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Gabriel Manyeruke
THE period just after school holidays is often a time of mixed emotions for learners.
While the anticipation of seeing friends again and diving back into their favourite subjects, extracurricular activities and new learning experiences may bring joy, they may feel anxious about the workload ahead.
Some may even be nervous about meeting new teachers or simply reluctant to give up the freedom and relaxation of the break.
One of the main challenges that learners face as they begin a new term after school holidays is readjusting to a busy schedule.
The days of long sleep and having unstructured time come to an end as the school bells ring again.
This change in routine can be discomforting for learners. It is even worse for those who never dedicated some time to study.
Without homework and exams to worry about during the school break, learners may find it difficult to get back into study mood, being attentive in class or to meet deadlines.
Thus, procrastination and lack of motivation can be common issues that learners face as they begin a new term.
Pressure of performing well in school and meeting the expectations of teachers and parents can also be a significant challenge.
The fear of failure and desire to excel academically can create immense pressure, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
The best way to counter all these possible challenges is to simply get organised now in preparation for the return to hectic classrooms.
This will ensure that the learners hit the ground running.
Being organised entails setting aside time to go through their study schedule, organise their materials and plan out their work.
By starting the term with a strong foundation of study habits, learners can avoid falling behind and feeling overwhelmed as the workload increases.
It is also important for learners to review their notes and materials from the previous term.
This can help refresh their memory on key concepts and information, making it easier to transition into new stuff.
Reviewing notes can help learners identify areas where they may need to spend extra time studying, allowing them to apply their efforts more effectively for desirable outcomes.
Setting specific academic and personal goals is another aspect of preparing for a new term.
Learners should take time to think about what they want to achieve in the coming term and set specific, measurable and achievable goals for themselves.
These goals can be short term such as targeting to get a certain grade in an upcoming test in a specific subject, or long term, for example, getting accepted into a desired college or university.
By constantly evaluating their goals and efforts, learners can stay on track throughout the term and make progress towards their aspirations.
Taking care of oneself by having enough sleep and a healthy diet, and finding ways to manage stress can help one feel more energised and focused, leading to better performance in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Communicating openly about their struggles and seeking help when needed can alleviate stress and provide learners with the necessary resources and guidance to overcome any glitches in their studies.
Learners should also embrace a growth mindset as they start the new term.
By viewing mistakes as a valuable learning curve and pushing themselves outside their comfort zones, they can develop resilience, perseverance and a positive attitude towards their educational journey.
Armed with this critical information, learners can sail through the challenges highlighted above and achieve their full potential in the upcoming term.
Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and educator at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. Contact: 0774122288, [email protected]
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