Finally, let’s consider the issue of note-writing and note-taking which I have intentionally left out till now. In secondary schools, most teachers give their students notes to copy. This I have chosen to refer to as Note Writing. The importance of writing or taking notes during classes cannot be over emphasized. This is where a student’s diligence, discipline and determination are displayed. It involves the eyes, ears, mind and the whole body. First, you should have different note books for the different subjects you are offering. Whether notes are dictated or written out on the board, make sure you write along. Leave out spaces for words you did not readily get. Immediately after the class, read through your notes, fill up the missing words, cross your ‘t’s and dot your ‘i’s. Do not wait till some other day before doing this. Do not rely on your classmates’ notes because theirs may not be correct or complete. Just before the next class, review what you have written. By this you would refresh your memory on the subject matter and retain more. Write legibly and put a date on the day’s notes. Aside writing notes which the teacher gives, make it a part of you to take your own notes while the class is in session and while reading from your textbooks or your class notebooks. You could get a good notebook which you can separate or partition for different subjects. Since you cannot make notes or write summaries in your class notebook, your personal one will do. While the teacher is teaching, write down what he lays emphasis on, concepts he stresses, keywords, examples and phrases pointed out. You can use abbreviations you can easily understand and remember if writing the whole thing is slowing you down.
Read your textbooks and class notebook and make notes into your personal notebook. Read them at your study time and make summaries in your own words on the left margin of the notebook. And remember to read through your notes and summaries. This helps to prepare you for tests and examinations without much stress or the need to cram.
It is possible that you may have already adopted some other study habits that may have been of help to you. What you need to do is to consider what has been stated in this article and either combine or choose the better options. Every good student takes seriously the issue of updating his class notebook, doing his homework, preparing very well for tests and examinations if he must have good grades. Efforts in all these areas guarantee a good pass. Note that in every subject, the class notebook, homework and class tests attract as much as 30% of the total term’s 100% and in some schools 40% in every subject. Using the tips we have stated gives you a good grade in your exams. In fact, no student should actually have a low grade or fail at all. Dr. John Feldmeier in his academic survival tips says “The past does not equal the future” and urged students to write it out and place it where they will see it each and every day. I say same to you, the past does not equal the future, therefore do all to get hold of your future. Walk and work your way into success and academic excellence.
A continuation of Academic Excellence Through Good Study Habits
IMPORTANT NOTE: ENSURE TO READ Deuteronomy 7:12-15.
(it is important to study the scriptures in the bible daily)