By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. We all know that tests can be hard. Obviously. But for many students, the real reason school feels hard isn’t the work itself: it’s everything around the work that’s the real challenge. The things no one talks about. The invisible stuff. …
How to Deal with a Disorganized Teacher: 6 Tips for Students
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Shocker, but not all teachers are organized. Some forget to post assignments. Some take forever to give feedback or grade essays. Some change due dates without telling anyone. And while it’s easy to blame a bad grade or an unreasonable deadline …
What’s the Point of School?
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. I’ve seen this one particular meme a few times now. It’s funny, and I appreciate the humor behind it. Here’s the two-sentence meme: “I’m really glad I learned about parallelograms in high school math instead of how to do my taxes. …
6 Ninja Skills That Will Make You a Better Learner (Now, and in the Future)
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. We’re going to talk about skills that will make you a better learner. Yes, this includes study skills. But study skills aren’t just skills to get you through your next exam. Legitimate learning techniques and good school habits will also benefit …
4 Ways Self-Awareness Improves Your Grades
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Thriving in school takes more than raw intelligence. While it’s true that school success requires discipline, good study habits, regular attendance, and curiosity, there’s something far deeper behind it all. And what is this mysterious “something”? Self-awareness. Self-awareness is the single …
What to Do If You’re Failing a Class: 7 Tips for Students
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Most students will fail a test or an assignment at some point in their school lives. While this isn’t ideal, it’s normal and won’t likely jeopardize your overall class grade too much. If you fail a test, follow these strategies here. …
College Advice No One Tells You (But You Need to Know)
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. College is a lot different than high school. If you’re already in college, you know this. If you’re currently in high school, trust me when I tell you college is nothing like your high school experience. Not only are classes more …
How to Personalize Your Study Skills and School Habits so They Work for YOU
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. Things I hear every week as an executive function/ADHD coach and study skills expert: I’ve created hundreds of school habits and study tutorials over the last decade. The study skills, time management methods, note-taking techniques and organizational systems I teach are …
What is Time Management Really? A Student’s Guide to Understanding Time
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. We’ve all heard of “time management,” and most of us know that it’s important. Time management is a concept my students and professional clients often say they understand. But when I observe their day-to-day habits, it’s clear that many don’t know …
How to Stay Focused in a Boring Class
By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed. There are many reasons why a class might feel boring. You could have a low-energy teacher, it could be a topic you don’t find relevant, or you may be in the wrong level course for your ability. Regardless of the reason, …