How to Get Good Grades - Step 2 - Be Organized!

If you're organized, you have what you need, when you need it. This article will give you several ideas on how to get organized. You, of course, must determine what's going to work best for you.

Use an Assignment Notebook, Student Planner, or Agenda

Take an assignment notebook, planner, or agenda with you to every class. When you're given an assignment, write it down under the date it's due. For example, if today is January 11 and your history teacher assigns pages 60-65 for tomorrow, write this assignment on the January 12 page. When you've completed an assignment, check it off.

When you're given a large assignment down into your notebook, planner, or agenda to break the assignment down into smaller parts. For example, if you have an English paper due at the end of the week, you could break the assignment down into smaller parts by giving yourself the following four assignments:

Jan. 10: Get resources at library
Jan. 11: Do outline
Jan. 12: Write rough draft
Jan. 13: Write final draft

Use Three-Ring Notebooks for Class Notes

Three-ring notebooks work well because you can easily insert handouts, and if you miss a class, you can copy someone else's notes and insert them where they belong. Buy a 3-hole punch and put it in your notebook. You'll be able to punch your handouts right there in class, and immediately put them in your notebook along with your notes for the day.

Use Folders for Schoolwork

Use a different color pocket folder for each class. In these folders, keep your current assignments, along with returned assignments, quizzes, and tests. When a folder starts to get full, take the returned papers out and put them in a safe place at home.

Old tests and quizzes can help you study for future tests, and they may come in handy if there's ever a question about your grade. If each of your folders, keep a record of your test, quiz, and homework grades for that class. Keeping a record of your grades will eliminate surprises at report card time.

Have Phone Numbers for Classmates

Make sure that you have a phone number for at least one person in each class. You'll then have someone to call if you have a question about an assignment, and if you're absent, you'll have someone to call to find out what you've missed.

Get Organized Before You Go To Bed

Put completed homework in the appropriate folders, and put everything you need for the next day in the same place each night. If there's something you need to remember to do in the morning, leave yourself a note so that you don't forget it.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son Jesus Christ that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."