ACADEMIC PILLAR

EVERY STUDENT MUST DO THIS

Academic Pillar 1

There are two parts to your academic life in tertiary:

• Private
• Public.

There are specific things to do as regards each part of your academic life. Metaphorically, it is like running a race on a track:

1. On your mark!

2.Get set!

3.Go!

4.Win!

1. “On your mark!”

• .Ask about your programme of study and the courses studied.
• Gather enough information on the courses and their lecturers, the performance of students, the nature of assessment, the entry point etc. From continuing students, notice boards, T.A.s, etc.
• Do not make the mistake of being intimidated by the information gathered

2. “Get set!”

• With the information gathered, sit down and set clear goals for your academic journey.
• Clearly define strategies that can help you achieve the set goals.
• You can do this with the help of a more experienced person, but remember that the responsibility for success lies solely on you.
• Employ time-tested goals and strategies to accomplish your goals

3. “Go!”

• Go ahead and implement the time-tested goals and strategies. They include... 1. Arrive at least 30 minutes before each lecture. Settle down and revise what was last learnt, or what is about to be learnt.

2. Sit in front or, at worst, in the middle of the lecture room.

3. Connect with the lecturer; offer help, ask questions behind the scenes (if necessary). Maintain a good impression of the lecturer, no matter what.

4. Go over content learnt for all lectures before each day ends.

5. Tackle assignments right when they are given.??

6. Take notes in class personally, in your own style.

7. If you do not understand, seek help immediately till you get it.

8. Use library from the beginning of the semester.

9. Seek question bank (past questions), lecture notes, slides etc. from the very beginning.

10. Keep a regimental schedule [more than just a study timetable] that is flexible enough. Make the schedule known to your close friends who must be willing to respect it.

11. Join compatible and serious study groups

12. Take note of the kind of learner you are. Maximise your potentials and peak times. a. Visual learner: prefers using pictures/images or videos b.Aural learner: prefers using sounds and music c. Verbal learner: prefers using words (spoken or written) d.Logical learner: prefers using logic, reasoning or abstract thinking e.Physical learner (kinesthetic): prefers using body, hands or sense of touch f. Solitary learner: prefers learning alone (self-study) g.Social learner: prefers learning with others (in groups)

13. Be intentional about your studies. Sit down and do actual studying. Do not be in a rush. Do not wait till last minute. Employ the SQ5R technique a. Survey b. Question c. Read d. Reflect/respond e. Recall/recite f. Record g. Review/revise.

14. Use diagrammatic or non-diagrammatic [spidergrams, Venn diagrams, outlines etc.] means to make notes from what you study. Keep memory cards or visualisers on you. ‘Teach’ what you have learnt to someone else.

4. Win!

• Make time for de-stressing or relaxation when you have achieved your goals.
• Avoid being boxed-up in the academic setting. It can be detrimental to your mental health.
• Make conscious efforts to blend your academic life with the social and spiritual.

What is the conclusion of the matter?

• If you apply your heart to wisdom, and seek to not turn to the right or to the left, you shall definitely do well.
• Follow the ancient paths. They lead right on to great success.

5Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you.” (Proverbs 4:5-6)

follow Janice Wilson for more educative content.

acknowlegement: Emmanuel Nii Adama Mensah (convener UniConvos)

#success #learning #help #students #ug #euw #knust #ashesi #tertiary