Failing Classes – Inability? Circumstances? Laziness?
By CollegeAdvisor on 05-13-2008
Failing a class is never fun and it certainly damages one’s grade point average. It’s also hard on the ego.
It’s important to assess why you failed the class, then take steps to avoid a repeat of the problem. Here are some reasons that students have failed classes with suggestions for improving the situation.
Class was too hard: If the class is required, the student can arrange for tutoring when they retake the class. If the class is not required, the students needs to talk to an academic counselor to learn the consequences of never re-taking the class.
Couldn’t make it to class: People sometimes miss early morning classes if they have partied too much or have a hard time waking up. They need to avoid scheduling early morning classes. Others get sick and miss class. They should talk to their professors on how to get back on track. Sometimes personal issues intervene and again professors should be consulted on how to get up to date. Sometimes employers scheduled work the same time as class. If the employer won’t respect a school schedule, the student needs to look for a new employer.
Didn’t do the class work: Sometimes the reason is overload—the student is overscheduled with classes and work. Next term’s schedule needs to be lighter. Some students spend too much time socializing and don’t get the work done. Next term they need to join study groups or otherwise set aside time to do work.
Got depressed: In terms of self-development, college students are busy creating their own sense of identity. The loss of a romantic interest, the criticism of a parent, being bullied or mistreated are all potential causes of falling into a depressive or even manic state. Any type can get depressed, although each type will experience the depression differently. Guardians will see things as dark and hopeless and feel overwhelmed. Artisans will see life as blah and unexciting and experience lack of energy; sometimes they will lash out in anger. Idealists will become fearful of the future and either have paralyzing fantasies or act out frenetically in a negative way. Rationals will become obsessed with thoughts of incompetence and get caught in logic loops and/or engage in repetitive actions. Students experiencing these symptoms need to see a college counselor and tell them about their thoughts, their feelings, and their actions.
The sooner the person gets help, the better. Colleges have counselors just because they realize that students may need temporary assistance. Situations that might be handled more easily in a normal day-to-day environment can loom much larger in the pressure-filled college environment. If you or anyone you know is hurting, be sure to take advantage of counseling. Getting help now can prevent a lot of life-long grief.
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Posted by rational on May 15, 2008
Sorry: where I wrote "to pass those classes", I meant "to approve those classes". |
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Posted by Valhall51 on May 21, 2008
I also dropped a class at the halfway point as I felt overwhelmed by the instructor. I also felt that I was not prepared for the workload it was turning into. I didn't expect that class to be that difficult. If I couldn't put together a short paper that would satisfy the instructor, the thought of a research paper just terrified me. Now I find myself at a crossroads--the course I dropped is required for any degree or certificate at my school. So, before I go much further into my studies I will need to take (and pass) this class, on top of a demanding job and my struggles with single parenthood and widowhood. |
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Posted by CollegeAdvisor on May 21, 2008
Valhall -- my condolences. You've got a tough situation. Is there only one instructor? If so, maybe you could meet with (or e-mail) him or her before signing up for the class. Ask what you can do before the class begins to better prepare yourself for it. Part of your problem last time is that you were not prepared, something that is very difficult for Guardians. This time you could approach with more realistic expectations. If you spend time getting ready for the class according to what the instructor suggests, you are likely to find that the class is not nearly as bad as you thought it would be (although still tough, I'm sure). |
I would add another reason: subject of class wasn´t interesting. I´ve been close to fail at least 2 classes for this reason. Which prevented me from failing those classes was the fact that I had no interest in taking those classes again (they were obligatory so I didn´t had choice. If those classes were optional I would had quited from those as soon as the opportunity had presented itself), and this motivated me to pass those classes.