Failure to pass an exam is very frustrating. If someone close to you finds themselves in this situation, they might feel embarrassed and disappointed in themselves. Fortunately, there are many ways you can encourage and help him! Help him cope with his feelings, reminding him that we all experience failure and failure does not define who he (she) is. You can also help him find a way to do better next time. Encourage him to find a tutor, create a new workspace, or share your own review techniques.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Help her cope with failure

Step 1. Remind him that we all know failures
Failing an exam can be especially difficult for someone who has never failed before. Remind her that this happens to everyone, even people who don't talk about it. We are humans and humans don't do everything all the time!
You could say something like "everyone has bad grades." In our classroom, this has happened to all of us. Sooner or later we all find ourselves in this situation and you too can overcome it! "

Step 2. Let him tell you what's on his mind
Your friend might just need to vent their anger or complain about the exam or class. Let him (her) do it. Listen to him in silence and let him express the emotions born of this failure.
Ask him how he feels and let him talk for as long as he needs. You can say something like "tell me how you feel." I'll listen to you as long as you need to. "

Step 3. Remind him that failure does not define him
Many people, when they fail in school, think that a bad grade makes them a failure in life. Remind your friend that this is just a test, in a lesson. That doesn't mean he's a failure at all. That doesn't even mean that he won't be able to get good grades in the following tests.
Tell him, "I know you feel like you can never make up that note, but I know you can. One bad grade doesn't make you a dunce. It’s just a mistake! "

Step 4. Give him positive examples
When you've just had bad school results, you often feel like you'll never get anywhere again. If you know of someone who scored poorly on the same test (or a similar test) and then got a really good average, give your classmate an example. This will help him understand that all is not lost and that he can still work his way up.
For example, say "have you ever heard of John?" The most successful alumnus of our school? He too had bad grades. And yet he has done very well in life. "

Step 5. Suggest that she take a break
After a bad grade, many people think they have to get back to work right away. Instead, suggest that your friend take a break from studying, if only for a day. Suggest that she take a walk or even concentrate on her household chores. A little break could do him a lot of good.
Tell him "How would you like to go out for a walk?" It will change your mind and allow you to get some fresh air. "

Step 6. Don't make fun of him (her)
A bad grade can be extremely demoralizing. And even if your friend doesn't seem too upset, they may be hiding what they really are feeling from you. Don't laugh at her failure and compare her grade to yours.
Method 2 of 3: Offer him solutions

Step 1. Help him find new ways to study
Ask how long he (she) studied, if he took good notes in class and if he felt like he was working hard enough. Help him research revision techniques and choose approaches he has never tried. A new strategy could allow him to achieve different results.
Share the review techniques that gave you good grades. For example, if you always do review cards, show your friend how you organize the information on your cards

Step 2. Suggest that she set a time limit for her reaction
It's very easy to dwell on failure over and over again, for days or even weeks. Suggest that he allow himself some time (say 24 hours) to react the way he wants. Then, once that time is up, he will have to focus on the future.

Step 3. Help him create a new workspace
Ask your classmate where they sit to study. If he usually studies in a noisy place with lots of distractions, offer to help him create a new workspace. Pick a quiet corner of your home and set up a desk and chair. Or help him choose a quiet café to sit in and study.

Step 4. Suggest a tutor
Some people just need help learning to revise effectively or understanding a certain topic. There is nothing to be ashamed of about that. Let your friend know that a tutor could help them catch up on their bad grade.
They can find out about support courses within the school or use the services of a private tutor, for example through a specialized structure, such as Acadomia
Method 3 of 3: Deal with bigger failures

Step 1. Encourage your classmate to contact their teacher right away
If the bad grade he (she) received could cause your friend to repeat a grade, he or she should discuss it right away with the teacher. Your friend might be ashamed to talk about his bad grade. However, it is crucial that he discusses it with the people who can help him, as quickly as possible.
For example, he might say to his teacher, "Mr. Durand, I wish we could talk about my bad grade. I'm afraid she will prevent me from graduating. "

Step 2. Help him express his concerns
Telling the teacher "you gave me a bad mark and now I'm going to have to repeat" probably isn't that your classmate will improve his situation. Play the role of the teacher and let your friend rehearse how he will present his problem to him.
- He might say something like, "I am very worried about this grade because it could prevent me from passing my year. I went back to my course notes, as well as the studied texts and I did not find the topics covered in the assignment ".
- Otherwise he might say, "I feel like I answered the questions correctly. I would like them to be reread together, so that you can explain my mistakes to me. "

Step 3. Suggest that she share her extenuating circumstances with the teacher
If your friend had a migraine that day, is having family issues, or was sick, he probably wasn't at his best on test day. He should bring this to the attention of the teacher when discussing his poor grade with him.
For example, he might say "I didn't say anything on the day of the check-up because I was afraid that I would not be taken seriously, but I really didn't feel well, and that made it difficult for me to concentrate. "

Step 4. Encourage him to ask the teacher for a second chance
Some teachers will categorically refuse to allow a student to take a test again, but if your friend has proven that he has had a very real problem, his teacher will be inclined to give in. Your classmate may ask to retake the exam or do an extra homework in order to get a few more marks.
He could say, for example, "could you allow me to take this test again?" "Or" Is there a way for me to get extra points for making up my grade? I'm afraid my failure will force me to repeat. "

Step 5. Tell her to keep calm
If the bad grade might impact your friend's studies, your friend may be angry, or try to say nasty things to the teacher. Encourage him to remain calm and polite during the interview.
Rehearsing the conversation he is having with the professor might help him stay calm. Offer to play the role of the teacher and let him vent his frustration before he even asks to meet him
Advice
- Support your friend. This will be the most important. Be understanding, considerate and helpful.
- Be patient. Some people will be more receptive to your help and encouragement if you show them respect and are understanding.
Warnings
- Avoid being angry. If you feel disappointed, keep it to yourself. Expressing what you expected from your friend will not help them. You would only further erode her self-esteem and confidence and make the situation worse.
- Avoid putting on superior airs and lecturing your friend, this will show your lack of compassion and empathy, and your friend will likely turn on you. You might even get him to throw it all away and give up.