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Ask Deanie
|
Archives Deanie Kepler's previously published columns | SMU Parent Liaison Deanie Kepler offers advice on helping your student. |
 |
My Child’s Struggling With Grades
All of the things students may be feeling now are very normal. A myriad of emotions comes with the transition to college. Your student may be worried that the transition to college has been more difficult than anticipated and that they have fallen behind. Their writing may not yet be the quality their professors are looking for. They do not understand what the professor is talking about in class. They are working so many hours outside of class that it is cutting into their study time.
For all of these questions and concerns, I recommend four things:
1) Be sure your student knows they have your support and that you are there for them through thick and thin!
2) Don’t ask what you, as a parent, needs to be doing. Ask your student what they, themselves, are doing about the situation. (Hint: Going to see their professor, regardless of the kind of problems they are having, is #1).
3) Remind them about the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center. Free tutoring sessions, workshops, the writing center and one-on-one academic counseling can be accessed at www.smu.edu/alec or by calling 214-768-3648. Some of the topics for fall workshops include:
- Textbook Study/Reading
- Taking Notes
- Preparing for Tests
- Essay Exams, Multiple Choice Tests and Test Anxiety
Another one – GPA 101: SMU Survival Skills – discusses bad results on first tests and how to turn things around. It can be arranged as a one-on-one session if needed.
4) Tell your student not to give up. It is not
too late to make adjustments that can affect their classroom
performance in a positive way.
If your student seems unusually stressed-out, the newly opened Dedman
Center for Lifetime Sports is a great place to release some of that
tension. Counselors at the Counseling and Testing Center are available
if your student wants to talk to someone.
They have a very good Web site – even a site for parents – at
www.smu.edu/counseling.
Stress and anxiety often come with change, and going to college is a
big change.
Good luck,
Deanie
Question for Deanie? Ask Deanie at gkepler@smu.edu or 214-768-4797.
