What distinguishes excellent students from just good students?
In 6 Steps to Better Grades, we provided students with concrete tools to help them improve their grades. One of the critical steps we discussed was paying better attention in class. We know that many students zone out in class, then study on their own before exams by reading textbooks and class handout materials (if any). While studying, if the student is stuck, there isn’t much they can do as the assignment or the exam is due/taking place the next day. Some motivated students may google questions and go on youtube to find answers. Regardless, in order for that student to learn the material, they will have to spend a lot more time than what it would have taken had they actually paid attention in class, and raised their hand to clarify anything they didn’t understand in class. Hence we have established that paying attention in class is far superior to trying to learn on your own. Good students pay attention in class, make sure they understand the material, and spend less time reviewing/studying prior to working on assignments and exams.
Now what if we took this idea one step further. In every class, there will always be one or two students who come to class with supreme confidence and not only answer questions, but engage the teacher in discussions about that days’ learnings, volunteering additional information that no one else has thought of. This student has taken one additional step, which is pre-reading. Prior to class, either the night before or the weekend before, they looked ahead in their textbook, saw what the teacher will cover in this class, and did a quick reading to get a sense for what they will be learning.
One of the reasons why paying attention in class is so challenging (even for diligent students) is that most students in class are too busy trying to follow explanations and taking notes to fully internalize concepts. Imagine trying to understand quadratic equations when it is first introduced in class. If you don’t get it when the teacher first introduces it, then most students are too afraid to raise their hand to clarify, and the rest of the class will just go over their head. Even the students with best intentions will eventually give up and zone out. But if the student came to class having read the chapter on quadratic equations, then the class will now be a review of material that they already know, and the student can confidently use class time to clarify anything that they did not fully understand from reading.
Pre-reading is what separates the excellent student from just good students.
The key to mastering concepts and materials is repetition. Pre-reading gives the student one opportunity to learn the material. Attending class, listening to the teacher explain the material, asking questions, and taking notes reinforces and clarifies the material so that now the student has learned the material twice. Doing assignments will be a third reinforcement of the material. By the time the student studies for the exam, in all likelihood, it will just be a review. Compare that to the student who has zoned out in class and is trying to learn the material the night before the exam. There is no comparison. In terms of hours, the student who has taken the extra step of pre-reading will spend LESS time overall on the material than the student cramming the night before exams. But more importantly, The student who took the extra step will enjoy learning in class, will enjoy discussions with teachers, have the confidence to ask questions, think beyond basic concepts, and will even like the subjects that they did not think they will ever like.
For additional insights, read:
Versed Guide to Tutoring Services
7 Things Every Middle School Parents Should Know
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