This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA. Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.
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Do you want to impress your teacher, parents, or friends? Maybe you just want to get the most out of your school year to set yourself up for success in the future. We sat down with educational consultant Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed., to talk about different strategies for becoming the best student in your class, whether you're in grade school or working on your college degree. Keep reading for tips on making the grade, being a good person, and showing your teacher that you take their class seriously, and you’ll be the best student in class in no time!
Things You Should Know
- Work hard and pay attention in class. This can help you get better grades, plus, your teacher will likely notice your hard work and appreciate it.
- Take detailed notes during class, and make sure to do your homework every night to keep your grades up and better learn the material.
- To be the best student in your class, take good care of yourself by getting enough sleep and eating healthy food.
Steps
Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat should I do if I'm behind on my homework?Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.
Educational ConsultantI would take a weekend and turn it into a “homework retreat”. Schedule out an entire weekend to get all school and homework assignments completed until you're caught up. When scheduling your weekend, do not forget to schedule breaks, snacks, rewards, and energizers to help you stay motivated. -
QuestionWhat if I have a hard time paying attention in class?Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.
Educational ConsultantSo one big piece of advice would be to take a recording device to class. You'll need your teacher's permission of course. By recording your classes, you don't have to worry about missing anything when you're taking notes. You can just go back and listen to the recordings when it's time to study for your exams or fill in your notes. -
QuestionI feel shy asking questions, so what can I do?Community AnswerTry not to pay attention to what other people think of you. Understand that asking questions is a good thing, it helps you to better understand something crucial in class. Your teacher will like it that you are asking questions. If you are shy about asking questions, meet with your teacher privately after class or ask a friend. Teachers also love it when you ask for different ways to solve a problem.
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Reader Videos
Tips
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Try not to stress too much about getting your teacher to like you or to be the best. In some classes, for whatever reason, this might not happen, and it doesn't say anything about your value as a person.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- If you think you're having a problem with one of the lessons and the teacher isn't available for help, spend at least an hour or two looking up what you're learning on your own. Maybe it's just the way the teacher is teaching it!
- When you are studying, make sure to keep away from distractions like the TV. An hour of careful, concentrated studying is far more effective than three hours of distracted study while lounging.
- Try to study soon after class so the material is fresh in your mind. If you leave studying for the weekends you may forget some of the points that your teacher said in class.
- Don't text in class, don't pass notes, don't talk while the teacher is talking, and don't use phones, computers, or tablets if your teacher hasn't given you permission.
- Be kind to everyone, but spend lots of time with smart, hardworking kids who will challenge you. Choose your friends wisely.
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about preparing for graduation, check out our in-depth interview with Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed..
References
- ↑ https://usm.maine.edu/learning-commons/paying-attention/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ https://www.umassd.edu/dss/resources/students/classroom-strategies/how-to-get-good-grades/
- ↑ https://lsc.cornell.edu/successful-students-ask-for-help-when-they-need-it/
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/types-of-learning-styles/
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/types-of-learning-styles/
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/types-of-learning-styles/
- ↑ https://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview/
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/getting-along-teachers.html
- ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/blog/the-power-keeping-cool-rebecca-alber
About This Article
To be the best student in your class, always pay attention and take thorough notes, which will help you do better on your tests and assignments. You should also make sure you're doing your homework every night and turning it on time. When you’re in class, you can impress your teacher by asking thoughtful questions about the material and treating the other students with respect and kindness. Additionally, help other students if you see them struggling. Finally, no matter what happens, try to stay positive and upbeat to make things more fun for the entire class. For more suggestions on how to be the best student in your class, including finding a learning style that works for you, keep reading!
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