13 Ways to Get Good Grades on Online School (2024)

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Co-authored bywikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 11, 2022References

Treat online classes just like regular classes.

1. Do everything you would do if you were in a classroom. Since you don't have to physically show up for online classes, it's a lot easier to blow them off. Try to take your online classes just as seriously in-person classes, though! This simple mental shift can help you perform better and get higher grades.^[1]

   • For example, if classes are live streamed and archived, try to log in for the live stream as often as you can. That way, you can ask questions and participate in real time.

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Organize your schoolwork and workspace.

1. A neat learning space makes it easier to learn and study. Choose a desk or workstation and set it up with everything you need such as your computer, pens, paper, textbooks, and anything else you need for your classes. Then, try to keep your workspace clean and organized so you can focus.^[2]

   • Organize any digital material on your computer, too! Sort everything into relevant folders so you can easily find and store files.

Create a schedule you can stick to.

1. It makes it easier to stay on top of your schoolwork. One of the biggest benefits of online school can also be a curse: its flexibility. The flexibility allows you to study and complete your coursework on your own time, but without any structure, it’s easy to get off track. Come up with a schedule that works for you and stick to it. Eventually, your schedule will become routine.^[3]

   • For instance, create a schedule where you focus on new material from 9-11 a.m., take a break for lunch, and then focus on studying and completing assignments from 1-3 p.m.
   • You may want to find out when your teachers hold their virtual office hours so you can create a schedule that overlaps with them in case you need to reach out for help.
   • Some online classes may have a set time that you need to attend, which is totally fine. But when it comes to completing assignments on your own, a solid schedule can make it more manageable.

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Log into your online course at least 3 times a week.

1. It’ll help you stay on top of your coursework and assignments. Many online schools give you the assignments, syllabus, and course material so you can complete them on your own time. Logging into your classes often will help make sure you’re keeping track of deadlines, reviewing coursework, and participating in any class forums or discussions. Log in regularly so you’re up to date on everything going on in class.^[4]

   • Some online classes may have set times where you need to log in to participate in class. Other classes may require you to log in more than 3 times a week. Whatever the case, make sure you satisfy any requirements so you’re up to date on assignments.

1. Focus on the class and coursework so the information sticks. Put your phone away, turn off the TV, and avoid having an extra browser window or two open while you’re working on your schoolwork or in class. It can be tempting to have an extra browser window open while you’re working on your online school. The more you can focus, the better you’ll be able to retain the information, which can help you get better grades.^[5]

   • Save them as treats for when you’re finished! For instance, you can watch half an hour of a Netflix show as soon as you finish your assignment.

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Participate in lectures and online forums.

1. Interacting with your teachers and classmates can help you learn more. If your online school involves live virtual classes, make sure you attend all of them and try to interact with your teachers and classmates. Participate in the class discussion and post on the class forum, which can help you remember the material covered in the course.^[6]

   • Many online classes require you to post on the class forum in order to earn a participation grade, so make sure you do it!

Read the chapters and material assigned each week.

1. Staying on top of your reading will help you in class discussion. Check your class schedule to find out what the assigned reading is for the week. Set aside time to sit down and focus on completing it so you’re prepared for class.^[7]

   • Reading the material can also help reinforce the information in your mind, which can really pay off on quizzes and tests.

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Submit all of your assignments on time.

1. Consistently meeting your deadlines helps you earn good grades. It may seem like a no-brainer, but one of the simplest ways you can get good grades in your online classes is by making sure you turn in everything on time. Keep track of your deadlines and submit any quizzes, tests, or written assignments when they’re due.^[8]

   • Completing your work on time also makes it more likely you can reach out for help from your teacher. If you consistently fail to do your work on time, they may not be as willing to give you any extra credit or boost your grades.

Divide larger tasks into more manageable chunks.

1. Chunking makes it easier to focus on one thing at a time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your online school gives you a major assignment. In a traditional classroom setting, your teacher may give you smaller assignments that work toward a larger project. But in many online classes, you’ll have to figure out a way to manage large tasks. Breaking them up into smaller, more manageable pieces can make them easier to do and help keep yourself from being overwhelmed.^[9]

   • For instance, if you have to complete a presentation on the history of South Africa, break it up into tasks such as researching, creating an outline, writing a draft, gathering images, and putting together a PowerPoint presentation.

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Watch all of the videos and presentations.

1. Use all of the available resources to help you retain information. Many online classes also include supplemental videos and presentations you can use to learn more about the material. Take advantage of them, even if they aren’t assigned. Watch them all to help expand your knowledge of the material you’re covering in the class, which can help you earn better grades.^[10]

   • Some online classes may require you to watch all of the course videos and presentations for a grade, so make sure you do them to earn credit.

Set up a virtual study group.

1. Study groups can help you learn and review material. Ask your classmates if they want to meet up in a video call to study and review the material. Use an app like Zoom or Google Hangouts, set a time for everyone to meet up, and get to work!^[11]

   • Study groups can be especially useful ahead of an upcoming test.

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1. Ask your teacher if you’re confused or unclear about something. If you’re having trouble with your coursework, don’t put it off. Shoot your teacher an email or a message and ask for clarification if you’re confused about something. If you need help boosting your grade, your teacher may assign extra credit opportunities you can take advantage of.^[12]

   • Your school may offer tutoring services you can use as well.
   • Online school can be difficult to adjust to and you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Ask for help if you need it!

Get enough sleep each night.

1. Sleeping well can help you perform better in class. It’s super important that you sleep at least 7-8 hours every night. It’ll rest your body and your mind so you’re refreshed and ready for each day of learning. Make sure you incorporate sleep into your daily routine.^[13]

   • Staying up late to study isn’t as productive as studying consistently. Don’t sacrifice your sleep!

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