IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION 1) Education is the avenue of alleviating ignorance and lack of knowledge, which the bible says that the deficiency there-of is destructive. Hosea 4.6 ( 2) Education creates networking and interaction locally, nationally and internationally with people, resources and information. Technical languages, spoken languages, professional language, business language etc. will facilitate you to interact easily and become relevant. e.g. computer language. 3) Education is a means to enter into career placement & development. Meeting college /University and employment requirements. All jobs in Kenya require academic qualifications especially considering the growing number of graduates through the free primary and secondary education. 4) Education promotes good stewardship and productivity ( Example what an un-educated person will do in one week , it may take a day for the educated e.g. building, Parable of talents. 5) Education will increase your value. You will be entrusted with much more:- Paul was chosen to reach kings, Talents given according to ability, The education that Moses gained in Egypt enabled him to write, Luke wrote because He was educated 6) Education will makes you useful to others—You cannot positively influence people in areas that you are not knowledgably. Paul inspired timothy to Study to show himself approved a workman who does not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of Truth. 7) Education gives you approval society. You will be esteemed highly because you are excelling by the society and you build IMAGE/ STATUS. 8) Education shapes and promotes positive personality, altitudes and perspectives—All the exposures that you get in school in academic and social life all contribute towards shaping you to be a responsible citizen who will exhibit excellence , accountability, responsibility, and productive life. HEALTHY STUDY DISCIPLINES 1) Have the right education vision to ignite self motivation and discipline. 2) Avoid missing school or missing out classes, every lesson missed is a loop hole for failure. If you miss catch up with those who have been in class. Avoid lateness too. 3) Revise every day and seek to understand the lesson better, “Chew card”. Do not pill up note to understand them in the 8th or 4th year. it will be impossible or very difficult. 4) Discipline yourself to love all subjects and teachers. Right perspective will grant the necessary pursuit to pass exams. 5) Concentrate your energy on your weak subjects and put extra efforts in them. 6) Ensure all the assignments are done on daily basis. Assignments are important in covering the contents and context of a curriculum. Preview all reading assignments before classes 7) Do extra research, exercises apart from just what is given in the teaching environment. (library, extra text books, past papers questions etc.). 8) Ensure you soak maximum out of the class environment seeking to understand every important things, ask questions in class, from other knowledgeable students, or follow the teacher after class in cases where you don’t want to offend other students. Participate, and ask questions to be involved and use the class opportunity to get the best from the class teaching environment 9) Build up a relationship with teachers and other students who are performing well to facilitate further consultation on difficult areas. Keep off from fellow students who have lost vision. You can only encourage them to make it. “Beware of the leathern of the Pharisees” 10) Organize to rest or relax in sports / games / after hard work to energize you’re thinking and avoid stress, fatigue, loosing joy of learning. 11) Believe in yourself and in God that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Dedication prayer before the study and thanks giving prayer will work for you. DO NOT ALLOW FOREGN VOICES, INSTINCTS, CURSES, AND OTHER FAILURE MODELS TO INFLUENCE YOU. Silence them speak against them and prove them wrong. 12) Have a good time management to ensure that you keep time in all areas, lessons, early to sleep – (No late night programs) cause you to sleep in class. 13) Have your own summary notes in your language that will make you study easily. Write key words, phrases, and formulas on note cards Write a summary of what you have learnt in chapter in your own words 14) Any practical subject must be practiced to improve co-ordination skills, e.g. practical, mathematics etc. Do not only read but do them. 15) Do not consider yourself as doomed, there is always room for improvement. 16) Have a timetable schedule during your free time. 17) Evaluate your performance through intermediate exams and positions in your school ( Don’t Despair or be over-exited) a) Go early and stay until the end to facilitate you get the best in school . 1. Be friends with your instructors and get to know them. 2. Develop study teams of students with various strengths who can compliment your weak areas as you compliment there weak areas. ( Encourage each other to study) 3. Study in short blocks of time and take frequent breaks 4. See your advisors and instructors regularly. 5. Review class notes after every class and again within twenty-four hours 6. Carry note cards for formulas and key words with you. 7. Make up sample tests and pretest yourself ( Study as you make or predict questions) 8. Set goals and daily priorities. Do first things first 9. Turn all assignments on time. Do extra credit work 10. Create and organized, well-lit, and quiet study space 11. Eat healthy foods, exercise, get enough rest, 12. Avoid drugs and other cynical spiritual involvement to make you succeed ( Devil worship, wit craft, etc. ( Every perfect gift comes from above) 13. Avoid wasting time and investing resources with friendships and relationships that have no value.( early boy girl relationships brings guilt, early pregnancy, loosing flavor, stress, Affects children ( a child bring up a child), waste of time on temporally issues 14. Study when you are most alert 15. Learn to Adapt to your instructor’s teaching style. ( You will like the teachers) 16. Integrate learning styles. Make learning physical and personal.( As per fiiting of various partens) 17. Use a mind map for outlining and brainstorming ( CHEWING CARD) 18. Practice speeches until you are comfortable and confident 19. Read and exchange term papers. Proofread several times.( OTHER YEARS) 20. Program your mind with positive affirmations and visualizations.( RIGHT ATTITUDE) 21. Neatness counts. Focus on details of papers 22. Negotiate for a better grade before grades are sent in. ( DREAM BIG, SEE BIG , TARGET HIGH) It determines how you respond to all other disciplines 23. Review expectations for every class 24. Value and develop positive personal qualities ( confess the right things) 25. Don’t procrastinate. Set up a schedule and project board. 26. Keep a journal and write letters to improve your writing skills 27. Be positive and upbeat 28. Be tolerant of others, work good relationship with others ( thinking about a fight, insults) 29. Focus on your priorities. Don’t become distracted 30. Reframe your circumstances and see the positive side of life 31. Make questions out of chapter headings. Read chapter summaries. 32. When taking notes in class, watch for clues from your instructor. ( remember illustrations) 33. Use waiting time for reviewing notes and using note cards. 34. Read standing up. Read out lound. Summarize your reading. 35. Welcome feedback and use it to monitor your results.( PARENTS, TEACHERS, FELLOW STUDENTS) taking it positively 36. Ask for help early. ( don’t begin to rush last munites) 37. Connect patterns, link concepts, and look for relationships. 38. Summarize chapters in your own words. Recite out loud. 39. Take time to know other resource materials that would add value to your subject. (LIBRARIES, PURCHASE OF BOOKS) explore campus and community resources. 40. Know the course objectives and the instructor’s expectations 41. Anticipate questions and ask why. Good questions deserve good answers 42. Make information personal, applicable, and alive. 43. Focus on the present and absorb yourself in the moment 44. Surround yourself with students who are motivated. OTHER POSITIVE LEARNING DISCIPLINES 1. Desire to Listen 2. Be open and willing to learn 3. Postpone judgment ( Have an open mind) 4. Be mindful 5. use empathy and respect 6. Observe THE FIVE-PART READING SYSTEM 1. Prepare 2. Preview 3. Predict questions 4. Pick out key words 5. Paraphrase and review READING STRATEGIES To improve your reading, here are some active reading strategies yo may wish to use as you read: 1. Outline main points 2. Predict questions 3. Read actively 4. Take frequent breaks 5. Make connections 6. Talk with the author 7. Read in alignment with your learning style 8. Identify key words. SPECIAL STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING LANGUAGE COURSES Building vocabulary is almost important if you are taking English as a second language course or learning a foreign language. Here are a few special reading and study tips for students who are studying language. 1. Practice exercises 2. Keep up with your reading 3. Carry note cards with you 4. Recite out loud 5. Form study teams 6. Listen to tapes 7. Visualize 8. Model and tutor 9. Focus on key words 10. Have fun VOCABULARY BUILDING You will need a fundamental vocabulary to master any subject. Developing a good vocabulary is important for reading comprehension and success in college. To succeed in a career, you must know and understand the meaning of words that you encounter in conversations, reports, meetings, and professional reading. People often judge the intelligence of another person by the ability to communicate through words. Words are the tools of thinking and communicating.Try the following methods for building your vocabulary. 1 Realize the power and value of words 2 Observe your words and habits 3.Be creative and articulate 4.Develop an interest in words 5.Associate with articulate people 6.Be aware and alert 7.Look up words you don’t know 8.Study the word 9.Write new words 10.Practice mentally 11.Practice in conversation 12.Read 13.Review great speeches 14.Invest in a vocabulary book. 15.Look for context clues 16.Lear common word parts. TECHNICAL READING 1. Do not skip over any graphics 2. Read 3 The graphic title 4 Any accompanying caption 5. Any column titles 6 Any labels or symbols and their interpretations 7 Any data (percentages, totals, figures, etc.) 8. Identify the type of graphic you are looking at. Are you looking at a table chart, or graph. 9. Decide the purpose of the graphic. Is it demonstrating to the reader likenesses or differences; increases or decreases; comparisons or changes, etc? 10. See a connection or relationship between the topic of the graphic and the chapter or section topic. THE MEMORY PROCESS. The memory process involves five main steps: 1. Intention – you are interested and willing to learn 2. Observation – you are alert to the information and attentive 3. Organization – you make sense of the information 4. Retention – you record and store the information in the brain 5. Recall – you actually remember the information MEMORY STRATEGIES. 1. Use all your senses 2. Make learning visual 3. Make learning auditory 4. Make learning physical 5. Write information down 6. Study in short sessions 7. Integrate your left brain and your right brain. 8. Organize information 9. Go from the general to the specific. 10. Associate and connect 11. Recite . 12. Use mnemonic device Left/Right Brain Affirmations Try integrating these affirmations into your daily life 1. I choose to finish this project and then I will socialize 2. I use memory techniques to help me study and recall information 3. I look forward to completing my projects and taking short breaks 4. It’s fun to hike while I review a few key memory note card MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE CHECKLIST When you enroll in a math or science course, ask yourself these questions: 1.Have you approached the class with a positive attitude? 2.Have you built confidence by getting involved in problems? 3.Have you clearly defined the problems? 4.What do you want to know and what are you being asked to find out? 5.Have you separated essential information from the unessential? 6.Have you separated the known from the unknown? 7.Have you asked a series of questions: How? When? Where? What? If? 8.Have you devised a plan for solving the problem? 9.Have you gone from the general to the specific? 10.Have you explored formulas, theories, etc.? 11.Have you made an estimate? 12.Have you illustrated or organized the problem? 13.Have you made a table or a diagram, drawn a picture, or summarized data? 14.Have you written the problem? 15.Have you discovered a pattern to the problem? 16.Have you alternated intense concentration with frequent breaks? 17.Have you tried working backward, completing similar problems, solving small parts? 18.Have you determined if you made careless errors or do not understand the concepts? 19.Do you think, apply, reflect, and practice? 20.Have you asked for help early? 21.Have you been willing to put in the time required to solve problems? 22.Have you analyzed the problem? Was your guess close? Did you plan work? How else can you approach the problem? 23.Have you rewarded yourself for facing your fears, overcoming anxiety, and learning values skills that will increase your success in school, your job, and in life? IMPORTANT POINTS IN TIME MANAGEMENT IN HANDLING STUDIES • Equip and Encourage • Seasons and time • Delegation building • Prioritize • Order • Rest evaluation and review. • Role identification • Focus • Listing and scheduling of activities • Finishing one task at time • Accomplishing of owner cycles Time Management Complete the following statements with a Yes or No Response 1. I do the easiest and most enjoyable task fist 2. I do my top-priority task at the time of day when my energy is the highest and I know I will perform best. 3. I use my time wisely by doing high-return activities – previewing chapters proof reading papers 4. Even though I find interruptions distracting, I put up with them. 5. I save trivial and mindless tasks for the time of day when my energy is low. 6. I don’t worry too much about making lists. I don’t like planning and prefer to be spontaneous and respond as events occur. 7. My work space is organized and I have only one project on my desk at a time. 8. I set goals and review them each semester and each year. 9. My work space is open and I like to have people wander in and out. 10. My study team socializes first and then we work. 11. I have a lot of wasted waiting time, but you can’t study in small bocks of time. 12. I block out a certain amount of time each week for my top-priority and hardest classes. Scoring 1. Add the number of yes responses to questions 2,3,5,7,8 & 12 2. Add the number of No responses to questions 1,4,6,9,10,11 3. Add the two scores together The higher the score, the more likely you are to be organized. Strategies for Controlling Interruptions Peak performers know how to live and work with other people and manage interruptions. Try these tips to help you reduce interruptions. 1. Create an organized place to study. 2. Create a good time to study. 3. Create quiet time. 4. Study in the library 5. Do first things first 6. Just say no! CHALLENGES OF SUCCESS • Laxity • Laziness • Fear • Boredom • Getting started • Lack of persistence and perseverance • Poor management • Lack / Loss of motivation • Wrong partnership • Wrong priorities • Etc. SUCCESS PRINCIPLES 1. Focus on REALITY not illusion 2. Focus on RESPONSIBILITY, not blame 3. Focus on PRIORITIES, not Activities 4. Focus on INTENTION, not your own Message 5. Focus on the PRESENT, not the past 6. Focus on WHOLENESS, not fragmented parts 7. Focus on STRENGTHS, not weaknesses 8. Focus on EXCELLENCE, not perfection 9. Focus on DECISION MAKING, not snap judgments 10. Focus on QUALITY, not quantity 11. Focus on ACCEPTANCE, not judgment 12. Focus on GIVING, not Receiving 13. Focus on CHARACTER, not personality 14. Focus on ESSENTIALS, not nonessentials MORE SUCCESS PRINCIPLES 1. Focus on EFFORT, not Ability 2. Focus on RESULTS, not time 3. Focus on NOW, not the past 4. Focus on SUCCESS, not failure 5. Focus on PROBLEMS, not inconveniences 6. Focus on AGREEMENT, not Excuses 7. Focus on FORGIVENESS, not Grievances ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS 1. Face your fears 2. Be a good listener 3. Assume responsibility 4. Be a team player 5. Be willing to learn 6. Be tolerant 7. Keep on top of it 8. Be enthusiastic 9. Be independent 10. Be supportive 11. Be sincerely happy for other 12. Keep things in perspective. VARIOUS CLASSIFICATIONS OF STUDENTS VISUAL LEARNERS Visual learners prefer to see information and read material. They learn more effectively with pictures, graphs, illustrations, diagrams, timelines, photos, pie charts and visual design. They like to contemplate concepts, reflect, and summarize information in writing. They use arrows, pictures, and bullets to highlight points, visual learners are often holistic and reflective learners. Visual learners • Remember what they see better than what they hear • Prefer to have written directions that they can read. • Learn better when someone shows them rather than tells them. • Like to read, highlight, and write summaries • Keep a list of things to do when planning the week • Tend to be quiet in class and watch facial expressions • Like to read for pleasure and to learn • May want to be an interior designer, drafter, proofreader, writer, or artist. AUDITORY LEARNERS Auditory learners rely on their hearing sense. They like tapes, music, and listening to information, such as lecturers. They like to work in study teams and enjoy class discussions. They like to talk and recite and summarize information aloud.They like to create rhymes out of words and play music that helps them concentrate.When they take study breaks, they listen to music and chat with a friend. Auditory learners • Remember what they hear better than what they see • Prefer to listen to music and talk on the telephone • Plan the week by talking it through with someone • Use rhyming words to remember • Learn best when they hear the assignment as well as see it • May enjoy being a disc jockey, trial lawyer, counselor, musician KINESTHETIC LEARNERS Kinesthetic learners are usually well coordinated and like to touch things, and learn best by doing. They like to collect samples, write out information, spend time out doors, and relate to the material that they are learning. They like to connect abstract material to something concrete in nature. When taking study breaks, the go for a walk outdoors. Kinesthetic learners • Create an experience • Use hands-on activities and computer games • Building things and put things together. • Use flash cards, models, and physical activity • Draw, doodle, use games and puzzles, and play computer games • Take field trips and collect samples • Relate abstract information to something concrete • May enjoy being a chef, surgeon, medical technician, nurse, automobile mechanic, electrician, engineer, forest ranger, police officer, or dancer WHAT KIND OF A STUDENT/WORKER ARE YOU? A Peak Performer or an A student: 1. is alert, actively involved, and eager to learn. 2. consistently does more than is required 3. consistently shows initiative and enthusiasm. 4. is positive and engaged. 5. can solve problems and make sound decisions 6. is dependable, prompt, neat, accurate and thorough. A good worker or B student: 1. frequently does more than is required. 2. is usually attentive, positive and enthusiastic 3. computers most work accurately, neatly, and thoroughly 4. often uses critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions. An average worker or C student: 1. completes tasks that are required 2. shows a willingness to follow instructions and learn 3. is generally involved, dependable, enthusiastic and positive. 4. provides work that is mostly thorough, accurate, and prompt. A problem worker or D student: 1. usually does what is required 2. has irregular attendance, is often late, or is distracted 3. lacks a positive attitude or the ability to work well with others 4. often misunderstands assignments and deadlines 5. lacks thoroughness An unacceptable worker or F student; 1. does not do the work that is required 2. is inattentive, bored negative and uninvolved 3. is undependable and turns in work that is incorrect and incomplete. LAST MINUTE STUDY TIPS Cramming isn’t effective if you haven’t studied or attended classes. You might ask yourself, however, “what is the best use of my time the night before the test?” or “What can I do right now in just a few minutes to prepare for a test?” 1.Focus on a few points. Decide what is important. Focus on a few of the most important points or formulas instead of trying to cram everything into a short study time. Preview the chapter quickly. 2.Intend to be positive. Don’t panic or waste precious time being negative. State your intention of being receptive and open, gaining an overview of the material, and learning a few supporting points. 3.Use critical thinking. What are the key words and points? Think logically. 4.Get a tutor or study partner. Focus on main points and summarize. Do practice problems and tests. Several hours of intense study with a tutor can be far more effective than several late nights studying by yourself. 5.Focus on key words. Write on note cards formulas, key words, dates definitions and important points. 6.Review your note cards. In just a few minutes you can review important points. Keep it simple, review quickly, and review often. Use flash cards or mind maps and review again in short segments. Carry your note cards with you. 7.Affirm your memory. The mind is capable of learning and memorizing material in just a short time if you focus, concentrate, and apply it. Look for connections. HANDLING EXAMINATION METHODOLOGY 1.) Direct assessment. List, Describe, (Cramming) 2.) hidden or indirect – Most, none of the above 3.) Understanding level -0 psychomotor skills tested, practical, explanation, performance, project, interpretation level. HANDLING EXAMS 1.) Ensure that you have handled gradual and consistent preparation through study habit. –Life will catch up 2.) Never plan to cheat, to peep will cause you unnecessary anxiety, disqualification, evil before God – you cannot be forever 3.) Work out to be on time for exams, any lateness brings fear and takes time. 4.) You must rest well avoid over rigging your mind to facilitate thinking. 5.) Neat ness, order, good hand writing counts a lot. (Clean hands, rubbers, pens, etc.) 6.) Time management in exams - Identify Marks allocation for each question - Begin with the “easy” ones first then concentrate on the difficult ones to stimulate motivation. 7.) Read questions carefully, do not be over excited. – do not assume - 8.) Seating position and postures facilitate energy or laziness – sit up right 9.) Take all papers seriously for they count to your total mark. 10.) Ensure that you have good materials and in good order on your table or room in order of use. - I.e. for experiments/ practical. 11.) Avoid quarrels, strives before exams. Parents and teachers should facilitate this. Post pone beatings. 12.) Feed well, hunger can be an issue smell of food yawning 13.) Do not despise an exam especially if your preparation was very high and you find it simple 14.) Begin the examination in prayer 15.) Do not panic or become over anxious 16.) Take advantage of short breaks to digest exam 17.) Do not be over –exited or discouraged , maintain the high pace to the end. 18.) PREPARING FOR THE TEST 1. Prepare early 2. Know expectations 3. Keep up 4. Ask questions 5. Review Early 6. Review Weekly 7. Final review 8. Rehearse 9. Summarize 10. Use your study team TEST – TAKING STRATEGIES 1. Arrive early 2. Organize yourself 3. Read and listen to all instructions 4. Pace yourself 5. Review TAKING DIFFERENT TYPES OF TESTS The objective Tests True/False test 1. Listen and read carefully 2. Pay attention to details 3. Watch for qualifiers 4. Watch for faulty cause and effect 5. Always answer every question 6. Trust your instincts 7. Watch for the word “always Multiple-Choice Test 1. Read the question carefully 2. Rephrase the question 3. Eliminate choices 4. Go from easy to difficult 5. Watch for combinations 6. Look at sentence structure Matching Test 1. Read carefully 2. Eliminate 3. Look at sentence structures Fill-in-the blank test 1. Watch for clues 2. Count the number of blanks 3. Watch for the length of the blank 4. Answer the questions you know first 5. Answer all questions The Essay Test Being prepared is essential when taking an essay test. Make certain that you understand concepts and relationships and not just specific facts. (See Organising your notes and reading material will help you outline important topics. An outline will provide a framework to help you remember dates, main points, names, places and supporting material. In addition, 1. Read the question carefully 2. Organize the material 3. Write concisely and correctly 4. Write neatly 5. Focus on main points 6. Use all the available time. Special Strategies for Math and Science Tests During your years of study, you will probably take math and science courses. Here are some strategies for preparing to take a math’s or science test. 1. Use note cards – write formulas, definitions, rules and theories on note cards and review them often. Write out examples for each theorem. 2. Write notes. As soon as you are given the test, jot down formulas theorems and formulas in the margins. 3. Survey the test. Determine the number of questions and the worth and difficulty of each question. 4. Easy to hard. Do the easy questions first. Spend more time on questions that are worth the most points. 5. General to specific. First read to understand the big picture. “Why is this subject in the book? How does it connect with other topics?” 6. Write the problem in longhand. For example, A= ½ bh “for a triangle, the area is one-half the base times the height.” 7. Think. Use critical thinking and creative problem solving. Let your mind ponder possibilities and what- ifs. 8. Make an estimate. A calculated guess will give you an approximate answer. This helps you when you double-check the answer. 9. Illustrate the problem. Draw a picture, diagram, or chart that will help you understand the problem. 10. Ask yourself questions. “what is being asked? What do I already know? What are the givens? What do I need to find out? How does this connect and relate with other concepts? What is the point of question?” 11. Show your work. If your get stuck, try to retrace your steps. 12. Do a similar problem. If you get stuck, try something similar. Which formula worked? How does this formula relate to others? 13. Be logical. Break the problem down step by step. Look for proof of your answer. 14. Check your work. Does your answer make sense? 15. Review. Review your test as soon as you get it back. Where did you make your mistakes? What will you do differently next time? OVERCOMING TEST ANXIETY 1. Be prepared 2. Practice taking a sample test 3. Don’t cram 4. Stay calm 5. Get to class early 6. Listen carefully to instructions 7. Jot down notes 8. Preview the whole test 9. Get involved 10. Get help Performance Strategies for Test Taking 1. Prepare early 2. Clarify expectations 3. Observe and question 4. Review 5. Rehearse by pretesting yourself 6. Study with your team or a partner 7. Organize yourself 8. Move through the test quickly 9. Reread, recheck, rethink, and reward 10. Analyze,assess, and reprogram WRITING DO’s 1. Be concise 2. Be concrete 3. Be clear 4. Be correct 5. Be coherent 6. Be complete 7. Be considerate 8. Be interesting 9. Be neat 10. Edit and proofread several times 11. Avoid biased language THE MOST COMMON REASONS STUDENTS FAIL Between 30 to 50 percent of freshmen never graduate from their school. Here are the top reasons for failing. 1. Poor study skills and habits 2. Lack of time management skills 3. lack of preparation for the demands and requirements of college 4. Inability to handle the freedom available at college 5. Too much partying 6. Lack of motivation or purpose. 7. Failure to attend class regularly. 8. Failure to ask for help early. 9. lack of effort and time spent in studying 10. Failure to take responsibility for education: getting to know instructors, knowing expectations setting goals,understanding deadlines, making up tests, redoing papers.