Teenagers

OK, I think the first thing to say is that you aren't at fault here.

Folk work at different speeds and it sounds like your school has adopted a rather awful way of teaching and assessing students. It's ableist and unproductive.

I want you to know that.

But, here are some things that might help you keep up when you need to.

The first trick is ti always start with a quick plan. Whatever the assignment, give yourself a few minutes at the start to plan the task and try to break it down into chunks.

For example, if it is writing an essay, you would break it down into an introduction, a main body and a conclusion. Bullet point list the main points of the essay you want to hit too.

If you are comfortable doing do, take how much time you have and divide up across the plan. It might be something like five minutes for the introduction, three minutes for each point if the essay and five minutes for the conclusion... And practice sticking to that.

As a teacher, I'd always look at student plans, especially if they had run out of time, to see if they understood more than they could answer in the time they had. Most did.

Another thing I'd reccomend is perhaps talking to your teachers. Find one that you feel comfortable with and ask them for advice. Generally, teachers want to support you in learning. If you di well it looks good on them.

I do hope things get better for you. I know it might knock your confidence, but it really is no reflection of your ability.

Is it a specific type of assignment you are struggling with? Assignments with lots of reading, or math assignments? Do you know if you’ve ever been tested for dyslexia or dyscalculia? What about ADHD? Or dysgraphia - is it the actual writing that’s taking up too much time for you?

Sometimes assignments just do take more time for some students. That’s not a marker of intelligence or skill - some students are more methodical, some students are quick but make lots of small mistakes.

Do you struggle with getting started on the assignments because you are confused by the questions?

But sometimes we can’t do that and have to turn in at the end of the class, and by then I’ve only barely started.

I’m asking this because I taught - are you starting the assignment when you are getting it, or are you getting distracted in between when you get the assignment and starting it? Sometimes looking at a phone for what feels like just a few minutes or getting into a good conversation with a friend can mess with our perception of time. I saw this happen a lot with my students - I’m not saying that is your problem, but something to think about - especially if you’re saying you work better at home.