This is the place that has been the cause of so much heartache, anxiety, dysmorphia, and disfunction, and yet when you closely, all we have in front of us is a room that induces people to think in patterns.
I’ve easily tutored more than 10,000 students in my career, and yet despite tutoring students from all walks of life, and from nearly every corner of the globe, the one thing I have noticed is that students who have trouble in school fail to notice patterns.
Isn’t it great when the solution to your problems is so simple? 😊
I am hesitant to say the problem is that simple, but consider this: how is it that schools all across the world can run in more or less the same way, with the same bell-curve distributions of results? We are talking about people and cultures that in so many other ways could not be more different. From Dubai to Dhara, schools all look the same, teach the same material, and administer the same tests.
School is easy when you realize this. That one guy in the back of the class who could sleep through lectures and still get an A without studying didn’t succeed by chance. He noticed how his teacher was running things and copy/pasted what was expected of him on test day.
What this means is that if you struggle in school and really want to not struggle, you can absolutely do so once you have discovered your teacher’s patterns and what those patterns say “correct” looks like.
Every class runs this way. Yes, even “hard” classes in math and science are game-able. (Isn’t Mathematics one big pattern anyway?)
Here are some ways that you can begin to notice patterns in your classes.
1) The questions on the homework should be like the questions on the test
Homework is meant to be practice for reproducing answers under some time constraint, and almost always without scaffolding or other assistance. Begin to look through your old homework and compare them with previous exams: are the questions more or less the same, with a few numbers rearranged? These similarities happen because teachers want to make sure that what you practice matches how you will be assessed. They are also lazy sometimes. 🤷
What all of this means for you is that if you can see how the homework and tests are connected, you are set. Study the homework to know how to answer questions on the test. Simple.
If, on the other hand, you don’t see the pattern (or even worse, if in a rare case, the homework questions don’t match the test questions), you are going to need to meet with the teacher after class to get their advice on how to proceed. If they are still unhelpful, bringing the matter up with your school’s administration may be in order.
However, in 98% of cases I have seen, that would be a last resort. In the vast majority of cases, the class structure is fair and predictable. This makes sense, as too many students would complain if the class structure was not connected with how students were being assessed.
2) Classes often have grading policies that you can take advantage of
Tests are painful, particularly because doing poorly on a test can have long-term consequences for your final grade and overall GPA. They have a “do or die” element to them that can make them stressful. How do you handle the pressure?
Classes often have features built-in that prevent failure after only a single bad day. One such feature is the assessment structure itself. Teachers often utilize “extra credit”, in the form of participation, projects, or other alternative assignments that you can use to boost your grade.
There are also situations when a teacher might allow you to retake an exam. Every teacher is different, but it’s always a good idea to ask and see what can be done.
3) Every class is political
Finally, remember that every class is political. The “politics” of the classroom can be your best friend, or your worst enemy, and likely deserves its own post. It will suffice to say for now that getting your teacher on your side holds myriad advantages.
How do you get your teacher on your side? Be interested. Educators consistently present to a room that is not interested in what they have to say. This lack of interest is disheartening. If you are able, you can turn things around by gaining interest in what the teacher has to say. Your teacher will appreciate you greatly and thus be more open to getting you the help you need.
Another thing: avoid causing trouble or a scene whenever possible. Don’t be “that” student. Troublemakers may seem that they get special attention, but deep down teachers are generally hoping to avoid talking with you for any longer than they have to. The lack of respect and connection will make it nearly impossible for you to get preferential treatment if you need it later.
Conclusion
Yes, every class is different. But every class is also the same. Teachers think in patterns because patterns are efficient ways of managing large groups of people. Teachers were themselves taught in patterns. It’s the nature of what we offer.
Notice these patterns. Your success will follow quickly.