Cause and Effect: The Causes of Failure in College.
Failing a course in college is a situation many students in college have experienced. As a student, receiving a "D" in a class left me feeling like a failure, and, for the lack of a better word, stupid. A failing grade is not randomly dealt, however, as there are several factors that lead to a student receiving an "F". Most of the time, these factors can be pointed out, and a cause and effect relationship can be established.
The first, and most obvious, thing a student must do to pass a course is to show up for class. Many students rely on a friend or other classmates to give them important information on a course that they do not like to attend. However, people make mistakes so misinformation on test dates and homework assignments can lead to work handed in late, doing the wrong assignment, and, perhaps most detrimental, not showing up for a test. Many teachers give a syllabus at the beginning of the semester, but most classes fall behind or move dates around to accommodate the teacher's schedule and holiday breaks. If class is not attended on a regular basis to make note of such changes, a syllabus is useless and even dangerous as it can lead to unhanded-in assignments and unstudied-for tests. Late, incorrect, or unfinished homework assignments add up quickly, and can easily make a grade of "C" fall to an "F". If someone misses an important test, which could be worth as much as 30% of a total grade, and is not allowed to make it up, passing the course may be impossible. If students do not pay attention to the teacher, their grades can suffer. Many students who show up for class still struggle in the course. This can be caused by not focusing on what the teacher tells you they would like you to do, which is explained in class. If you do not hear what the teacher wants done in an assignment, that assignment will not likely conform to what the teacher wants, whether it is in style, content, or the point of the assignment.
