Lit_Happens Podcast

English “I Study Hard But Marks Don’t Improve”| Lit Happens S2E12

Listen Later

In this honest 30-minute Teacher Talks episode we tackle two painfully relatable questions every English teacher and student faces.

A student asks: “I study for English but my marks don’t improve. What am I doing wrong?”

A teacher asks: “How do you teach a text you secretly hate?”

We share real classroom stories, quick mindset shifts, and practical strategies that actually move the needle - without extra hours or burnout. Whether you’re a student plateauing or a teacher struggling with disengagement, this episode gives you the clarity and tools to move forward with confidence.

Highlights from the Episode

  • Student question unpacked: Why effort alone doesn’t raise marks - the critical shift from quantity to question alignment
  • Common trap: Over-preparing content but misreading question verbs and rubric demands
  • Practical student strategies: Study the question pattern, cut to create depth, translate feedback precisely
  • Teacher question unpacked: The honest reality of teaching a text you dislike
  • Teacher survival tips: Shift from “Do I like it?” to “What craft can I admire?”, focus on construction over content, let students re-energise the text
  • Key takeaway: Growth in English comes from targeted strategy and honest reflection - not just more hours

    • Connect with Us

    • Instagram: https://instagram.com/lit.happensseniorenglish
    • TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@lit.happensse
    • Email: [email protected]
    • Resources – available on Teachers Pay Teachers

      • Drop your biggest “I study but marks don’t improve” moment or “text I secretly hate” story in the comments.

      Grab our free feedback translation checklist and weekly practice planner at https://lithappensse.com/

      Music produced by

      Instagram – @tmob2k

      YouTube – @tmob2000

      Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or your favourite platform. Visit https://lithappensse.com/ for more practical guides, downloadable resources and English teacher support across Years 7–12.

      Subscribe and join us as we unpack English together — and keep wellbeing at the heart of it.

      #TeacherTalks #HSCEnglish #EnglishTeacherNSW #StudentStruggles #TeachingTips #HSC2026 #SeniorEnglish #LitHappensPodcast #NSWteachers

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store
      Lit_Happens PodcastBy Lit Happens