Study Skills - Supporting your Learning
ASKING FOR HELP
Powerful learners have a number of things in common and one of the most important things is their ability to seek help when they need it. If you are struggling in any aspect of your life, the best thing you can do is to reach out and ask for assistance. The worst thing you can do is to do nothing or pretend the issue doesn’t exist. For example, if there have been aspects of your learning this year that you have found difficult, or have fallen behind in, this last term of school before the end of the year is the perfect time to reach out for help.
Feeling overwhelmed?
SUBJECT SPECIFIC ISSUES
If you are finding a particular subject difficult, or have fallen behind, the first person you should speak to is your teacher. Firstly, ask questions in class as problems arise. If you find you have too many questions, then ask your teacher if you can make a time to discuss the issues you are having outside of class time. Teachers are happy to help students who are keen to improve. Other places you might be able to find subject-specific help are books or extra textbooks in the school or local library, your fellow classmates, students in older years, other teachers at the school, family members, or family friends.
LEARNING ISSUES
If you aren’t having trouble with a specific subject, but are finding learning for school generally difficult, the first people to talk to are your parents. You might like to write down your feelings or what you are experiencing so you can explain things to them clearly. Your parents can then help you decide what steps to take next. It is probably a good idea for them to talk to your teachers first to get their perspectives. They might make an appointment with your Year Coordinator so you can all talk through the issues you are experiencing. The school also has learning support staff who can help you work out what your issues are. ASAP is a great way to get on top of problematic or outstanding work with an expert and helpful support system.