Study the smart way 

With the passion for science stream still strong among Gen Y, pre-university education is becoming increasingly competitive. the counselling session conducted by Giraffe Learning Institute and Education Times, Bangalore threw light on some simple steps to ensure success

Posted On: Friday, June 24, 2011

With a wide range of careers on the platter, selecting the right one has become a formidable task for a student who has just passed out of school. Much attention is being paid to the period that builds the gateway to one’s future — the higher secondary years.

The popularity of engineering and medical courses has increased, resulting in high demand for them. Coaching centres have started getting importance like never before. Giraffe Learning Institute, a coaching centre, along with Education Times conducted a counselling session on June 12, 2011 at St Joseph’s Composite College, Bangalore for students who were stepping into first PU.

There are a few steps that you overlook during your two years of preparation.

I PUC IS THE KEY   

The counselling was held for both students as well as their parents, where Thomas Abraham, the director of the institute spoke about the importance of PUC education. “The transition from school to PUC is hard on the student, and most see Class XI as a break between Classes X and XII, losing the momentum they had in Class X. This makes Class XII difficult for them,” said Abraham.

“I PUC is also important for the student from an ICSE or CBSE background as they under-estimate the PUC syllabus in comparison and end up slipping in their studies,” he added.

PARENTS’ HELP VITAL   

Most students, after Class 10, feel the hardest part of their education is behind them and tend to become lax. Therefore, it is essential that parents give them the encouragement and support so that they do not feel too relaxed as they leave school. “Often, a student who has fared well till Class X performs poorly in PUC. It is the parents’ responsibility to provide their kids the right push so that they can score well in PUC as well. It is important for parents to help their child realise his/her full potential to excel in studies,” said Thomas Abraham. “I always try to motivate my son who is now in PUC I by helping him set a routine to study,” said Prakash Murthy, a parent who attended the event.

RELAXATION IS IMPORTANT   

“Earlier, we used to have tuition classes for students for one and a half hours every day. But then we realised that students have to relax to unleash their full potential while studying and reduced the number of days of tuitions,” said Abraham. Thyagarajan Balasubramanian, a student who used to attend coaching, said, “Going to tuitions every day will drain a student of energy, leaving no time for self-assessment or revision.”

SSLC STUDENTS NO LESS   

“That ICSE or CBSE students have an advantage over SSLC students when it comes to entrance examinations is not entirely true. There are only few additional topics taught in the ICSE syllabus that aren’t included in the SSLC syllabus. Students from state syllabus need not feel inferior in any way.”

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES PROVE HELPFUL   

Smart study — that’s the key. Find your own little techniques to study. “Some colleges prescribe a specific textbook but it’s better that students use whatever works for them. Use easier methods to remember important concepts. For example, in Physics, concepts can be learnt in relation to daily life events, and in Chemistry, tough chemical equations in comparison with other compounds belonging to the same family,” said Gladwin D’Souza, a teacher from Giraffe Learning Institute.

“When students slack off, they need to picture in their head a vision of what they want to become, be it an engineer, a doctor, or an architect. This will help them stay focused,” he said. “On a lighter note, people who have less fun at 17, will have the most fun at 27,” he signed off.

Source:  http://educationtimes.com/educationTimes/CMSD/College-Life/11/2011062420110623191036218082a60b/Study-the-smart-way.html