A typical quote from Boys during exam season:
"Sorry Sir, I can't attend BB tomorrow because I am having exams soon..."
A not-so-typical quote from a Junior Boy last week:
"Sorry Sir, I can't bring back the remaining dinner tickets for the 55th Anniversary Dinner because I have exams coming up *real* soon..." (eyes opened wide)
I always feel pathetic for the Boys, even though I was once in their shoes, when they give excuses not to attend weekly BB meetings when exam strikes. Moreover, I felt speechless when their parents themselves do not allow the Boys to come. Same situation applicable to Wednesday and Friday Band practices.
Well, in my humble opinion, I think it is not necessary to so called "take leave" from BB during the exams period. Unless, you have papers on Saturday itself!
When the Boys say that they need (I'm not sure if they really do) more time study or revise the lessons taught, it portraits an impression that asks: What were you doing during those non-examination periods? Does it mean that it only requires the students to work hard during exam season?
I'm not saying that all the Boys were not paying attention in class during their lessons. But, ain't you supposed to be prepared all the time, with whatever you've learnt in class? Or do you think that you only need to retrieve those information when there's exams coming up? That to me you are not studying. You are storing information in your grandmother's PC, in which you need time to constantly update the data. Because your Core Dual "PC" is used for other interests in life.
Just to let you see it in a clearer picture.
When you learned how to use the chopsticks, you used it every other time when you get to use it. If there's an exam on "How To Use The Chopsticks", you find that you do not need to actually study how to use it again, on purpose. May be just one or two rounds of practices. I'm sure it won't turn out to be that you thought chopsticks are held by feet.
Same goes to your studies. If you already know that "stirring increases the rate of evaporation (Biology)", you practice it in your daily life as an extra skill, i.e. stirring a hot soup to cool it down. When exam strikes, it will be as easy as ABCs.
It draws a conclusion that a good studying technique and application in life is far productive than holding you textbooks at 2a.m., exam eve.
I am not an A+ student. But through the many years of 'experience' in studying, I find the following guide useful:
1. Read the texts before class. (Knowing the structure of the lesson)
2. Pay Attention in class. (Minimize Chatting)
3. Pen down important notes. (What is important? Well, obviously when the teacher says so!)
4. Have regular revision after class. (Close your book and recall whatever is taught)
5. Do exercises. (Besides homework, have 1 or 2 more exercises, it never harm)
6. Pray, eat, play, socialize and sleep well!
If you think that you can't concentrate when you do revisions on solitary, conduct study groups. Ask each other questions on the lesson, it may be your next exam questions! Avoid chatting any other issues that is irrelevant to the lessons.
Memory wise, it is something technical. It is a skill. Not all are born with good memory, but all of us can train ourselves so that we have good memory. Try memorize small portion of stuff without using paper & pen, i.e phone numbers, car plate numbers, birthdays, date and time, etc. This will definitely help to improve your memory. Then when the time comes that you need to memorize your text, it will surely be quick and easy. It is true!
Finally, I wish to convey the message that exam is not everything, we do not neglect eating, showering, sleeping, talking to our family members, going to toilet, answering phones, coming to BB, and also spending time with God.
Like Rev. Andrew once said during Sunday service, if at all your grade drops because you are spending time giving priority to God's ministry, YOU WON'T DIE ONE!
"Seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God, and all these things SHALL be added unto you..."
Now, buck up, and come to BB!
