Approximately 47% of the students were failing after the third week of the second six weeks.
A general lack of study accounts for this percentage. In Yolanda Robledo’s fourth period English class, for instance, half of the students said they do not study before a test. For instance, half of English teacher Yolanda Robledo’s
fourth period said they don’t study before their tests.
“Students may know how to study,” Robledo said, “however, they don’t take the time to properly study for tests. “Students should slow down, stop and actually read the assignment, think about what needs to be done then physically do the assignment.”
Students get caught up in life, sports or social media instead of shifting their focus to the importance of education.
“I procrastinate,” junior Cooper Sales said. “I can’t find motivation until the assignment is close to the deadline.”
Students often juggle time between courses.
“I study for anatomy and physiology because I need to memorize them for assignments,” senior Eva Thiessen said. “I don’t study for math or things I can get done in class, so I can have more time to study for anatomy and physiology.”
Teachers are actually teaching the points to be tested during class lectures and discussions. Senior Eloy Macias said he doesn’t study because he pays attention in class.
“My grades are low on assignments, but I get good grades on tests,” Macias said. “I don’t ask for help because I feel like it’s an unnecessary conversation with the teacher.”
Junior Avery Wood has a routine which keeps her on track.
“I’ve organized all of my assignments throughout the week,” Wood said. “I do all of my history in class, then I assign a class to a day of the week.”
According to Dr. Alexander Young the host of “The Human Performance Podcast,” exercise, diet and sleep are crucial to having a good memory and an active brain to learn.
“I can’t afford not to pass, so I study,” senior Ryan Werdenberg said. “I wake up earlier to have a fresh start to the day. I also eat breakfast before a test, so it’s one thing less to worry about while I’m taking it.”
One study experiment in 2009 showed how students who only study the night before, or the 5-minutes before the test, don’t absorb as much as the students who study for a certain time each day over a period of time before their tests.
“I like to do one thing at a time,” junior Omar Pinon said. “When I want to study, I usually get in a group that’s serious about studying and study for about 30 minutes.”
Physics teacher Morgan Richmond said she goes back into her college mindset to give students advice about studying.
“Students don’t study because they aren’t required to study,” Richmond said. “ When I was in college, summarizing the lecture, taking notes, then working on the homework worked best for me.”
Young said stress can take over a student’s mind.
“I study when I’m not sure about something,” freshman Ava Booth said. “I’m not a good test taker because I over-think a lot or second guess myself.”
Understanding why they cannot study well or what is keeping students from reaching their potential might help raise the 47% failing rate.
