The Sunday News
Charles Dube
WE begin today’s article with a follow-up of study tips given last week. After every test and examination, analyse how you can improve in the future. After you have received your graded test, work through it carefully. Ask yourself questions such as: “Which topics do I know well? Which topics do I not know well? What avoidable mistakes did I make? How can I ensure that I do not make these mistakes in the future? What do I need to do differently to better prepare for the next tests or examination?
Take note that learners need motivation to follow these tips and improve their performances in the tests or examinations.
Learners are advised not rely on their memories. Nobody’s memory is perfect, so write things down. You are encouraged to write down every single point that you want to remember, for example, ideas, and key concepts. Do not leave it to chance. Another key area to be remembered, but, always taken for granted is — never skip classes. Do not skip classes even if you think the class is “useless”. Missing classes can simply turn into a bad habit, besides it is all worth it.
Turning back to essays, proof-read every essay you write. A few spelling errors will ruin even the most brilliant essay. Your essay may contain words that are spelled correctly but, are nevertheless errors such as “there” instead of “their” or “form” instead of “from”. You obviously need support from others at any one time or another — so study with motivated friends. There are powerful benefits related to studying in a group.
One benefit is that it makes you accountable to a group of friends who expect you to show up to study sessions. Another benefit is that you can share notes, which will enable you to improve your own note taking skills. Do not be afraid or too proud to ask for help. If you need assistance, ask for it. As stated previously, ask your teachers for additional feedback — especially so for essay writing. Need for extra help or lessons is pointed out here.
Work with an academic coach or simple work with a tutor. If you are having problems with your performance or grades or with a task of motivation, get guidance from an academic tutor. An academic tutor can help you to pinpoint the root causes of problems and suggest solutions. “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.”
Note that the above quotation is repeated for emphasis. All the above can be successful with proper motivation. For learners to do well in class there should be positive motivation from the parents, guardians and the teacher. Parents and guardians play an important role in the education of their children hence whatever they say and do should be constructive. They should not annoy their children who happen to be learners.
They should avoid making comments that suggest their children are not good enough at school. As an individual, this may be something you are not aware that you do. It may be subtle. For example, to demonstrate the truth of this, take this statement: “You are improving, but I know you can do better”. On the surface this sounds like encouragement. But you are actually telling your child that he or she is not good enough.
Also take a statement that begins: When I was your age . . .” These kinds of statements usually involve a comparison that leaves your children feeling bad. So avoid making such comments. Another trap that parents fall into is comparing their children with someone else’s. Parents often hope that such comparisons will inspire their children to do better. Unfortunately, these comments have the opposite effect.
“I here that Linda got “As” in all subject last year,” may seem like an innocent remark. But it is a comparison that leaves your child feeling worse about himself or herself. Research shows that this is not the best way to motivate your children. Sometimes parents try to motivate their children by giving them lectures. But lectures tend to make children powerless and resentful. Instead of lecturing your children, discuss the issue with them and ask them what they think. This is said to be more effective than lecturing them.
How does the above method become more effective? It gets the children involved, and makes them part of the solution. Parents are encouraged to give their children a sense of control. If you want to motivate your children, they need to feel as if they are in control of their lives. Being motivated comes from knowing that you can shape your future through the actions you take today. But if children feel as if their parents are in complete (or almost complete) control, they will have little motivation.
Some parents hover over their children. “They micromanage every last detail of their children’s lives. The result is that children never develop a sense that they are responsible for their education and their lives. By empowering your children, they will develop a sense of autonomy and responsibility. Parents should talk to their children regularly abut expectations and consequences. They should emphasise on the process rather than the outcome.’’
