IDENTIFYING ISSUES THAT AFFECT YOUR PERFORMANCE

Someone once said: "Knowing is half the battle." Do you know what caused your academic difficulties in the most recent quarter? Put some serious thought into this, taking a break and coming back to the worksheet if you need more time. 

In section 4a of your worksheet, list the factors that have affected your performance, then consider which of those factors are within your control.  As you consider the changes you’ll need to make in future quarters, it’s important to focus most on the things you are in control of, but to also remain aware of external factors that affect your grades.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you consider the reasons for your being on probation:

  • Do you have trouble with math, but you feel that you must get that Biology / Engineering / Economics degree?
  • Are you in a major that your parents chose for you (but that you don't like) or that you chose for what may be the wrong reasons?
  • Have you considered your long-term academic goals and how what you’re learning in your classes relates to those goals?
  • Do you spend too much time on social media, play too many video games, or watch too much TV?
  • Are you giving yourself the things you need (enough sleep, a healthy diet, adequate study time, etc.) to work to your potential?
  • Are you having trouble adjusting to the quarter system and/or university life?
  • Are you easily distracted when doing homework and/or taking tests?
  • What could you have done differently last quarter that would have resulted in higher grades?

When you've identified the factors that affected your performance and recorded them in section 4a, let’s move forward to consider what changes you’ll need to make to improve your grades next quarter.

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