How to Talk to a Teacher About a Bad Grade TKG

How to Talk to a Teacher About a Bad Grade We’ve all been there. And let us be the first to tell you: it’s going to be okay. But most of the time, poor grades on your transcript are avoidable. It’s not like you get As on all of your papers and then all of a sudden get a C in the class because the teacher feels like it. Course grades are a cumulative reflection on how you did over a period of time, and oftentimes, students don’t react as quickly as they should to warning signs like Bs or Cs on papers or tests before the final grades are submitted.  We actually see these moments as opportunities for improvement and connection; improvement in your work accuracy and connection with your teacher. The key is to act quickly and seek help upon receiving a poor grade on any assignment so that it doesn’t impact your overall grade in the course.    The ultimate goal is to set a meeting with your teacher to determine next steps and ensure that this one bad grade doesn’t turn into a pattern. This not only shows that you care a bout your grade, but it shows that you’re willing to spend your free time and go above and beyond to understand what the teacher is looking for and how to improve. That counts for a lot. Think about it: if you have an 89.3 average and your teacher is debating whether or not to round up to a 90 (A-), or round down to 89 (B+), and you’ve been coming in once-a-week for self-guided tutoring? They’re getting that A-.  Here are the five steps you need to complete to ensure that one C on a paper or test doesn’t spiral into a bruise on your transcript:  Collect your thoughts (and take a deep breath)Okay. Here we are. You get your assignment back, along with everyone else, and you flip it over. It’s not good. You either quickly shove it in your folder or begin to get a bit panicky. Or, if you’re like us, both. Firstly, try to take a deep breath and do your best to table the issue until you get home after school. It’s okay to take the day to just get through it, complete all of your meetings and obligations, and to do so excellently. Don’t let it turn into a shame spiral, but don’t forget about it. We’re just tabling it.    Gather your data  When you get home, retrieve the dreaded test or paper and carefully review the comments and feedback alone. Notice where you went wrong and where the points of contention were. And then read it over again with a blank sheet of paper next to you to write down themes.  If it’s a test, are there concepts that seem to be missing or confusing for you across the board? Like, did you get all three questions about the cell structure wrong? That likely means that you’re missing a chunk of the curriculum and need specific clarification. This is particularly important to pay attention to in math classes, because they’re cumulative. Or were your errors more scattered and less consistent than that?  It’s also important to think about how you approached completing the assignment. If it’s a test, do you have one way o f studying? What is it? That’s helpful to share with your teacher. And if it’s a paper, were the expectations clear? Was there a rubric? Take notes on any and all themes that you’re noticing. And, questions. Write down any and all questions that are unclear to you. The more data you have, the better, in terms of feedback, questions, and areas for improvement. And if you truly don’t know what went wrong, that’s okay. That can be the guiding question that you bring to the table. But do your research.  Reaching outEmail your teacher or speak to them in-person the next day once you’ve gotten some sleep and armed yourself with data. Keep it brief and plan to offer some times you might have available within the first 48 hours of receiving the grade. The email can go something like this:  Dear Mr. Math,I hope you’re well. I was truly disappointed to receive my recent grade and would very much like to schedule a time to review it with you. I have free periods on Tuesdays at 11 am and am free during lunch. Please let me know the soonest you might be available.  Thank you,Student  An in-person conversation might go something like this:  â€œHi Mr. Math. How are you? I’d love to find a time to come in and sit down with you to review my recent test grade. When might work for you today or tomorrow?”Preparing for the conversationAlright, it’s on the calendar. Prepare for this conversation by reviewing your data. Be prepared to review themes and questions with your teacher. Your goals are to:Diagnose the problemThe themes! Discuss them with your teacher and ask them if they agree or disagree.Gain clarificationThe questions! Ask them and take notes.Create next stepsThe solution! Will you come in for tutoring? Can you do an extra-credit assignment to improve your grade on this assignment? What are the concrete next steps that you can put in place to address this issue? Your teacher will help you come up with a plan.Following Up  It’s all about execution and holding yourself accountable. Regardless of what you decided, it’s crucial that you follow-through. So be realistic about your time commitments to one-on-one meetings and deadlines moving forward. The clearer you are about your desire to improve and the tangible steps that you can take to turn your grade around, the better the outcome will be.  Let us know if you have any questions. Getting a bad grade can be tough, but the worst thing you can do is to sweep it under the rug and hope that it’ll go away. We can help.