Even when we select classes thoughtfully, we sometimes end up in a class we don’t like. So to accompany our Course Selection Guide, we would like to introduce the Course Survival Guide.
Firstly, it’s important to compartmentalize. Even an unpleasant class occupies only 1/7 of your school experience: four hours in class per week, plus whatever time you spend on homework. There’s no reason for this one class to take up more than 1/7 of your academic brain space, and if you really hate it that much, try squeezing it down to 1/14 by powering through and focusing on classes you enjoy.
Next, identify why you’re not enjoying the class. Realize that difficulty should not equal repulsion, but sometimes a class is simply too hard. When you find yourself in over your head, the best way through is forward, and giving up is entirely the wrong answer. Look for online resources, form a study group or consider getting a peer tutor. You teachers are there to help, but you have to meet them halfway by asking for help.
Conversely, sometimes unpleasant classes feel too easy or too slow. Embrace your aptitude by helping your classmates or by spending your time on other classes. You can also ask your teacher for suggestions on how to become more interested in the material.
In some situations, the main issue is a lack of teacher-student chemistry, which can be awkward to resolve. Sometimes the problem is miscommunication or misunderstanding in terms of content difficulty. Other times, the teaching style and learning style do not align. If you find yourself in this type of situation, try reaching out to your teacher. Be polite and assume that everyone has good intentions. No teacher goes out of his or her way to dislike a student, and we students should not go out of our to dislike a teacher even if we don’t like their class.
Furthermore, it’s unlikely that the entire experience is terrible. You’re most likely still learning interesting material and you’re definitely learning perseverance. Additionally, the best of friendships can form under the worst of circumstances. It’s also beneficial to mentally separate the material from the class. Then again, if you truly dislike the material that much, keep this experience in mind when you choose classes for the next year and beyond.
If none of these suggestions seem to work talk, to your counselor and consider dropping the class before the add/drop period ends on Feb. 2. And then, if you’re unwilling or unable to switch your schedule, try switching your mindset instead. There is only one true remedy for a bad situation, one that is just as true as it is cliche: a positive attitude.
