Hey, I just need some help. I have an E in History and an E in AP Human Geography. I’m really worried that I’ll fail my classes, I’m trying my best but it seems I can’t succeed. For some reason, I study but when taking the tests I can’t remember anything. I also have been absent 6 times, but I’ve stopped being absent. My family is furious at me and won’t help me at all. I’ve been coming before school and taking stuff I’ve missed, but my grades are still bad because of test grades and missing work.
Answers (2)
College, I presume.
That's a perfectly normal initial jolt, have been told many freshmen undergo once they reach these higher education environments (and oneself as well).
Shows that you must make a change.
You've cut out the absences, which is very important since the material tends to build upon itself and progress rapidly without repetition.
As such, it is advisable to revise things even before every lesson, for comprehension to kick in from outset. Can't miss assignments for the same reason, add extras or test yourself to ascertain mastery.
Professors always provide a list of books for reference at the first lesson; prolly want to read a few for perspective. Really disliked that.
You have a blackout problem, so memorization skills require revising. The above suggestions would contribute to long term memory, you may wish to add associative techniques.
Peers & study groups can be beneficial to cooperate with, they affect memory in a different manner, very likely to have that one dude with all the useful tips. Maugre disinclination towards social interaction, needed others' help occasionally and the more solitary journey was a rough one.
Previous tests written by the professor are solid gold if you can obtain them. You'll find they're guaranteed to recycle frequently.
Private lessons may help if you're not much of an autodidact. Some of our non professor teachers offered those.
You might realize your major doesn't suit you, switching to another. That's pretty frequent as well (beside dropping out).
Finally, failed a few of my courses, after second exam and all. Reorganized the gantt chart and tried again. It was much easier the second time around, recalling the terms as they appeared and noticing the nuances, experience from prior assignments etc.
It's a shame your family doesn't know this. It's important to be supported in such trying times, even when unable to help with the material. But then, if they're paying for your education, it's understandable to expect results. That's why getting a part time job and managing your finances are kinda part of the experience - learning to get by on your own.
Know that it happens regardless of intellect. My peers, a group of genius level individuals, failed a course (largely due to a particularly bad professor) and went off their own ways eft.
Have you talked to the teacher? If not why not?
Have you asked about earning extra credit and how?
Have you asked about getting a tutor?
Have you asked if there are study groups you can join?
Once you've talked to the teacher and gotten answers to those questions go and talk to your parents. Be honest. Tell them you realize your mistakes and are trying desperately to salvage your grades and solve the problem. Tell them what you've done to try fixing things and what you found out and then ask for their help.
Be honest, own it and show your maturity in how you are trying to fix things. No whining and no excuses.
Good luck!