Understanding academic success : how to help your child do well in school

There are many different ways of looking at academic success, but the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur defines it as the achievement of specific goals in a learning context. Here are some examples:

• Successfully passing an exam
• Acquiring knowledge within an expected time frame
• Passing a grade or graduating
• Realizing your full potential
• Etc.

It can take several years for your child’s efforts to pay off. Sometimes they need to be reminded of what they’re working towards. Here are some of the long-term benefits of academic success: 

• Obtaining a diploma
• Becoming a good citizen
• Getting your dream job
• Fully participating in society
• Etc.

Each person views success differently. In addition to the expectations set by the school, children can establish their own benchmarks for academic success, either alone or with your help. For instance, your child could give themselves the following objectives:

• Respect the school rules
• Dedicate more time to studying
• Try out new learning strategies
• Work on their self-confidence
• Develop various life skills
• Build relationships
• Stay true to their values
• Identify their strengths
• Etc.

As a parent, you have the opportunity to contribute to your child’s academic success in concrete ways. Here are some steps you can take: 

• Help your child identify and build on their strengths
• Foster their sense of belonging at school (e.g., by encouraging them to participate in extracurricular activities and cultivate friendships)
• Encourage reading and writing (these skills are essential for every school subject)
• Teach them organizational skills (e.g., how to prioritize tasks, how to use their school agenda)
• Suggest different studying techniques
• Talk about the importance of education
• Etc.