As one who has spent a long time in school and then taught college students, I have seen every type of student. As the school year winds down, I started thinking about what makes an exceptional student.
It’s not being extraordinarily intelligent. It’s taking the responsibility for one’s own learning. Think “I have to find a way to learn this even if the teacher isn’t the best.” Exceptional students participate fully in all learning activities and ask for assistance and clarification when needed. I’ve seen intelligent people fail due to lack of effort and placing blame everywhere but on themselves. I’ve also seen people of average intelligence or even those with educational challenges succeed due to sheer effort and persistence. I love those students, and I’ll do most anything to help them succeed.
To see the light go “on,” and watch a struggling student “get it” makes my day and all the extra effort on my part more than worth it.
Meredith
What Makes an Exceptional Student