Tag Archive for: Academic

Rachel Hodis
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Study Skills Students Should Strengthen Before College

Study skills to strengthen before college.

The transition from high school to college is exciting, but it also comes with a major shift in expectations. College courses move faster, require more independence, and place more responsibility on students to manage their own learning. Developing strong study skills before arriving on campus can make a meaningful difference in how students feel and perform.

Build a System, Not Just a Schedule

Many students rely on last-minute studying in high school, but that approach rarely works in college. Instead, students should focus on building consistent study systems, regular review blocks, and clear routines that don’t depend on motivation alone.

As emphasized in previous articles, systems are what allow students to stay on track even during busy or stressful weeks. As an example, your system for a class might look like:

  • Taking notes in class, then reviewing them later that day or night
  • Attending the professor’s office hours every week
  • Spending 1 hour each week reviewing material and completing practice problems

Practice Active Learning Techniques

One of the most important shifts is moving from passive to active learning. Instead of rereading notes, students should test themselves, explain concepts out loud, and apply what they’ve learned. Techniques like active reading—where students question, predict, and connect ideas—lead to deeper understanding and better retention.

Strengthen Time Awareness and Planning

College students often have fewer structured hours in class but more independent work. Learning how to map out assignments, anticipate deadlines, and break work into manageable pieces is essential. Efficiently managing time will help reduce stress and avoid last-minute pressure.

Develop Academic Confidence Early

Students who feel prepared are more likely to participate in class, ask questions, and seek help when needed. Tutoring can play a key role in building that confidence by reinforcing both skills and mindset.

For students who want structured support, our tutoring services provide personalized guidance tailored to each learner’s needs. You can also explore more strategies in previous articles, like this one about consistency over intensity in academics, and this one about how tutoring helps strengthen essential academic skills.

Building strong study skills now sets the foundation for long-term success. Call us at (626) 227-1149 or submit a contact form on our website to learn how we can help students prepare for college-level academics.

 

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Rachel Hodis
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How to Tell If Your Child Is Falling Behind Academically

How to tell if your child is falling behind academically

Every child learns at their own pace, but sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between normal academic challenges and signs that your child may be falling behind. In many cases, the signs are subtle and easy to overlook.

Here’s what to watch for if you’re concerned your child may be struggling academically.

1. Sudden Changes in Attitude Toward School

A shift in how your child feels about school is often one of the first warning signs. If a child who once enjoyed learning becomes anxious, frustrated, or resistant, it may be tied to academic difficulty. You might notice:

  • Avoiding homework or putting it off until the last minute
  • Complaints of stomachaches or headaches before school
  • Negative self-talk like “I’m bad at this” or “I’ll never get it”

2. Difficulty Keeping Up With Homework

When children fall behind, homework can start to feel overwhelming. Assignments may take much longer than expected or require constant help. Look for:

  • Confusion about instructions that seem age-appropriate
  • Needing repeated explanations for the same concepts
  • Missing assignments or frequently forgetting materials

3. Declining or Inconsistent Grades

Grades aren’t the only indicator of learning, but changes in performance can offer important clues. Pay attention if:

  • Grades steadily decline over time
  • Test scores don’t match classroom participation or effort
  • Your child excels in some subjects but struggles significantly in others

4. Trouble With Foundational Skills

Academic struggles often stem from gaps in core areas like reading, writing, or math. Common signs include:

  • Difficulty reading fluently or understanding what they’ve read
  • Avoiding writing or producing very short, underdeveloped responses
  • Trouble recalling math facts or following multi-step problems

5. Teacher Feedback That Signals Concern

Teachers have valuable insight from working with many students at the same grade level. If concerns come up in conferences or emails, they’re worth taking seriously. Take note if you see comments such as:

  • “They’re not quite where they should be yet”
  • “They’re having trouble keeping up with the pace”
  • “Some extra support could really help”

These are often gentle indicators that your child may benefit from additional academic reinforcement.

6. Decreased Confidence or Fear of Making Mistakes

Children who are falling behind often internalize their struggles. A noticeable drop in confidence can be both a sign of academic difficulty and a barrier to improvement. It may look like:

  • Reluctance to participate in class
  • Giving up quickly when work feels challenging
  • Comparing themselves negatively to peers

How Tutoring Can Help

Tutoring can be an effective way to support students who are struggling academically, especially when challenges are caught early. One-on-one tutoring allows instruction to be tailored to a child’s specific needs, learning style, and pace.

A tutor can identify gaps in understanding, reinforce foundational skills, and help students build strategies for tackling challenging material.

Just as importantly, tutoring provides a supportive environment where students can ask questions freely, make mistakes, and rebuild confidence without pressure.

Taking the Next Step

Early intervention can make a significant difference in both academic progress and self-esteem.

If you’re concerned your child may be falling behind, tutoring can provide the personalized support they need to get back on track.

Call us at (626) 227-1149 or submit a contact form today to learn more about our tutoring programs and how we can support your child’s academic growth.

 

 

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