“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” — B.B. King
While education is undeniably crucial for teens, it's not always an easy process to self-regulate. If you or your student is struggling to stay afloat, we've got some helpful tips for how to overcome academic challenges. New Dawn Charter High School wants all students to reach their full potential and achieve lasting success. Let's dive in!
What are the most common academic challenges faced by students?
Students always have the personal agency to combat academic challenges with confidence, resilience, and determination. Sometimes, though, a little extra academic support can go a long way. Let's look at some of the most common issues that students face and some tips for overcoming them.
Time management
Balancing homework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and a social life can be overwhelming. Many students struggle to prioritize and manage their time effectively and end up quitting when they feel overwhelmed. Here are some of the best ways to become a time management expert:
- Follow a routine. Try to stick to a consistent daily schedule. Having a regular routine helps you know what to expect and when to focus on different tasks. If you know that you tend to get distracted at home, talk to your teachers about the possibility of completing your homework assignments at school, where you can get immediate assistance if you have questions.
- Break it down and prioritize. When you have a big project or assignment, break it into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes it easier to tackle and helps you see progress along the way. Learn how to figure out what’s most important and needs to be done first.
- Set goals. Work on setting clear, achievable goals — they give you direction and something to work toward. Start with small, short-term goals and work your way up to bigger, long-term ones. A trusted teacher or mentor can be a great resource for goal-setting and tracking academic performance.
- Use the right tools. Track your assignments and deadlines with a planner, calendar, app or chart. Visual tools can make it easier to remember what needs to be done and when.
Study skills
It may take some trial-and-error, but there's an effective study method out there for everyone.
- Use active note-taking. Try different note-taking methods to find what works best for you. Techniques like summarizing information in your own words or using charts can help you understand and remember the material better. Evernote, a popular note-taking app that allows you to sync notes across devices, is a great resource. It also offers features like scanning handwriting and clipping web articles.
- Make study guides. Create study guides or flashcards to review key concepts. Summarizing important information in a condensed form can make studying more efficient and effective. Quizlet has been the gold standard for a while for digital flashcards, but we like the old-school methods too. Classroom games like Kahoot and Jeopardy are fun for group studying, too.
- Find your learning style. Personalized learning can make all the difference when you're struggling to make concepts stick. Are you a visual, auditory, or hands-on learner? Tailor your study methods to match your most effective learning style for better results.
- Take effective breaks. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break) to maintain focus and avoid burnout. Regular breaks can help you stay refreshed and productive.
- Join study groups. Collaborate with your classmates in study groups. Explaining concepts to others and discussing material can deepen your understanding and offer new perspectives. Just make sure to have patience and an open mind — everyone learns differently.
Testing anxiety
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect 31.9% of adolescents between 13 and 18 years old. Their research showed that untreated teenagers with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school.
But even students who don't have a diagnosed anxiety disorder can experience testing anxiety to a degree that significantly impacts their concentration and performance. Here are some ways to approach your exams with confidence:
- Prepare early. Start studying well in advance of the test. Break your study sessions into smaller, manageable chunks and review regularly to feel more prepared and less anxious.
- Practice relaxation techniques. Learn and use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to calm your nerves before and during the test. Plenty of mobile apps and YouTube channels provide free, accessible content to help you manage stress.
- Develop a tried-and-true test-taking strategy. Familiarize yourself with the test format and practice with sample questions or past exams. When you know what to expect, you can replace uncertainty and anxiety with confidence.
- Manage your time. Keep track of test dates and deadlines with a planner. Your phone can be a helpful tool here, too. Set alarms to grab your attention and remind you of the exam dates. During the test, divide your time wisely. If you get stuck on a question, move on and return to it later.
Overly-complex material
As subjects become more advanced, concepts can become more difficult and students may have trouble grasping complex ideas. It's not the student's comprehension that's an issue — the material just needs to be adjusted a bit.
- Break it down. Divide complex material into smaller, more manageable sections. Focus on understanding each part before trying to grasp the entire concept. ChatGPT can be helpful for breaking down topics into simpler, more digestible parts.
- Use simplified resources. Find and use resources that explain the material in simpler terms. Textbooks, videos, or online articles designed for beginners can provide clearer explanations. Just be sure they're from a reputable source. Khan Academy and Nova are two great educational resources that can supplement your regular materials.
- Summarize, paraphrase, and review. After reading or learning about a topic, summarize it in your own words. Paraphrasing helps reinforce your understanding and identify areas that need further clarification. It might be tempting to use generative AI here, but the whole point is that the process of summarizing helps your brain create new neural pathways that solidify understanding of the material.
- Create visual aids. Use diagrams, charts, or mind maps to visualize the relationships between concepts. Visual aids can make abstract ideas more concrete and easier to understand. If you tend to be more creative and right-brained, this is a great way to make sure concepts stick with you in the long-term.
- Ask questions. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from teachers, tutors, or classmates. Asking questions can help resolve confusion and deepen your understanding. Try to avoid vague complaints like "I just don't get it," or "It just doesn't make sense." Find and communicate more specific pain points you have with the material.
Intrinsic motivation and engagement
Maintaining motivation and student engagement in schoolwork can be difficult, especially if students don't see the relevance of their studies or if they're continuously struggling with the material.
- Set personal goals and celebrate achievement. Establish clear, personal goals that match your interests and values. Goals can give a sense of purpose and direction, making the work more meaningful. Recognize and celebrate your progress and achievements, no matter how small.
- Find relevance. Connect your studies to your personal interests or real-life applications. Find ways to make your learning experiences enjoyable and engaging, whether through interactive activities, projects, or topics that genuinely interest you. Physics and math play a huge role in sports. Industrialization, globalization, and civics mold our pop culture (fashion, entertainment, advertising). Science and biology affect our health, physical appearance, and decision-making. The connections are everywhere!
- Take ownership. Take responsibility for your learning by actively participating and making decisions about how you study and approach assignments. Being in control boosts your investment in the learning process.
Learning disabilities or language barriers
Students with learning disabilities and language barriers may face unique challenges that require special strategies and accommodations to help them succeed in a learning environment.
New Dawn has a full-inclusion model, meaning those with disabilities and those who practice English as a second language are included into the general population.
If you're struggling with academics due to these challenges, here are some helpful strategies:
- Seek professional help. Educational specialists and tutors can be specifically trained to support students with learning disabilities. They can provide personalized strategies and accommodations to help you succeed.
- Use accommodations. Make use of any accommodations provided by your IEP, such as extended test times, extra help with assignments, or modified materials. These adjustments can help level the playing field. If you think you're in need of accommodations, bring this up to your school counselor.
- Communicate with your teachers. Keep an open line of communication with your teachers or mentor about your needs and any challenges you’re facing. They can offer support, adjustments, and understanding.
- Focus on your strengths. What are you best at? Leverage your interests and strong suits in your learning process. Building on what you’re good at can boost confidence and make learning more enjoyable.
- Practice self-advocacy. Learn to advocate for yourself by understanding your learning needs and communicating them effectively.
Overcome academic challenges with support at New Dawn
At New Dawn Charter High School, we provide the opportunity for under-credited, over-aged students to graduate with their diploma alongside their peers. Whether it's through more personalized learning, real-world workforce experience, or targeted mentorship, our staff and administrators are committed to student success, both personally and academically. Do you know someone who would be a good fit for New Dawn? Check out our admissions and enrollment page and schedule a tour today!
