Sometimes what students need isn’t more tutoring or more time studying. Sometimes they just need a simple shift in mindset. Several years ago, when I first began working as an academic coach, I noticed an intriguing relationship between how my students think about school and the grades they earn. I now regularly use that information in one-on-one coaching to help my students improve their grades. Today, I’m going to share that information with you.
To make this activity effective, think about the grades you currently have in comparison to the grades you want to earn. Start by reading the common mindset of students earning your current grade. Then read the common mindset of students earning the grade you desire. See if you can recognize any differences that might be applicable to you. Are there things that higher-achieving students typically do differently than you? Are there ways that you could shift your mindset to begin earning higher grades?
*Please note that these are general trends observed in students, and they do not apply to everyone*
The C Student Mentality
- Attendance: Is comfortable missing a few classes. Sees attendance as important but isn’t afraid of missing a class to catch up on assignments or sleep.
- Homework Completion: Is comfortable having a few missing assignments, especially if they aren’t worth a lot of points. Will look at the syllabus to determine if an assignment can be missed. Will choose not to do certain assignments if they don’t seem valuable.
- Communication: Rarely communicates with professors, advisors, or other school faculty.
- Assignment Grades: Is comfortable turning in incomplete work if most of the assignment is finished. Doesn’t always give 100 percent effort.
- Time Management: Usually doesn’t have a planner. Typically relies on the Canvas calendar to keep track of assignments. Rarely looks at assignment instructions in advance, which causes unpreparedness and missed due dates.
The B Student Mentality
- Attendance: Rarely misses class. Recognizes the value of high attendance and will only miss if needed.
- Homework Completion: Completes every assignment. Has a method for keeping track of all assignment due dates to ensure nothing gets missed.
- Communication: Frequently communicates with professors regarding questions and absences.
- Assignment Grades: Always turns in completed work but doesn’t always read assignment instructions carefully. Effort isn’t always at 100 percent, which can cause small point deductions.
- Time Management: Has all assignment due dates written down and time set aside every day to study. Often decides what work to complete in the moment rather than planning in advance.
The A Student Mentality
- Attendance: Rarely misses class. Recognizes the value of high attendance and will only miss if needed. Will communicate absence to instructors and take initiative in obtaining missed content.
- Homework Completion: Completes every assignment. Has a method for keeping track of all assignment due dates and frequently double-checks this method. Looks at Canvas daily to ensure nothing gets missed.
- Communication: Frequently communicates with professors regarding questions and absences. Sits in the front of the class, participates in discussions, and visits office hours. Will seek tutoring resources if needed.
- Assignment Grades: Knows that every point counts. Reviews all lost points to determine how to improve for the next assignment. Does not make the same mistake twice.
- Time Management: Has a highly detailed planner with all assignment due dates and daily to-do lists. Plans their day in advance so they know when they will study and what content they will study.
So, where did you fall? Did you notice any positive mindset changes you can start making? What will your mindset mantra be this week?
