As a student, you’ll likely encounter a topic, concept or entire course that feels entirely out of your grasp. That’s natural. Every learner has a unique set of skills and proficiencies that they bring to the classroom, and it may not always align with the course material.
But what should a student do in those instances? What steps can you take when you feel like you’ve hit a giant brick wall? In this post, explore strategies for dealing with so-called “impenetrable” courses – whether they’re complex math equations or lofty English texts.
Consider a Self-Paced Education
To start, consider whether your educational setting is serving your needs. Most students still conform to a brick-and-mortar, instructor-led, synchronous education, despite several experts arguing that this traditional model doesn’t suit every student.
Instead, consider a self-paced, online education. Quality online schools will offer the same credentialed courses as their brick-and-mortar counterparts – including challenging classes like MHF4U Advanced Functions and English 12 – only with a flexible, self-paced model.
Students can work as slowly as they need to through these courses, enabling them to digest tough concepts without feeling like they’re competing against a classroom of other students.
Use Your Immediate Network: Instructor, Peers and Family
You may not realize it, but you’re surrounded by people willing to help. Naturally, your instructor should be your first point of contact: the individual you talk to when something at school just isn’t clicking. But you can pick up help just about anywhere.
In the following two sections, we discuss the merits of tutoring and online research. However, in this section, let’s focus on two closer-to-home strategies: your peers and family. Peer study groups can be a fantastic way of parsing out challenging academic topics because you get to work through problems with students in a similar boat.
Together, you can trade insights and compare solutions. Your family members may also prove helpful – siblings or parents who have gone through similar classes can guide you toward understanding.
Make Use of Online Tutoring
Sometimes, instructors, peers and family members simply can’t give you the amount of attention you require to succeed in a class. In these cases, consider tutoring.
Here’s another bid for quality online schools: they typically offer free 24/7 tutoring, accessible through an online portal on the school’s website. If you aren’t planning on attending an online school for your challenging courses, you can find tutors online through various local and international channels.
Research Simplified Video Tutorials to Get the Ball Rolling
Aside from soliciting help, consider striking off on your own – doing your own research into the topic(s). As everyone knows, the internet is awash in resources. On YouTube alone, you can find whole channels solely dedicated to simplifying calculus problems or close-reading Shakespeare. Depending on your learning style, these videos can be the perfect place to seek answers and clarification.
Next time you’re struggling in a high school class, knocking your head against a desk in frustration, consider the straightforward strategies above. Rethink your educational setting, solicit help, and strike off on your own research journey.
