Excel In School – 5 Tips & Tricks

Jan. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- It’s the beginning of the school term and it would be a few more months of studying and books mugging before the next break arrives in March (school holidays). While most if not all would be just into the mood of getting settled down having just got back to school after a month of school holidays, soon students will be gearing up to a more intense schedule preparing for term tests or exams. The new school term presents a new start for students who are weak in studies to pick up new studying skills and for those who are stronger to maintain their performances throughout the new school year. Having disciplined routine and habits of studying are important in setting the pace and right attitude for learning and excelling in studies. Here we share with you some of the tips and tricks by students who have made it through and excelled in their studies.

5 TIPS TO EXCEL IN SCHOOL

1. Read in Advance. Browse through the chapter(s) in advance before the lesson. Spend a few minutes to read through the main concepts captured in the school text and put a note on the section which you have problem with. You will find that it would be more easy for you to grasp the idea or concept when your teacher go through the chapter during the actual lesson.

2. Ask. Teachers are here to help. They are there to help you understand concepts which you have problem with. When they are going through the text, raise questions to those sections which you had earlier find difficulties with. Remember, all your classmates are here to learn. No question is too stupid and you would rather clear your doubt now then doing it at later stage when you are preparing for your exams.

3. Note. Stay attentive when attending lessons. While most of the text would help explain the concepts of the lessons, there are times when a few subjects need more than just plain text for you to understand. It is thus important for you to be attentive during lessons and jot down notes on what your teachers have mentioned during the lessons. It could be real-life examples, science experiment concepts, simpler equation or math question workings which you might be missing out on if you are not paying attention. These are what could make it easier for you to understand the whole lesson easier when you are studying for your tests or exams. Remember, these notes will definitely come in handy while you are revising your subjects. It would make it easier for you to recall the lessons few months down the road.

4. Form study groups. Not everyone is a fan of study groups and would prefer to self-study instead. Though not a must as each individual has their own studying techniques, forming study groups actually do have its pros. Like having discussions on subjects would make you further explore the concepts and forces each member to think deeper while arguing on their case. This would allow the participants to develop arguments from different angles and understand the subject from a multi-angled perspectives. This would be particularly useful for subjects which allow different viewpoints and deeper understandings; such as General Paper, Economics, History or those subjects which have open-ended questions and require answers which test on understanding of concepts.

5. Play. All work and no play makes jack a dull boy. Character building is an important “subject” which could not be taught. It cannot be learned through books and has to be experienced. The best way to build character is by playing games, sports or to take part in Core Curricular Activities (CCA) in school. It is through these activities, which will help students learn the importance of character building attributes such as being independent, team work, sportsmanship, confidence, decisiveness, friendship and etc. Developing a well-rounder student is critical in grooming him / her for the challenges ahead in the real world. Getting knocked, facing failures through these “games” are just part of the process of growing up and should be part of every students’ formative years in school.

The aforementioned 5 tips are definitely not exhaustive and every student has their own ways and speed of learning. While some would engage home tutors from Tuition Agency (http://www.schooloftutors.com) to assist in their studies, no matter what it would be it is important to note every mind is born inquisitive, filling it takes time and not all minds are the same. With the right guidance and encouragement from both parents and teachers, every kid would be able to excel in his / her studies as long as they possess the right positive attitudes towards learning.To all students reading this post, I sign off with the famous quote from the late founder of Apple – Steve Jobs, in his commencement speech to graduating students of Standford University back in 2005 - "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish".