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Student Success Resolution #5: Answer Every Question

By Meaghan Montrose

If you have been keeping up with the first four student success tips, you should be experiencing academic achievement! So why stop now? Let’s keep it going with resolution #5: Answer Every Question!

This tip can apply in a few different situations. For one, this means you should be prepared and attempt to answer every question that your teacher asks in class…even if it is not directly asked to you! Any time a question is asked (by the teacher or a fellow student) you should try to answer it. Doing this will keep you engaged and focused during class. Playing an active role in the class will make the material more meaningful to you and thus you will have an easier time understanding it.

In addition, if you try to answer every question you will be able to constantly assess your understanding. It is like giving yourself pop quizzes. If you get an answer correct, then you know you understand the topic and won’t have to worry about it when you are studying later. If you get an answer wrong, you have an opportunity right away to figure out the answer and ask follow up questions to ensure you understand.

Besides attempting to answer all the questions asked during class, this tip is also suggesting that you answer all questions provided for you. Many textbooks have follow-up questions at the end of a section. Even if these are not officially assigned by the teacher it is a good idea to check your understanding by answering them. Also, take advantage of any additional practice worksheets or assignments that your teacher may provide. Doing actual problems and answer questions is a much better way to study and check for understanding than simply just reading your notes or the text.

Using this tip will give you instant feedback on your level of understanding and it will also save you time later on. The more actively engaged you are in class, the more you will remember. Therefore, the time you need to study will be less.

Have you missed the previous tips? Start from the beginning with Student Success Resolution #1: Write it Down.

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