How to be a Smart Student

Assalamua’laikum.... This week I want to share tips on how to become an excellent student. I was reading an article by Wayne HuangHe is quickly teaching coach, who founded Rapid Learning Center to provide eLearning solutions in science and mathematics for a new generation of students. I hope these tips can help me and my friends in the face of the new semester.

                                

Smart students have a well-patterned study skill, starting up in lectures. Here are the top 10 tips in how to be the smart ones in lectures – getting the most out of classroom time.

Tip # 1: Come prepared – preview the chapter first before going into the lecture, this is the main difference between A’s and B’s.

Tip #2: Keep the questioning mind – as you preview the chapter, come up a list of questions. Try to find answers to those questions during lectures. Also write down the questions on the instructor’s lecture as it goes.

Tip #3: Write your lecture notes after – Take brief notes during lectures and complete them soon after class when it’s still fresh in memory.

Tip #4: Rewrite the headings as questions – The questioning headings and subheadings provoke your critical thinking and deepen your understanding.

Tip #4: Make a master list of questions – Try to find answers to those questions during lectures and reading.

Tip #5: Make a master list of keywords – The understanding of key concepts and their inter-relationship will give you the true mastery of that chapter. Use flash cards for them too.

Tip #6: Sit in the front of the class – This will keep you focus better and engage more. It is what smart students do.

Tip #7: Ask questions in lecture – Don’t be afraid to raise your hand. The more you ask the smarter you get.

Tip #8: Observe the instructor for exam clues – Mark down the important concepts as hinted by your instructor. Pay attention and you will know.

Tip #9: Avoid being a lecture skipper – Don’t ever skip the lecture. This is a recipe for failure. Also don’t bother to record the lecture in tape or MP3. Knowing you are going to re-listen to the lecture gives you an excuse not to listen carefully.

Tip #10: Get noticed by your instructor - Come early and stay behind to ask questions and help out the instructor. Let him or her know your name. Take advantage of office hours. When comes to assign your grade, it really helps.