We
are now in the eighth week of the academic calendar. The atmosphere of the
intellectual landscape is about to welcome the “bitter-sweet” aura of
examination. As the academic calendar dwindles at the speed of light, students
now have to struggle with a frenetic schedule of attending classes, impromptu
tests, and an avalanche of assignments. However, the harsh reality is that
whether students are prepared or unprepared, examinations lurk in the dark waiting
to pounce, and will soon steal in “like a thief in the night”.
This
tense atmosphere might pressurize and propel students to read at low-level
standards. Many invariably compile notes and stuff their brains with myriads of
concepts from various courses without analysis. The crux of every academic
engagement should be to learn and critically reflect on the subject matter of
such a course. The limited time is the case of to whom less is given, much is
expected.
‘La
cram la pour’ is now the order of the day as students no longer engage in their
field of study intellectually. Some even form notes in a linear style without
ruminating on the discourse of the notes. Continuous brainstorming on what is
read after the studying period is what aids learning at a higher standard.
Students
can subscribe to the anchor of note aggregation; only this time, they will have
to submerge themselves in the note-formation process. This would help to make productive
revision.
Quality
research to substantiate ideas raised in class can also aid in internalization
without students necessarily stooping to cramming. By exploring different
explanations by various authors through research, a student is equipped with an
artillery of words to combat the problems raised in exam questions.
Also,
consulting past questions plays a pivotal role in exam preparations. This would
expose students to the modes lecturers adopt to set questions. It will also
help students familiarize themselves with the nature of the questions they may
encounter during examinations.
Moreover,
smart and strategic reading is of utmost importance while preparing for exams.
This is because students might not have an opportune time to tie every loose
end on every topic on the course outline. Hence, sufficient planning on some
selected topics that might emerge during the exam can boost performance.
In
conclusion, swallowing a pool of notes hook-line-sinker impedes critical
engagement and internalization. It kills scholastic interrogation; hence, the
need for students to strategically plan ahead of exams in spite of the limited
time.
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