concepts being taught in class? Sometimes, you may not understand what your teacher is talking about, no matter how hard you try. If you’re feeling confused in class, reach out to your teacher. You can also study with your peers. A study group is a great way to exchange ideas, reformulate your own understanding, and test one another’s knowledge.
• Are you taking advantage of the help that your school offers? Many teachers are willing to meet with students at recess, lunch, or even after school to offer extra help. Some schools may also have free tutoring services or peer tutoring programs. It’s time to make the most of these valuable opportunities! 

By keeping these questions in mind, you can set goals to help improve your grades.

Some students find it easy to ask their teacher for help. But others may be too shy, embarrassed, or even too proud to speak up. Remind yourself that part of a teacher’s job is to help their students understand the material they’re teaching. Most teachers welcome the chance to help their students flourish. Asking for your teacher’s help is not a sign of weakness; it shows that you’re an autonomous learner who wants to improve!

Parents can be great motivators. By taking the time to reflect on why you're failing a class, and then reaching out to your teachers and peers, you’re showing your parents that you’re serious about turning things around. At first, the conversation may be uncomfortable, but having some goals already established will go a long way in showing your parents that you’re motivated. 

Here are some things to keep in mind before and while you talk to your parent(s): 

• Find a quiet spot, free from distractions and siblings
• Have your goals written down along with all the steps you’ve already taken
• Speak using “I” statements 
• Be respectful and listen to their advice
• Be open to compromise

Alloprof resources are designed to help you turn academic roadblocks into success stories. They’re always free and can be filtered by grade level and subject. Here are three great places to start: 

• Review Guides: These guides outline the concepts covered in each school subject, with links to Alloprof concept sheets.
• The Help Zone: This is a peer forum, open 24/7, where you can ask school-related questions and offer explanations to other students. 
• Ask a Teacher: This service allows you to chat, text, or talk to a real teacher Monday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

To rebound from a setback, believing in yourself is essential. Failing a class is upsetting, but when you have a growth mindset, you’re confident that you can learn or “get smarter.” You're open to challenges and mistakes and you believe that your efforts will lead to improvement and success. When you have a fixed mindset, on the other hand, you believe that your abilities are unchangeable and that your intelligence is fixed. Here are four easy tips to help you develop a growth mindset:

• Believe in yourself.
• Take risks. Try something new and don’t worry about getting it wrong.
• Try different strategies.
• Ask questions and share your ideas with others.

And remember, mistakes can lift you up!