I often struggle to retain what I learn in school. While I’m able to complete tasks during class, once I get home and need to apply that knowledge to assignments, it’s as if the lesson never happened. My brain seems to function best when I’m being taught actively. How can I improve my memory? It’s frustrating to admit that I don’t understand the topic well enough to tackle the homework.
I’m back in mainstream school. I’m 14, trans, and autistic, currently in Year 9 in England. I’ve had to step away from mainstream due to bullying and challenges with my studies. For the past two terms (12 weeks), I was in a support group called Jumpstart. However, I was recently removed from it and now […]
College and GPA Discussion I’m currently a freshman, and my GPA isn’t looking great—it’s a weighted 4.0, with an unweighted around 3.6. I realize I still have time to improve, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. I aspire to pursue engineering in college, and I believe my extracurricular activities are strong. I’ve logged […]
I’m seeking some advice. I’m a grade 11 student and I’ve unfortunately failed 5 credits. Over the past two weeks, I haven’t attended school at all. I’m really struggling with my attendance; I dread going. Last semester, I missed a month but still managed to pass, yet school makes me feel terrible. My mental health […]
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed when it seems like you’re not retaining information from school. Many students struggle with this, so you’re not alone. Here are some strategies that might help you improve your memory and understanding:
Active Engagement: Try to actively engage with the material as you’re learning. Take notes, ask questions, or discuss topics with classmates. The more involved you are, the more likely you are to remember.
Review Regularly: After class, take some time to review your notes and summarize what you’ve learned. This can help reinforce the information in your mind.
Practice Retrieval: Test yourself on the material you’ve recently learned instead of just passively rereading notes. This could be through flashcards or practice quizzing with friends.
Create Connections: Try to relate new information to things you already know. Creating connections can make it easier for your brain to store and recall information.
Use Different Learning Methods: Experiment with different study methods like visual aids, group study sessions, or teaching the material to someone else. Different approaches might resonate better with how you learn.
Stay Organized: Keep your notes and study materials well-organized, so it’s easier to refer back to them when you need to do assignments.
Practice Mindfulness: Sometimes anxiety about remembering can hinder your ability to learn. Techniques like mindfulness or meditation can help calm your mind and improve focus.
Talk to Your Teachers: If you’re consistently struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers. They can offer additional support or resources that might help.
Remember, it’s a process, and it’s okay to not understand everything immediately. With time and the right strategies, you can improve your retention and confidence!