Many of us struggle with studies and often forget what we learn. Yet, we constantly aspire to be top students, and this thought lingers in our minds. Despite this, we find it difficult to excel in our studies. Today, I want to share some insights that can help you improve your academic performance and become a better student. Remember, being a good student means being a good reader. So, let’s explore how we can become better students.
1. Read to Learn
Students should read selected books that can enhance their knowledge. Seeking recommendations from elders, teachers, or knowledgeable individuals about books, magazines, and newspapers is essential. It’s not beneficial to read a difficult book and forget it two days later. Instead, reading an easier book that you fully understand and remember is far more advantageous. Books read by grandparents for leisure may not be suitable for children. Kids should only read what their parents allow. What a 78-year-old enjoys might not benefit a 12- or 13-year-old. Books and magazines that require critical thinking in times of trouble or conflict should be the focus for adolescents. Reading new and interesting material should spark a young mind's curiosity.
2. Acquiring Knowledge
The world of books offers a variety of subjects. Read as much as possible and strive to understand. Retaining knowledge is what truly matters. Whether it’s school textbooks or leisure reading, revisiting them often is necessary for effective learning. Hitler once said, "It’s better to remember nine out of ten books than to read a hundred and forget ninety."
Syed Majid Ali remarked that reading books is like a pyramid; at first, people read a wide variety, but gradually, their reading becomes more specialized.
3. The Benefits of Reading
To master a language or subject, it’s crucial to read the same textbook multiple times. I’ve seen that thorough reading six times often leads to mastery.
- First Reading: Approach the material on your own. It may seem challenging or complex.
- Second Reading: Read it again with great focus. Write down difficult words, phrases, and paragraphs. Take your time and invest patience.
- After Second Reading: Document challenging words and phrases. Use a subject-specific dictionary to learn meanings, etymologies, and synonyms. Refer to encyclopedias for unknown terms or concepts.
- Third Reading: You’ll gain a clearer understanding, though new words might still be difficult.
- Fourth Reading: By this time, comprehension will improve significantly.
- Practice: Summarize what you've learned, and discuss it with a knowledgeable peer.
- Fifth Reading: It should feel effortless, allowing deeper exploration of the subject. Jot down any new questions.
- Practice Again: Discuss these new questions with classmates or your teacher. Reference dictionaries or other resources as needed.
- Sixth Reading: It should feel extremely easy by now.
Final Practice: If there are exercises at the end of the material, complete them and discuss your answers with your teacher to ensure quality.
4. Learning from School
Receiving education in school is crucial. Stay attentive and follow every word from your teacher. Genuine learning happens when students engage with their teachers and peers, and active participation leads to asking questions. Those who have no curiosity miss out on knowledge. If you are unprepared at home, you’ll only passively absorb what’s taught. To truly learn, your senses must be alert, and you should heed your teacher's instructions and advice. Utilize all four modes of learning: listening, speaking (asking questions and reciting), reading, and writing.
5. Desire to Learn
The process can be tough and sometimes stubbornly slow, which may deter you from wanting to learn. Some believe they are eager to learn but skim through a hefty book and think they've grasped everything. When it’s time to apply that knowledge, they find they’ve learned nothing. Often, this lack of retention is due to an unwillingness to learn. This unwillingness manifests in various ways; one student may struggle to memorize while another can do so quickly. The difference lies in the level of interest in learning. You may have some desire to learn, but not enough to fully absorb the material, or you might forget it shortly after. To learn effectively, you must have a strong desire to learn.
6. Discipline
Every task has its rules. If you don’t understand these rules, your studies can become chaotic. Teachers assign homework, but they often don’t explain how long to spend on each subject or what areas need more focus. Thus, students without tutors remain in the dark about these guidelines. However, these rules are not complicated; they simply need to be followed. Understanding and analyzing the rules is key because what works for one may not work for another.
7. Perseverance
Persistence is a valuable trait. To excel in your studies, you must stick with it. Focusing only on subjects you enjoy can lead to neglecting others. If you spend a day studying intensively and then take several days off, your progress will stall. Regular attention is crucial; if you skip days, you may forget what you learned. Thus, short daily study sessions are less harmful than infrequent, intense cram sessions.
8. Self-Confidence
Fearing your studies will hinder your performance. This applies universally. If you fall behind, passing exams becomes even more challenging. Like Hillary, who conquered Everest without fear, you must believe in your ability to succeed. If you think passing or excelling in exams is impossible, it will be. Confidence helps people achieve the seemingly impossible. If others can learn, so can you. When faced with new and challenging subjects, instead of panicking, calm your mind and reassure yourself that if others can do it, you can too. Fear turns simple tasks into daunting ones.
Remind yourself, "I can do this." Believing in yourself makes it possible, and there are countless examples to prove it.
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