Do you need to get good grades to pass a subject or want to get all A's and B's? No one wants to be a "grade beggar," but if you try some of these suggestions, you might be able to get your teacher to "adjust" your grades. There is a fine line between asking for advice and asking for an explanation, and between being a janitor and being disrespectful to your teacher. Remember that you have to work with your teachers to get good grades, not against them. By following these tips, with the help of mindfulness and long-term thinking, you have a high chance of asking your teacher to improve your grades.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Preparing to Talk to Your Teacher
Step 1. Know what you want to ask
Before seeing your teacher, it's a good idea to have as clear an idea as possible about what you want to ask them and what you want to achieve through the conversation. You may be surprised to learn that your teacher is well aware of the academic problem you are dealing with, but it is better if you can explain it clearly yourself.
Writing down your questions can help. Don't read it to the teacher, but it can help you visualize on paper what you want to say
Step 2. Prepare the reasons behind your low grades
Before you confront your teacher, think again about the context of your grades, have your grades dropped drastically? Is it slowly decreasing? Or do you think these values do not reflect the results of your hard work?
Teachers will usually start with the question "What do you think is wrong?" You'll expect to find the answers together with your teacher, but always have your answers ready in advance. If you are confused, be prepared to confess and ask for help, "I'm not sure why my grades are so low, could you please explain to me and help me improve my grades?"
Step 3. Don't accuse your teacher
To prepare for what you are about to say, think positively and as cooperatively as possible. Don't think of your teacher as an enemy that is preventing you from getting good grades.
Step 4. Tell your teacher that you want to have a discussion
If possible, provide details about what you want to discuss, be it grades, assignments, or other things. See your teacher before school or after school. Remember that if your teacher is having a good day, he or she will be more open to giving you a second chance. Every school is different, but you can assume that your teachers are very busy and possibly tired, so keep this in mind. Be understanding and friendly.
- If you want to discuss something more specific, tell your teacher ahead of time so they can prepare time and materials that may be needed.
- If you want to discuss something more general, say something openly like "Can I talk to you after school", or "I need some input and I hope you can help me".
Part 2 of 5: Talking to Your Teacher
Step 1. Now, approach your teacher and discuss what concerns you
Maintain a kind, respectful, and courteous attitude towards your teachers, so they will take you more seriously. Don't blame your teacher. (However, don't be a sycophant, even if your situation is urgent. The licking can seem too obvious and can be annoying.)
- Your teacher will admire your asking for help and input, but make sure you ask for guidance, not for direct answers.
- Use polite language, not accusatory. "I want to know more clearly why the grades I get are not in line with my expectations, can you help me pinpoint where I went wrong?".
- Don't say "Why do you always make me fail?". Show that you are responsible, by saying things like "I didn't pass, and I'd like to fix it with your teacher's help."
Step 2. Ask for practical input
Show your commitment by explaining that you've thought of something that could help you increase your value and asking for tips on how to put your idea into action. By doing this, you are showing that you are willing to work hard and that you understand that your teacher's knowledge and abilities can help you.
- If you've been using a study schedule, show it to your teacher.
- Your teacher will see your strengths and weaknesses, so just ask "What do you think I should focus more on?"
Step 3. Talk to the teacher before you fail
If you're having trouble in a class, don't wait until the exam period. It's better to approach your teacher and ask him or her to discuss your assignments well in advance of exam time. If you can identify and spot your difficulties early, you can avoid bad grades.
You will appear proactive, attentive and interested in your task
Step 4. Give context to your school problem
If you only see your teacher once a week, they won't really know you outside of class and won't know what situations are making it difficult for you to keep up with lessons. Don't be afraid to discuss this with your teacher. Don't run away from all responsibility, but explain everything to your teacher so they can understand what happened.
- It's possible that your teacher will be willing to understand your reasoning and help you fix it.
- If you have problems in your family, it is better to talk to a counseling teacher (if you have one). However, if you have a teacher you trust and can relate to well, this teacher can be the best choice.
Part 3 of 5: Talking About Bad Exam Results
Step 1. Approach your teacher before grades are distributed
If you feel fine during class but have trouble doing your exams, don't wait until your report card or results are shared. Waiting for your score to come out indicates a lack of initiative. Therefore, if you realize that you are not doing well, especially if you have good reasons for doing so, you should say so immediately. In addition, sometimes semester grades cannot be changed after being entered into the system. (This also applies to assignments from the previous semester/quarter.)
If you face this situation, try to increase your score in the next period. Ask for additional assignments so you can improve your grade point average
Step 2. Understand the current rating system
If you want to have a discussion with your teacher and ask for an explanation of your grades, you need to understand the system you are using, how it affects your grades, and the limitations imposed. Does the system use a value curve? Is your class a special class? Knowing these things can help you understand the process of grading your assignment.
Step 3. Remember the type of exam
You can more clearly and directly ask your score if the test has an objectively right or wrong answer. Open-ended essay exams based on interpretation can be more difficult to discuss. In such cases, you must remember that the judging party is not a computer, so subjectivity plays a role in the judgment.
Regarding essay questions, you can ask your teacher to review your answers with you. Reading along with your essay will allow you to understand more clearly how you have been graded
Step 4. Show reasons why you deserve a better grade
Whether you're always trying in class or because you're having a problem, you need a good reason to work on it. Don't try to quietly ask for the value on the spot. Whatever you think, your teacher is not that stupid. If you have a personal problem that is affecting your grades, don't hesitate to discuss it with your teacher.
Step 5. Get your argument out
Speak calmly and professionally what you think about your values. Present the results of exams and other assignments to demonstrate your abilities and provide reasonable solutions. Be reassuring and confident, but don't act like you know better than your teacher.
- Look for the right task to be an example. If you can show that your bad grade was a mistake and shouldn't affect your overall grade, chances are your grade will be replaced.
- If your problem is a coworker who is difficult to rely on in a group work, don't blame the colleague completely, because you will come across as a bad partner. Say that if you have helped him with the task but you will not be able to do your job well, and it is unfair for people to get bad grades for the work of others.
Part 4 of 5: Finding Solutions and Getting Extra Value
Step 1. Find a reasonable solution
This depends on your situation. For example, if you get a bad grade on an assignment, ask to rework it for only half the grade. However, if you get a C- in class and want to upgrade to an A- just by doing a few assignments, your teacher will definitely refuse. Instead, offer to your teacher for you to work on many extra work to show that you are passionate about improving grades. You may not get an A right away, but at least this will help.
Step 2. Perform tasks to a high standard
Don't just do assignments, but underline important parts and write them neatly too, and make sure that everything is legible and doesn't appear to be done just to get grades. This way you can add a few points, as many teachers count neatness as part of their grades. If you are making a report, it is better to provide a cover to show your seriousness towards your final project.
Try to imagine the task of someone whose writing is difficult to read, think about how much extra time must be spent
Step 3. Be proactive and look for added value
Sometimes opportunities for added value are not readily apparent, so it's important to seek them out and be prepared. Teachers will admire students who are willing to do more. Not only is it added value, you can also make a lasting good impression on your teacher.
Step 4. Keep your expectations reasonable
If any of the above doesn't seem to work for your teacher, don't try. You will actually run into problems because of it. Follow the ways you like and ignore the ones you don't like. It is you who know your teachers well, and, believe it or not, they know you too.
While the added value is helpful, it doesn't mean your mistakes are erased. Additional marks are used to help students who are trying to improve their previous grades. It is unlikely that the teacher gave enough marks to change the F to an A
Part 5 of 5: Practice Constantly
Step 1. Practice everything
If you can practice over and over what you and your teacher have discussed then there is a good chance that your grades will improve, stay good, and even continue to rise. While practicing, stay well-behaved in class, actively participate in discussions, don't interrupt people, and don't be alone in chatting with your friends. Teachers will prefer students who work hard and try to get good grades over those who put in less effort.
Step 2. Study outside of class
Keep up the hard work and maintain an organized and enthusiastic attitude by studying outside of class hours. If you can study outside of class and show enthusiasm and interest in a subject, you will stand out from the rest of the students. By reading more related topics, you will contribute more to the class and your teacher will have a very positive impression of you.
Step 3. Manage your time and yourself
Poor grades are usually the result of rushed work, last-minute work, or work done irregularly. To increase your grades, it's a good idea to make sure that you avoid such disturbing things as much as possible. Manage your time and plan your work schedule as early as possible. That way, if you're stuck on a topic, you'll have more opportunity to work on it and get some input before the test.
Teachers will be happy to see their students' grades and abilities improve. Your teacher will be happy to see your grades improve if you continue to practice the things you have discussed together
Tips
- Assignments in the form of projects usually have large points and can be a bridge from B- to A+ grades. Doing project tasks very well can further meet your requirements.
- If you are afraid to talk to your teacher, invite a friend to accompany you.
- Sometimes you are forced to accept an A- instead of an A+. Have you tried hard but still get a B-? Remember, it's your best effort that matters, not the end result.
Warning
- If you wait until the very last moment to increase your score, chances are you will fail. However, you can always ask your teacher to give you assignments for extra grading.
- Be careful if you blame your coworkers for poor grades in group work. If he finds out, you'll be in new trouble.
- Don't bother your teacher until he gets angry. If it doesn't work, you'll have to accept your grades in resignation.
- If your grades are already good (example: A's instead of A+), your teacher may be hesitant to raise them.
- Think about whether you really need to increase your grades or not. Have you really tried hard? Do you cheat or look at your cell phone? Think about these things first.
