The first term has come to a screeching halt. The term that seemed long has come to a close. Have you ever dreamed of this day. A wise man said, “Make hay while the sun shines”. Indeed those who made hay are now settled as their cows are now enjoying,so to speak. They got good grades. There are those who got what they did not want, academically speaking. What I can say is that it is not the end of the road; it is just the end of a term. You can make good use of the time left between now and July and between now and November when you will be sitting for major exams.
Studying tips
There is no other primary formula for success in your studies apart from reading; studying hard. What is studying? It is more than reading. It is reading and understanding. Most learners fail tests because they lack reading and understanding. They cannot remember what they covered in class and in personal study. Below, I outline some studying tips which you may apply if you are to understand what you read.
- Get to understand the syllabus. The syllabus is an outline of topics that you are expected to cover in order to pass an exam. Studying following the outline will keep you on course.
- Read your topic like you are reading a novel. The first time you meet a topic, go through it as quickly as possible as if it’s a novel chapter. This is meant for you to get a feel of the topic. If you don’t remember much, do not worry.
- Note-making in the second read. Go over your topic for the second time, and this time make an effort to understand the matter. You can help yourself by making notes, preferably in your own words where possible.
- A third read is a thorough read. Make sure, this time you read as if you are now going into an exam and you want to pass. You are cramming everything into your “head”.
- Go over what you read in your mind. This is good for retaining what you are studying. Should you find that there is something you have forgotten, refer for it immediately. Some do this every night before they retire to bed. Others can do this on their way home of when they are away from their books. They commit the matter to long term memory.
- Compare books. If you find difficulties with a topic, try to refer to other books since the style of the author and examples used can greatly help you to understand.
- Practice answering exam questions. Many students rush to try the questions before they amass content. Read first. Study first. With what you have attempt the questions.
- Have a time table in order to have a focused study in which you cover as much material while understanding it at the same time.
- A strong desire to pass will see you through.
I hope these tips will help you to improve and pass next time. They are many tips though that will apply to different individuals.
Happy Holiday full of hard work and catching up, academically speaking.