Smart Work over Hard Work

In my first year of university, I was excited to write my first test. I read well and hard (not sure I burnt any midnight candles) but I was surely ready and extremely confident that I would pass the test.

On the day of the test, I got out my writing materials, tucked myself neatly in one of the front row seats and waited patiently for the lecturer to commence the test.

The lecturer entered hurriedly and said, “Tear a sheet of paper, write your name and university number and in 5 minutes, ‘enumerate’ 10 characteristics of a city.”

In my sheer excitement to show the lecturer how much I had read, I practiced the ‘memory dump technique’. I started writing everything I could remember and just as I was done writing my 2nd point, the lecturer blurted out, “Pens up!”

I froze!

The class went into a full meltdown. Almost 90% of the students were in my position with only two answers written within the 5 minutes mark. He calmed the class down and then explained that he only needed us to list the answers in bullet points given the 5 minutes time frame. He further advised that we paid more attention to instructions in subsequent tests/exams.

Two major instructions that we all didn’t pay attention to were:

1. The word, ‘enumerate’ — This comes from the word ‘number’. With such instruction, it only requires a list either numbered or in bullet points.

2. The time frame — 5 minutes was sufficient to have written 10 bullet points and gotten a full 10 marks!

So, with all my hard work and preparations for the test, I’m sure you can guess what I scored? 2/10. I cried so hard, and I felt burnt.

It is often assumed that students should innately know how to study and make good grades not bearing in mind that certain skills and basic techniques are required to achieve this.

Just like a chef require skills to develop recipes, plan menus, and create those sumptuous dishes, or a seamstress need to have a good eye for detail and be able to sew straight lines with a sewing machine so does a student, require skills to know how to study.

With exams coming up in May, we highlighted the following tips to help students excel in their academics and study more effectively.

Tip 1: Read every day where possible.

Make studying like eating every day. Just like you need to maintain a healthy body by eating, so do you need to maintain healthy grades by studying. Run a study check-in by asking, ‘Have I eaten today’? If you have, then you must study too.

Tip 2: Repeat to retain.

Repetition eases the way for new learning to ‘sink in’. It increases mastery. You could share what you learnt at school with your friend — probably a study buddy, your sibling, or Parents. Remember, repetition is the law of deep and lasting impression.

Tip 3: Realize your best study time.

Know what time works best for you. It is called your personal ‘body time’. This is the time when your body and mind are most alert. It could be in the morning or night. The quality of time spent studying is more important than the quantity/length of time.

Tip 4: Read with a pen, notebook and highlighter.

Research has shown that note taking, or the lack of taking notes, is not a constant or strong part of the study methods employed by many students. Note taking enhances memory power and improves comprehension.

Also, good, clear and legible handwriting is essential for success. Well-written and grammatically correct answers receive higher grades than poorly written grammatically correct answers, even though the answers are the same.

Tip 5: Revise past test and examination papers.

Using past test and examination question papers to revise and study is a great way to improving your grades. This will enable you to enjoy the benefit of repeat questions which are likely to be set by the examination bodies over time.

Tip 6: Read test and examination instructions carefully.

While reviewing test or examination questions, always read instructions clearly. If the instruction reads: ‘Enumerate/Highlight’, that means that you should list or itemize your points; If it says: ‘Discuss’, then you are to give further details. If it says, ‘Show workings’ then you must show workings.

Tip 7: Record desired grades at the beginning of each term.

Planning your study goals and grades by recording your desired ‘grades’ at the beginning of each term is a SUPER way to start the term. Paste it on your wall where you can see it every day. Anytime you look at your goal(s), you are training your brain to accept the effort needed to make the goal happen.

Tip 8: Remember to take short breaks, rest and ensure a healthy lifestyle.

75 percent of the brain is made up of water. This means that dehydration, even in small amounts, can have a negative effect on the brain functions. Also, lack of sleep may shrink the brain. Therefore, eating well, drinking well, exercising well and sleeping well are non-negotiables. Short but frequent breaks would help to keep your brain and mind clear and alert. Working too long on a task decreases performance.

Tip 9: Realize your learning style using assessment tests.

V.A.R.K learning styles include:

Visual — Visual learners learn by seeing/visualizing.

Auditory — Auditory learners learn by listening.

Read & Write — Read & Write learners learn by reading and writing.

Kinesthetics — Tactile/Kinesthetic learners learn by doing.

Tip 10: Refuse to give up on your dreams.

“When you study, remember not to give up. Exams are the jungle, and by studying, you make yourself the lion. You will enter the class and look at everyone arrogantly, feeling like the king. Decide that you will win this battle and tear everyone apart”…

You cannot afford to give up on your dreams because of the terrible feeling of regret. Success is often around the corner and success is indeed a choice. Allow the words of Winston Churchill carry you through even when things get tough, “Never Never Never give up!”

Strictly following some of these study strategies will make a difference between ‘Working hard’ and ‘Working Smart’ and will ultimately create definite steps towards becoming a successful and super achieving student.