Academic setbacks and low marks happen when students receive grades below their expected level or fail to meet academic goals. Such failures arise as a result of different factors such as ineffective study skills, problems in learning, stress or gaps in understanding. This guide discusses how to improve the academic performance of students and healthy educational practices for parents and kids.
1. Understand the Situation
Low marks usually have a reason. This could be a result of poor study habits, emotional strain, learning problems or previous learning deficiencies. Parents can access school reports and ask their children what they find hard. The following are reasons that can cause low marks:
- Missing homework or incomplete assignments
- Poor understanding of basic concepts
- Avoiding studying or anxiety about school
- Declining test scores over several months
- Teacher reports about the lack of participation
- Child expressing confusion about the lesson content
2. Open Communication
Communicating with your child in a soft and encouraging manner would enable you to get to know their issues. You can also talk to their teacher to get further information. This allows for candid feedback and helps you find the best way to get good grades for your child. Ask questions such as:
- What part of the subject do you find hard?
- How do you study at home?
- Do you feel nervous before tests?
- Is anything bothering you at school?
- Which assignments take you the longest time?
- Do you understand what the teacher explains in class?
- Are there subjects you enjoy more than others?
Studies indicate that when there is regular communication between parents and students concerning the school experience, students have improved performance. Teachers are able to give specific information on curriculum requirements and offer specific strategies in order to promote academic performance among the learners.
3. Set Goals and Plans
Goal setting provides your child with a sense of direction. To keep them focused, use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). This is among the most effective tips to improve students’ academic performance and enable students to see their progress. To assist your child in establishing learning objectives:
- Pick one subject or area to focus on
- Set a target (e.g., improve maths score from 50 to 65)
- Decide how much time to spend each day
- Review results every week
- Write goals down and put them where your child can see them
- Break large goals into smaller steps
- Celebrate when your child reaches each milestone
Educational research has shown that students who set specific academic targets perform better than those who lack clear targets.
4. Build Study and Homework Habits
Studying every day can help students improve at school. Parents can assist their children by creating a routine and decreasing distractions. Making these changes at home is one of the most effective ways to support learning at home. To develop good study habits:
- Establish a definite time when children should do their homework
- Keep televisions and phones off during study time
- Give them a quiet, well-lit space to study
- Give short breaks between study blocks
- Create a homework checklist
- Remove distracting items from the study area
- Establish a routine that starts at the same time daily
- Provide all necessary supplies in the study space
Studies show that students who maintain regular homework routines perform better in examinations. Parents and homework success connect when families establish clear expectations and provide appropriate support without doing the work for their children.
5. Encourage Motivation and Growth
Many students lose interest when they receive low grades. Parents can help by encouraging effort, not just high grades. Children should feel that trying hard is important. This builds motivation for good grades and keeps them going. You can keep your child motivated by:
- Praising their efforts, not just the outcome
- Reminding them it’s okay to make mistakes
- Sharing your own school challenges
- Offering small rewards for completing tasks
- Focusing on improvement rather than perfect scores
- Teaching them that intelligence grows with practice
- Avoiding comparisons with siblings or classmates
- Acknowledging when they work hard on difficult problems
Research on growth mindset shows that students who believe their abilities can improve through effort achieve better academic results. When students understand that struggle leads to learning, they develop resilience against academic setbacks.
6. Provide Resources and Support
Some students need extra help to do well. Use school programs, tutors, or online tools to improve your child’s understanding. These are direct ways to improve the academic performance of students. Useful resources include:
- Free after-school classes
- Educational apps and videos
- Peer study groups
- Private tutors for weak subjects
- Library homework help programs
- Online practice tests and exercises
- Subject-specific workbooks
- Educational games that make learning fun for students
Research shows that students receiving consistent academic support, such as tutoring or mentoring, often make measurable improvements in their grades within a few months. Homework tips from qualified tutors can address specific learning gaps that classroom instruction might miss.
7. Teach Coping and Well-being
Students who face academic setbacks often feel stressed. Parents should teach healthy ways to handle pressure. A balanced routine helps students focus better and improves mental health. To support your child’s well-being:
- Make sure they sleep 8–9 hours daily
- Allow free time for hobbies or games
- Teach deep breathing during stressful times
- Avoid comparing them to other students
- Encourage physical activity or sports
- Limit screen time before bedtime
- Create a calm environment at home
- Listen to their concerns without judgment
Medical research confirms that adequate sleep improves memory consolidation and academic performance. Students who get proper rest show better concentration levels and retain information more effectively.
8. Track Progress and Adjust
The role of parents is to monitor their child’s performance. See if your strategies are working. If not, change the plan. Tracking helps in applying new tips to improve students’ academic performance. You can track progress by:
- Checking school reports or test scores
- Reviewing children’s homework weekly
- Asking the child how they feel about school
- Meeting teachers monthly
- Keeping a record of completed assignments
- Noting improvements in specific subjects
- Monitoring study time and effectiveness
- Observing changes in attitude toward learning
Regular check-ins help identify problems early and allow for quick adjustments to study strategies.
Conclusion
Academic setbacks and low marks do not define a student’s future success. Parents play a crucial role in helping students succeed by providing emotional support, creating structured learning environments, and maintaining open communication with schools. The strategies outlined above are practical ways to improve the academic performance of students through consistent effort and family involvement. When families implement these approaches, students develop stronger study skills, better coping mechanisms, and renewed motivation for good grades. Remember that academic improvement takes time, and small daily changes lead to significant long-term results in student achievement.
