Academic Success: Tips for Teenagers PDF Print Email
by Thomas Allison -- Ft. Lauderdale, Florida  -  Tuesday, 02 September 2008
Ministries >> Teens
For most teens, our job right now is high school or middle school. God has given us school as our “work” at this stage of our lives. With 2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 in mind, God commands us to take the work he has given us very seriously.

 

 

 

2 Thessalonians 3:11-13

11We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
 
Thomas Allison, a youth worker, practices law as an attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. On his way to becoming a lawyer, he has experienced his share of ups and downs, victories and defeats as a student in high school and college. Thomas shares practical ways to help teens experience academic success and excel at “the work” God has given them in school.
 
  1. Get enough sleep. With your parents help, figure out the best time to consistently get to bed each week night. A lack of sleep often will produce a tired body and mind the following day in the classroom.
 
  1. Meet your teachers very early in the school year. Although this is not the popular thing to do and you may be called a “teacher’s pet”, this strategy will make a difference. Do not wait until you are in trouble or need a favor – meet your teacher now! A good relationship with your teacher could make the difference between a “C” and a “B”.
 
  1. Take detailed notes. For most students, taking detailed notes helps them be a more engaged, active listener. This principle applies to classroom lectures (and of course, during church sermons). Note-taking helps us focus and process information.
 
  1. Keep track of your deadlines. School provides excellent practice for keeping your deadlines in your future profession. If you miss a deadline at school, your grade suffers. If miss a deadline in your profession, the company suffers and you may lose your job. Seek help in finding an organization system that best helps you plan ahead and keep track of your deadlines for projects, tests, etc.
 
  1. Know why you are in school.
 
    1. Bring glory to God. If you are a Christian, you are representing God in your classroom. As the Scripture above indicates, God expects us to bring him glory in our “work”.
    2. Develop a direction. One of the primary purposes of school is to help us discover our talents and interests. Specific classes help point us toward our future professions in the working world.
    3. Keep your options open. Give every subject your best shot. If you quit on a class or multiple classes, you may be closing a door of opportunity in that subject area. (Example: If a student decides to tune-out in classes such as biology or chemistry, that student may be ruling out a career in the medical field.)
Last Updated:   Tuesday, 02 September 2008
 
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