Whether a student is trying to get ahead or repeating a class, summer school comes with a unique set of challenges. From subject matter to time management, students and parents need to consider what options are available to them in order to get the most out of a summer curriculum. Luckily, there are many resources to help students succeed, and the experts at Tutor.com, the leader in on-demand tutoring available virtually anywhere, have compiled their tips for succeeding in summer school.
Are summer classes the right choice? Taking courses over the summer is a great way to get ahead (or catch up) in school, but may not be the best option for every student. Take a look at the big picture – how will taking summer class affect your curriculum in one semester from now? One year? Four years? Is it worth the additional cost? Even some public schools charge summer tuition. Some students may be required to take a class again to ensure they are ready for the next school year. For those looking to get ahead, take a look at your academic goals and see which subject will benefit you most in the long run.
Choosing a subject: Students choose to tackle classes over the summer for a variety of reasons – to quickly accomplish a general education requirement, stay pace with classmates also enrolled, or because the student simply doesn’t care for or struggles with the subject matter. While checking off easier classes or electives (like PE!) is a great way to devote more time to challenging subjects during the normal school year, taking a subject during the summer just to “get it out of the way” could end up presenting more challenges down the road. Is the subject too difficult to learn quickly? Is it a prerequisite that sets the groundwork for more advanced required classes? If the topic is especially challenging for the student, it could be more beneficial to take during the regular school year to ensure a more in-depth understanding.
Time management: The average semester in a regular school year is almost five months long, but the average length of a summer school class is only three weeks. Although the total hours spent in class are close, the condensed nature of summer classes means time management is more crucial than ever – there is no room for procrastination. Set up a homework and study schedule that is realistic. Avoid cramming for exams or waiting until the last minute to start a project. Of course, these are poor study habits even during the normal year, but the repercussions will be that much more damaging during a shorter course.
Enjoying Vacation: Even summer school has its breaks, like the Fourth of July, and some families still choose to take weekend trips, especially if the student’s siblings are not enrolled in summer courses. Staying on top of schoolwork while traveling is easy with Tutor.com, the leader in on-demand, on-line tutoring available 24/7. Accessible via laptop, tablet or mobile app, Tutor.com’s team of seasoned education professionals are there when you need them, and cover more than 40 subjects for grades four and up. And it works: Ninety percent of students that have used Tutor.com report better grades, higher confidence and increased homework completion.
Staying positive: It’s easy for a student to feel discouraged when enrolled in summer school – after all, this is supposed to be a break! Parents can help encourage their kids by making homework time fun and offering weekend incentives (like a baseball game outing or Saturday night concert) to keep the summer special.
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