I am writing this post from the angle of being an educator.
As we embark on a new academic term, I find it essential to share some fundamental insights that can guide my students towards achieving their goals. One quote that resonates deeply in this regard is from Sam Levenson: "Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." This phrase sets the tone for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
At the commencement of each session, I notice a blend of emotions among my students. Some are filled with regret about past performances, while others feel a sense of confidence from their achievements. Yet, I emphasize to all: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts," a powerful reminder from Winston Churchill. This perspective is crucial, especially as students navigate the complexities of academic life.
This term, I directly addressed two distinct groups in my class: those who have been promoted to a higher level and those who find themselves repeating a class. To those who have advanced, I conveyed my congratulations, but I also urged them not to take their promotion for granted. It does not automatically imply superiority over their peers who have not progressed. If they become complacent and fail to "keep going," they risk falling behind.
For the students who are repeating their class, I underscored the idea that failure is not the end. It is merely a stepping stone to success, something from which they can recover with relative ease. They, too, must embody the lessons of perseverance and diligence: what the clock does—"keep going."
The core message I wanted to impart is that studying need not be daunting. It is fundamentally about readiness and commitment. While some students may find studying overwhelming, understanding and practicing certain techniques can transform their experiences and enable them to excel. My approach draws from my personal experiences during my student years, coupled with research examining the links between s habits, study skills, and academic performance.
Reading habits encompass the consistency and frequency of a student's engagement with reading materials, and effective study skills pertain to the strategies and techniques used to comprehend and retain information. Together, these components play a pivotal role in a student's academic success.
Students who nurture regular reading habits invariably enhance their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking abilities. Furthermore, effective study skills facilitate efficient processing and retention of information. When both reading habits and study skills are cultivated, they synergize to foster academic excellence.
To reinforce these principles, I shared personal anecdotes from my own academic journey. Despite not being an avid reader, I ensured:
Attendance in every class, active listening and note-taking, visualizing teachers' illustrations and regular review of notes.
These strategies enabled me to excel, and I encouraged my students to adopt similar habits.
Adopting these can also help;
Pay attention in class and jot down important points.
Prepare a timetable and stick to it.
Read and understand topics taught weekly.
Gradual, continuous studying aids long-term memory retention.
Stay committed and determined.
Academic success is within reach when students cultivate consistent reading habits, develop effective study skills, embody perseverance and resilience and stay focused and committed.
As an educator, i must guide students in recognizing the importance of these skills and provide support in developing them.
By embracing these principles, I am confident that my students will overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and excel academically.
