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Charles Dube
LEARNERS, please note that the tips proffered here are in random order and are not the only tips on earth. Take your pick and ignore the rest which you find of no use to you.
Public examinations are fast approaching calling on candidates to intensify their studies. In the same vein we continue to give learners study tips which could come in handy and help them improve their performances in the examinations. It is never too late for focused learners. Focused learners are prepared to do more than what others are willing to do.
In academics learners who excel are the ones who are prepared to go the extra mile. Instead of doing the bare minimum to meet the requirements do more than what others are willing to do. Write down three to five reasons why you want to do well academically. Do the same to explain why you want to perform well in school, and read the list daily. Be clear about your purposes. If you lack motivation, think about the purposes of education that are bigger than yourself.
Do not blame others. Resist the urge to blame your teachers, parents or even your peers. If things go wrong, remind yourself that your academics are your responsibility, not anyone else’s. Consider the following learning methods and techniques for better performances. Select what is best for you from the suggestions offered by a research specialist: Vocalise to memorise. When trying to memorise key information or equations, say it aloud.
Create summary notes. Condensing each chapter into a handful of key points will make it easier for you to consolidate your learning. Another useful study tip is to test yourself at regular intervals on what you have been learning. Break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. Never memorise information without first understanding it. The human brain is designed to process information, not to store information as if it is a hard drive. This is why meaningful learning is far more important than rote learning.
Meaningful learning occurs when you understand the information and make sense of it. Take practice tests under test conditions. This will help to ensure that you understand what you are learning. By taking the tests under test conditions, it will also prepare you for the examination stress thay you might face. Explain the concepts to someone else. An excellent way to master a complex topic is to explain it to someone else.
Through the act of explaining the topic to another person, you will get a better understanding of the topic. If you cannot explain the concept in a simple way, it means that you probably have not mastered the concept well. Read the syllabus carefully. The syllabus is the scope of a subject or an outline of the topics covered in a particular course. Do not assume that you know the syllabus based on what material your teacher has been covering. Read the syllabus for yourself so that you know exactly what topics will be tested. This will make it easier for you to be well prepared for every test and examination.
Learners need to be familiar with the structure of the test or examination. While learners would not know the exact questions that will appear in a test or examination, their teacher should be able to tell them about the structure of the test or examination. Having this information will allow them to be more specific in the way they prepare. In turn, this will help them get better grades. Learners need to participate in class. Actively participating in class will help learners engage with the subject matter.
This will deepen their interest in the topic and allow them to learn the concepts more effectively. Cultivate the culture of reading for leisure or as a pastime. On this note, try reading both fiction and non-fiction books. Biographies are especially recommended as they tend to be inspirational. By cultivating this habit, you will associate reading with something that is enjoyable rather than something that you are forced to do.
A slight return to what we discussed in the past, before writing an essay, create an outline first. Having an outline will make it possible for you to write better essays in less time. The outline does not have to be that detailed, just list the points that summarise what you want to write about. To improve your writing skills, ask your teachers if you can submit additional essays. Most teachers will agree to this request. By submitting additional essays, you will have more practice and more opportunities for feedback.
When taking notes, write down only the key points. When taking notes during class, never try to write everything the teacher says — you would not be able to. Instead write down key words or key points. By summarising the concepts in your own words, you will deepen your understanding of the topic. Take notes by hand instead of your computer. Research shows that taking notes on a computer results in shallower processing and understanding of the material compared to taking notes by hand.
Take notes during every class. Research shows that we forget about 40% of new information learned. Taking notes helps you to retain information and helps you concentrate during class. Do not cram for tests or examinations. Cramming is what happens when you leave your studying to the last minute. Be consistent and do not cram. Pay attention in class even if you already understand the material. If you already know the concepts well, treat that class as a review session. You will consolidate your learning and retain information for longer.
We stop here today with these study tips. However, as stated earlier there are many more study tips suggestions proffered by researchers and if you happen to come across them read them as well to lessen the burden of unpreparedness when examinations come.
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derick.khumalo