Q&A for How to Stay Motivated in School

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What can I do to stay occupied in school?

Laura Reber, SSP
School Psychologist
Laura Reber is a school psychologist and founder of Progress Parade, an organization that provides 1:1 online tutoring with hand-picked specialists to students with academic needs, ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, and social-emotional challenges. Laura works with a team of school psychologists and specialized teachers to create personalized approaches for homework support, academic intervention, homeschooling, unschooling, and more. Laura holds a BS in Psychology from Truman State University and a Specialist in School Psychology degree (SSP) from Illinois State University.

Laura Reber, SSP

School Psychologist

Expert Answer

One easy solution is to ask your teacher if you can stand up for a little bit. Sitting for an extended period of time can be difficult if you have ADHD, so standing may be a bit easier for you. Your teacher shouldn't have a problem with it if you aren't bothering anyone. Another option is to get a fidget toy and play with it under your desk.

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Question

How do I enjoy studying?

Sean Alexander, MS
Academic Tutor
Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University.

Sean Alexander, MS

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

Think about what you are passionate about. Aside from your classes, what do you love? Let's say you love history but don't like math. In terms of history, where do you think humans would be if they never figured out math? Try to see how your classes are relevant to what you find interesting.

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Question

Is it better to study the night before or the morning of school?

Community Answer

It's better to study the night before, as it will help you sleep better if your brain knows that it has already tackled all that it needs to do. Just go back through your notes really quickly in the morning before the test.

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How do I find time to do my school work when I'm tired and have no desire to do it?

Community Answer

Go to sleep, set an alarm for an earlier time and do it then. Take short breaks every 30 to 60 minutes when you do study, and reward yourself at the end of it with a snack or a game.

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Question

When is the best time to study?

Community Answer

It's different for everybody, but if you can, it's always a good idea to get your studying done as soon as you get home from school. You definitely don't want to stay up late studying, as you'll have trouble retaining the information if you're tired. Make sure you start studying for tests well ahead of time so you're not cramming at the last minute.

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How do I stay motivated in school if I have trouble remembering things?

Community Answer

It might help to make a song out of things, or write everything down and then copy it into another book. Do what you can to make studying entertaining.

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Question

How do I stay motivated in school when all my friends are going to leave me, homework makes me cry and none of my required classes have anything to do with what I want in life?

Community Answer

Map out a schedule for what you are going to do first, whatever you think is the most important. Then just take a second to breathe, and try to forget everything. Try to count to 10, but only focus on the numbers. Then start with that first assignment. Remember that required classes are like building blocks for your future. If nothing else, they can help you develop good critical thinking and study skills that you can use in any field.

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Question

How do I motivate myself to go to school every day if I really don't like going?

Community Answer

Think about your future goals. I'm sure you have some sort of career in mind for yourself, and it almost certainly requires graduating high school, if not college. By going to school now and working hard, you'll be setting yourself up for success later on.

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What do I do if I feel scared when speaking in class?

Community Answer

No one can make fun of you. You are participating in class and trying to learn. Chances are that you are not the only one who could get an answer wrong! Have confidence!

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Question

I have ADD and depression. What are some ideas on how I can stay motivated?

Community Answer

Everyone struggles in a different way, to stay motivated. You could listen to motivational music, talk to friends, and just even talk to a trusted adult about how you feel.

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Question

I do online school and I’ve been failing most of my assignments lately. How do I stay motivated to keep trying?

Community Answer

If you need help from a teacher, don't be afraid to ask the teacher for help, as most teachers have office hours during which you can attend in order to ask questions on how to complete assignments.

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Question

What if I try my best, trying to study the best way possible, but I still get a bad grade? My parents are very judgmental about my grades. I always feel so overwhelmed and pressured.

Vera Eckerlein

Community Answer

If you feel that way, you can talk to them about it. Tell them that they are too hard on you sometimes. Meanwhile, make little steps of improvement in class, or ask a therapist or a teacher to give you tips on how to calm down and not stress so much.

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