Defining Good Students Beyond Grades: Traits of Successful Students

Why Good Students Should Be Defined Beyond Grades

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Defining Good Students Means More Than Just Grades Many people define good students as those who receive the best grades. While it is true that good students often earn high grades, I contend that grades are just one aspect of how we define a good student. In fact, even poor students can earn high grades sometimes, so grades are not the best indicator if a student�s quality. Rather, a good student pursues scholarship, actively participates in class, and maintains a positive, professional relationship with instructors and peers.Good students have a passion for learning that drives them to fully understand class material rather than just worry about what grades they receive in the course. Good students are actively engaged in scholarship, which means they enjoy reading and learning about their subject matter not just because readings and assignments are required. Of course, good students will complete their homework and all assignments, and they may even continue to perform research and learn more on the subject after the course ends. In some cases, good students will pursue a subject that interests them but might not be one of their strongest academic areas, so they will not earn the highest grade. Pushing oneself to learn and try new things can be difficult, but good students will challenge themselves rather than remain at their educational comfort level for the sake of a high grade.

The pursuit of scholarship and education rather than concern over grades is the hallmark of a good student.Class participation and behavior are another aspect of the definition of a good student. Simply attending class is not enough; good students arrive punctually because they understand that tardiness disrupts the class and disrespects the professors. They might occasionally arrive a few minutes early to ask the professor questions about class materials of mentally prepare for the day�s work. Good students consistently pay attention during class discussions and take notes in the lectures rather than engage in off task behaviors, such as checking their cell phones of daydreaming.

Excellent class participation requires a balanced between speaking and listening, so good students will share their views when appropriate but also respect their classmate�s views when they differ from their own. It is easy to mistake quantity of class discussion comments with quality, but good students know the difference and do not try to dominate the conversation. Sometimes class participation is counted toward a student�s grade, but even without such clear rewards, good students understand how to performance excel among their peers in the classroom.Finally, goos students maintain a positive and professional relationship with their professors. They respect their instructor�s authority in the classroom as well as the instructor�s privacy outside of the classroom. Prying into a professor�s personal life is inappropriate, but attending office hours to discuss course material is an appropriate, effective way for students to demonstrate their dedication and interest in learning. Good students go to their professor�s office during posted office hours or make an appointment if necessary. While instructors can be very busy, they are usually happy to offer guidance to students during office hours; after all, availability outside the classroom is a part of their job. Attending office hours can also help good students become memorable an stand out from the rest, particularly in lectures with hundreds enrolled. Maintaining positive, professional relationships with professors is especially important for those students who hope to attend graduate school and will need letters of recommendation in the future.

Although good grades often accompany good students, grades are not the only way to indicate what it means to be a good student. The definition of a good student means demonstrating such traits as engaging with course materials, participating in class, and creating a professional relationship with professors. While professors have different criteria for earning an A in their course, most will agree on these characteristics for defining good students.

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While grades are certainly an important aspect of being a good student, defining good students based solely on their academic performance is limiting and doesn't account for the many other qualities that contribute to success.

Here are a few reasons why a good student should be defined beyond just grades:

1. Good students are curious: Good students are interested in learning beyond what is required of them. They ask questions, seek out additional resources, and engage with the material in meaningful ways. This curiosity is an important quality that leads to lifelong learning.

2. Good students are disciplined: Discipline is the ability to stay focused and committed to a task or goal. Good students understand the value of hard work and prioritize their time effectively. They have the discipline to balance their academic pursuits with other important aspects of their lives.

3. Good students are critical thinkers: Critical thinking involves analyzing information and evaluating its relevance and accuracy. Good students are able to assess information critically, and use their analytical skills to draw informed conclusions.

4. Good students are collaborative: The ability to work well with others is a critical skill for success in many fields. Good students understand the value of collaboration and are able to work effectively with their peers to achieve shared goals.

5. Good students are resilient: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and overcome obstacles. Good students understand that failure is a natural part of the learning process and use setbacks as opportunities for growth.

In summary, while grades are important, defining good students based solely on their academic performance doesn't account for the many other qualities that contribute to success. Good students are curious, disciplined, critical thinkers, collaborative, and resilient. These qualities contribute to success not only in the classroom but in all areas of life.