Sunday, January 27, 2013
So as to produce academically
competent students we need to make sure that they have the necessary and
sufficient skills that will improve their performance, prepare them to face the
new challenges, and help them achieve success. There are many critical skills
that students should encompass; note taking, active listening and time managing
are some of the skills that will prepare students for exams and ultimately for
academic success.
Note taking is a vital practice which
aids comprehension and retention. Therefore, so as to become effective note
taker, some strategies before, during and after the lecture are badly needed. Before
attending the lecture, students need to know what the lecture will be about.
Doing some readings and researches will enable them to have general overview of
the main ideas and important concepts, which will facilitate understanding and
allow the student to distinguish between what is relevant and what is not, what
is most important and what is less important. During the lecture, students
should actively listen to the teacher, approach the lecture with positive attitudes,
and make conscious efforts to pay attention. At the end of the lecture, which is the most
important part, students are required to review and edit class notes; it's
better that reviewing takes place within 24 hours after the lecture so as to
make the remembrance of the new information easier.
The second skill I would like to shed
light on is active listening; without the latter there will be no effective
note taking. More crucially, with no active listening there will be no input;
and without the input there will be no learning. The first step towards active
listening is to pay attention to the speaker, look at him, stop other tasks,
and avoid interruptions. After students focus their whole attention towards
their teachers, they then need to paraphrase and ask questions to ensure that they
understand exactly what the speaker intends to say. The next step deemed
necessary for active listening is the ability to evaluate the message; students
should consider all available information carefully before making final
decisions. Besides, they should learn how to be critical thinkers, ask
questions and try to have all the important information before forming their
opinion or jump on to conclusions. Last but not least, effective listeners are
the ones who give feedback to their teachers in order to make them know about their
understanding and opinions.
In addition to the two important skills
mentioned above, students must be aware how to use their time. Bearing in mind
the amount of outside classroom preparation and obligations, students have no
other choice but to manage their time in order to perform well. One of the techniques
students can use to prioritize their time is called "ABC" priority
system; "A" refers to something that is "absolutely
urgent", "B" refers to "better do it soon" which means
that something is important but not urgent, whereas "C" refers to
"can wait" meaning that something is beneficial but it is not of
great importance. Students need to know how to organize and define their
activities and goals according to this system. If they become able to do so,
they will be able to have balance in all areas of their lives, reduce stress,
and move steadily towards achieving their short and long term goals.
To conclude, having good study skills
is the basis for success in school; these skills can even extend to positively
influence other areas of life. Note taking, active listening and time managing
are just some examples of study skills that every student should refine.
Reading, writing, and communication and many other skills are equally important
for success. With deep knowledge of these skills, along with determination and
perseverance students will not only have a successful academic year, but a
fruitful thriving life as well.
By: Omar taky eddine
