What's our #1 advice for students who are struggling academically? TALK TO YOUR TEACHER. It sounds simple, but a one-on-one conversation can help you both to get on the same page and figure out exactly where to focus your energy to improve your performance in the class.

Find out when your teacher offers tutoring (before school, after, school, and/or during lunch) and set up a schedule to meet with them until your grades are back to where you want them to be. 

Map out the weeks

What will you accomplish this week? This is the idea behind SMART goal development, goals that are Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Time-based.

Use Calendar Updates

You should make a habit of adding assignments and upcoming exams into your calendar from your planner every night.

Break big tasks into smaller ones

Write the big task at the top, and then break it down into littler tasks. Turn these smaller tasks into a checklist that you can follow.

Prep for school the night BEFORE

Is your lunch packed? Do you have all your supplies in one place? So, you don’t have to rush in the morning its best to prepare at night.

Use a planner

You can do it the traditional way by writing in a journal/notebook or they can save up some bag space by downloading digital planner apps. Here are some of the top apps students can use to map out their schedule:

• Todoist

• School Planner

• Microsoft To Do

• Time Planner

• Calendly

• Sectograph

• iStudiez

• myHomework

• Power Planner

• Any.do

• TimeTune

1. Treat an online course like a “real” course.

2. Hold yourself accountable (set reminders for yourself about remembering to study, work on projects, etc). 

3. Practice time management.  Put major assignment dates in your calendar, create a schedule, try time-blocking (setting amounts of time to work on things), re-organize time as needed as you get a feel for how much time you need to do certain items. 

4. Create a regular study space and stay organized. 

5. Eliminate distractions. Have headphones for discussions. Turn off cell phone notifications while at school to avoid those distractions.

6. Figure Out How You Learn Best. Visual learner? Write down notes while listening/watching lectures. Audio learner? Re-listed to recorded lectures to study.

7. Actively participate. Hands-on work helps students learn, and participating by asking questions is part of this.

8. Leverage your network of peers. Get to know the other students in your courses and don't be afraid to create virtual study groups.

You got this! As you get used to online learning, things will become easier. Be kind to yourself and know that things will get more comfortable as you practice using online tools and communication.