Studying for a new semester can seem overwhelming, but there is indeed no correct way to prepare. With that being said it is highly recommended you are prepared in some way. You need a plan on how you're going to succeed this semester, so instead of telling yourself you're going to make a change you're going to take action. Here are how students take action around the globe to tackle the challenges that arise from a new semester.
Writer: Marlene Bello
As the new semester approaches, new subjects come to light and the need for preparation comes to mind. Although the challenges of tackling unfamiliar territories can be overwhelming, innovative learning platforms like Coursera offer various students the opportunity to succeed in different fields all across the world. For instance, psychology has never been a course I’ve taken as it is only offered as a grade 12 course (at least in my school in Canada) and thus one has no prior knowledge or experience of what it might consist of. Hence, this summer I delved into confronting this subject through a basic introduction to psychology course provided by Coursera and presented by Yale University. Therefore, by studying these fundamental concepts and theories of the subject, I not only made progress that will better equip me to manage my time in this future semester but also filled in the knowledge gap that instilled worry. Consequently, daunted by the complexities of uncharted fields, Coursera enables individuals to acquaint themselves with upcoming subjects or even areas of a field that they are interested in learning more about. In addition, the premium version of Coursera allows one to earn a degree. This certificate not only demonstrates one’s dedication but also aids one’s academic profile by showcasing one's passion and knowledge of the subject. In conclusion, this app is the ideal tool that assists one in overcoming personal obstacles and offers the opportunity to equip oneself with essential knowledge and comprehension of any specific area even before stepping into the classroom or field of expertise.
Writer: DIDE Hana
As summer is coming to an end, the upcoming school year is unfortunately approaching us quickly, or should I say fortunately! The new school year offers us the perfect opportunity to better ourselves than last year and reach all of our academic goals. However, as important as having goals is, it is equally as valuable to maintain healthy habits to achieve said goals. As James Clear states in his book Atomic Habits: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems” ( Clear, 2018, p. 27).
Therefore, if you wish to improve over this next semester, you need to focus on perfecting the studying system you are building with good habits, allowing you to improve abundantly.
BYE-BYE BAD HABITS, HELLO GOOD ONES
Here I'll set you up with some great habits to implement to start your trimester in the best way possible!
#1: Try to implement past study habits that have worked for you in previous years and build off of them to optimize their efficiency. The ones that have not worked in the past, learn why they haven't worked, and discard them. A habit that could be helpful could be setting a 2-hour study period daily. To make it easier for you, set it at a time when you’re the most able to focus and show up to study at the same time every day.
If you have the option, I would recommend studying early in the morning or the evening.
Studies have shown that studying early in the morning is extremely efficient, it’s a moment when the world is still quiet and there aren't many distractions resulting in you being more focused. However, studying in the evening is also effective since you’ll sleep soon thus you’re most likely to retain information better!
#2: You are probably expecting this one but fix your sleep schedule!
Sleeping early and waking up early is an important step, with a good night of sleep you’ll be able to be super productive! To be able to function properly throughout the day and retain information a minimum of 8 hours of sleep a day must be met. Get that beauty sleep! Not only would it develop your brain but it nourishes your skin.
STEP BY STEP, DAY BY DAY
I know going back into the school routine can be hard after summer. However, you can use some tricks to help you find your way again without feeling overwhelmed during the process.
#1 Break down your study sessions into small periods by using the Pomodoro technique: study for 25 minutes and then rest for 5 minutes. This technique will help you get into the habit of focusing for a long period.
#2 Break down the chapters you have to review into smaller sections. Seeing that you have 12 chapters to review with each having 2 pages full of material is very discouraging, however, if you try to review everything step by step, chapter by chapter you’ll notice that the task will be completed sooner than expected! You can break things down this way: start by reading the lesson, then try to remember the notions since everything that you are reviewing was already learned last year. After that, do some starting exercises, they should not be too hard since you’re just starting.
LEARN BY DOING
One of the best things about science subjects is that you learn by doing! You didn’t understand a concept? That's okay, try doing an exercise with it and putting it back in its context. Did you get a bad mark on your last exam? Well, guess what, you’ll just need to exercise yourself more on the chapter! Having good grades in physics/ chemistry is like having muscles, you need to train a lot to maintain them!
#1 One of the best ways to keep improving is by checking your past papers and working on your weaknesses. You might have gotten a 90/100, which is a good grade but why not aim for a perfect score? Find out where you lost those 10 points and work on those weaknesses to break the record next time!
#2 There is a beautiful time-saving concept that revolutionized the world called the “mock exam” also called in the French system: “Type Bac”. This concept helped millions of students, including myself, save time by studying smarter, not harder! Well I think you got it, I love mock exams because they are truly time-savers and are super efficient!! By practicing mocks regularly you’ll make sure you have mastered the material you need to study for the exam and on top of that you’ll be so much more confident on the day of the exam.
ADDITIONALS
After all that, I am sure that you’ll be ready to ace this new trimester of physics and chemistry!
Here are some additional preps you could do before the trimester begins:
Have your physics and chemistry material ready such as your lab coat, your calculator, and textbooks as well as all your pencils and pens!
Get ahead in the courses and check the next trimester’s syllabus to have a first idea of the next things you’ll see!
I hope this article helped you and that you’re ready to crush everything again this trimester. Even if you are not, remember that it is okay and you should be patient with yourself! You’ll get there, do not give up.
Exploring Indonesia's Education System and Excelling in Mathematics Studies: as a new semester student.
Writer: Charlene Wijaya
INDONESIA'S EDUCATION SYSTEM
Indonesia has one of the largest education systems globally. Managing education in Indonesia is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Ministry of Technology Research and Higher Education. The Indonesian people must complete their studies within a total period of twelve years. Which includes 3 levels of the national education systems, elementary education (6 years), lower-secondary (3 years), and upper-secondary (3 years). Roughly 90% of elementary schools are public, while over half of high schools and 90% of universities are privately owned.
STUDYING FOR A NEW SEMESTER IN INDONESIA
The academic year in Indonesia starts in July and concludes in June of the following year. During this time, there are three instances of school vacations. The initial vacation begins from the latter part of December until the beginning of January. The subsequent holiday, called the "Lebaran Holidays", occurs in May and lasts for around two weeks.
In Indonesia, numerous students tend to struggle with the subject they least enjoy, and for a lot of them, that subject is "MATH", largely due to its reputation for being challenging.
Getting the hang of math requires a combination of strategies, being committed, and practicing regularly. Here are a few simple tips to further develop how you improve on math:
1. Learn the Basics Properly:
Mastering the basics correctly stands as the foremost priority, where you must ensure that you truly figure out the nuts and bolts of the point. Because if you understand these basic things, you will be able to understand the next materials that will be explained. To comprehend the basics you have to understand the formula first, then memorize it, and attempt to figure out why it works.
2. Take a Note:
Taking note of the mathematical formulas will greatly assist you when revising them later. Employ a notebook or a folder to store your math materials and formula sheets. So when you need to study, you'll know where to track down your notes. By doing this it can also help you to better remember these mathematical formulas.
3. Keep Practicing Regularly:
One of the keys to preparing our abilities in mathematics is that we frequently practice. By persistently tackling problems that initially seemed challenging, they gradually become more comprehensible. Achieving a perfect score the day after is a rarity, except for those exceptionally gifted in the field. Then, what about the rest of us who encounter difficulties in this subject? To keep rehearsing, we can start with simpler problems and gradually progress to more intricate ones. It's crucial to break down complex problems into smaller ones and complete each step one by one. Employing this strategy consistently will lead to familiarity and proficiency with these problems over time.
OTHER PLATFORMS
Facing challenges in mastering mathematical concepts is a common journey for learners of all levels. Fortunately, there are effective strategies and resources available to assist you in overcoming these obstacles and building a strong foundation in math. Two key approaches involve seeking help from others and exploring additional learning resources:
1. Asking Others for Help:
If you experience a deadlock and can't find a way out, don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask anyone, either your friends or your teacher. Because people who are embarrassed to ask will get lost on the road. By asking these questions, you can get different ideas and thoughts that can help you solve the problem.
2. Exploring Additional Learning Resources:
Certainly, we don't just receive learning materials during classroom explanations; in today's advancing era, we have access to even more sources. YouTube has some awesome channels that excel at explaining mathematical concepts, you can check out folks like @patrickjmt, @numberphile, @mathantics, and others. If things still aren't clear, you have the option to replay the video as many times as needed until you grasp the content.
HOW TO MAINTAIN THESE HABIT
Many individuals only manage to stick with the habit for perhaps a maximum of 1 month, but how can we ensure this habit keeps going in our lives?
1. Set Goals:
Having goals in our lives transforms us into individuals who are excited about overcoming challenges. It's essential to know what you want to achieve during your math study time. Grasping tough concepts, solving difficult problems, and ultimately earning good grades are the aims.
2. Create Schedule:
Following a schedule helps us establish a consistent habit. Identifying the right times to study math is important. Plan to study math three times a week, on any days that work for you. Also, conclude how long you need to commit to math every day. This routine helps your mind associate that time with focused learning. Make sure to write down your achievements.
3. Reward Yourself:
This may be a small thing, but it's important. Treating yourself after meeting your goals is a great idea. Once you complete a study session or achieve a goal, give yourself a reward you enjoy, whether it's shopping, your favorite meal, or playing games. This approach changes your mindset, reducing stress and enhancing the desire to learn without expecting something in return. This will boost your motivation to learn and strengthen the habit.
4. Evaluate Yourself:
By evaluating your progress, you can see what you've achieved and what needs improvement. This boosts motivation and reinforces your commitment to study harder. Compare your current math scores with your previous ones. Improved scores mean your habit-building is successful. If progress is slow, don't consider it a failure. Instead, take it as an opportunity to engage more actively in learning.
CONCLUSION
As you embark on this journey, keep these essential principles in mind: understand the basics thoroughly, take notes to aid memory and understanding, and practice regularly to turn challenges into successes. These steps form the basis on which your math skills will flourish. Don't hesitate to try out various study techniques until you discover one that aligns with your preferred way of learning. Wishing you all the best and enjoyable learning as you embark on this journey!!! 😊😊😊
STUDYING FOR A NEW SEMESTER IN THE PHILIPPINES
As the summer break ends a new school year comes quicker day by day and as the saying goes “new year new me”. Through this, you will be able to learn how you can create and be a better student and a better version of yourself.
HABITS WHICH HAVE HELPED ME:
1#: Advance studying
Having the habit of advancing study is what can personally help further improve your understanding of the topics and subjects you’re studying in school through advanced studying for academic subjects such as science, math, or even social science. Advanced studying allows you to get a head start on topics that your subjects are discussing but this also allows you to further delve or get to know the topic even more.
→ Sources like Khan Academy, National Geographic, and The Organic Chemistry Tutor, are reliable sources and tutors who have helped me and others advance study and prepare for my classes and my quizzes.
2#: Taking Notes
Note-taking is one of the most important parts of studying because that is where you jot down the information you’ve learned from your mentors. There are so many endless ways of taking notes, leaving everyone with their own methods that are adapted to help them study best. The note layout I use will not work for everyone, but just to offer an example this is how the formatting is for each of my notes which follows the Cornell method.
Cornell method:
As seen in the photo above, to do the Cornell method of note-taking you must start by writing the topic and date at the top of your notebook page. Divide the page and write your lesson notes on the right side and the left side you can write things like questions, vocabulary, or even main ideas. Then finally the bottom of the page is where you write the synthesis or the summary of the topic.
3#: Creating a timetable and using a planner
Creating a timetable and being able to use a planner can help most, especially with time management being a problem a lot of students face. Using planners has been able to help in managing time to lessen procrastination, by allowing you to create specific study periods which revolve around your schedule and what you need to prioritize.
References
Clear, J. (2018). Atomic habits: tiny changes, remarkable results : an easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones. New York, New York, Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
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