Nice Book Club

Rossana L. Llendo contributed this on the Monday, June 6, 2011 issue Philippine Daily Inquirer:

EVERY STUDENT wants to get fantastic grades. Every student wants to be recognized for a job well done. More importantly, every student wants effectively learn each and every lesson in his class.

"Scoring high in tests and quizzes will help move those grades up, but there are also other factors, which are often overlooked and underrated, that would help make you and accomplished student, " says Rossana Llenado, president of Ahead Tutorial and Review Center.

Here re some skills that would help you get ahead of your class from Ahead Tutorial and Review Center, the country's most awarded tutorial and review center:

Most teachers give a reading list to help students get a better perspective of the subject. Unfortunately, most students pay no heed to the reading list. Instead, they rely on their textbooks, only browsing on reference books every once in a while - and usually, they only do that to get a particular answer to a particular question. Indeed, some students hardly read, preferring instead to Google their concerns.

True, students must be abreast of new technology but in order to get good good grades, you must do the work, says Llenado. She says, "You must hit the books, and read, read, read!"

"Reading will open your mind to new things, and will lead you to new discoveries in learning, "says Llenado. Trust us: All those books in that reading list will give you better view of why, for instance, you are studying economics or chemistry.

Lectures are part and parcel of the classroom setup. Unfortunately, some teachers may not be the best communicators, making lectures just a tad boring. But do not make the mistake of ignoring your teacher's words.

"Lectures give another angle to the concepts you've read from books," say Llenado. Besides, your teacher knows these concepts like the back of his hands and you'll be surprised at the little hems of knowledge that he'd spout during during these lectures so, keep your ears open.

Lectures are often followed by discussions, and during such instances, speak up! Let your voice be heard.

Llenado suggests, "Ask questions. If there is a concept that you do not understand, then raise your hands an ask your teacher to explain again." He would be more than happy to illustrate tricky points to you. As much as you want to be a good student, your teacher also wants to be a good mentor.

It would also be good to share your opinions during the discussion. Do not be afraid of being right or wrong. That's how one learns anyway, by looking at things from both perspectives.

"During such discussions, it's best to take down notes diligently," suggests Llnenado. While handouts are now practically de riguer in classrooms, documenting lectures and discussions from your point of view makes your notes more personal. There may be some points that are difficult to understand, for instance. During such instances, you might want to do more reading of that particular concept, or consult with a gifted friend.

And come exam time, your notes would prove to be excellent reviewers. "Notes are virtual maps of the various lessons and discussions in your class to help you remember and review everything," says Llenado.

Yes, we know that you may not be the best writer, but school demands a lot of writing, that's just how it is. And so, it's best that you practice this skill as you will be doing a lot of book reports, research papers, concept papers, homeworks, and all sorts of stuff that need a whole lot of writing. "The base of any good report starts with the research. If you do your research well, then the writing will come easy," says Llenado.

Be a master of these skills, and we are confident that you'll be getting up on that stage to claim that coveted medal in time.