SCS32-W5 | Real-Life Problem Solving Challenge: Study Techniques

Anytime I sit down to study I think of a farmer who wants to clear his land. The land is full of weeds, stones and things that distract him. He knows that if he patiently clears it he will plant things that will feed his family. That is how I see my education.

Every day I fight with things that distract me. I try ways to study. I use tools. I make myself do it by creating good habits. Even with all this things I did, it is not really easy at all. But I really know that if I just keep doing it one day I will surely succeed.

I write things down in my words. This technique has helped me a lot. I don’t just leave it in my head because I know I can forget easily. Instead I carry my pen and paper. I start writing the points in my own handwriting and understanding.

For example if I am reading Biology. I see "Cell is the unit of life" I will not just read it and pass. I will write it down like: "Cells the thing that makes up living things."

By writing it in my way it sticks better in my memory.

This technique really works for me because writing is like planting a seed. When I write I am putting the knowledge inside my head. Later when exam comes the seed has already grown. I can remember what I wrote.

Here are some ways it helps me:

• It helps me understand slowly. Writing makes me think before I put it down.

• It makes revision easy. My paper becomes my "tool" before exam.

• It gives me confidence. Because I wrote it myself I remember faster.

• It makes knowledge personal. I don’t just copy; I explain in my way.

One real example: In my Chemistry exam I had already written all the formulas and reactions on paper weeks. On exam day I just revised my paper. When I entered the hall the answers came easily. I scored high. My teacher praised me. That day I confirmed that writing things down is my technique.

The clear answer is this my smartphone. Anytime I want to read I hear notifications from WhatsApp or TikTok. Before I know it I start scrolling videos and laughing and one hour passes.

Another distraction is noise in my area. I live in Port Harcourt where generator sound and loud music from neighbors can disturb.

So How do I try to control it? However I do practice self-discipline. When I want to study I switch off my data. Keep my phone away. Sometimes I give my phone to my mother to hold until I finish reading.

For the noise I use earpiece with music. That way I block the noise and focus.

It was not easy at first. I told myself that if I don’t control these distractions they will control me. Now I am better though sometimes I still fall into temptation.

One good habit that has really helped me is consistency. I don’t wait until exam week before I start reading. Every day even if it is 30 minutes I open my book. Read something.

This habit makes me more confident because when exam comes I already know the topics.

Consistency is like building a house block by block. If you wait until the day you will rush and the house will collapse. If you lay one block every day slowly the house will stand strong.

That is how I see my education.

This habit also gives me peace of mind. I don’t panic during exam because I know I have been preparing little by little. It makes me proud of myself. Improves my performance.

So therefore, when I do feel tired at some point I will remind myself that small effort every day is better than effort once in a while.

One time during WAEC preparation many of my classmates were rushing to cover the syllabus in one week. Because I had been consistent I was calm. I just revised my notes daily. When exam came I was ready.

That experience taught me that consistency is not a habit. It is key to success.

One digital tool I use often is copilot app. Anytime I don’t understand something I type it on copilot. And read explanations.

Another app I use is YouTube. There are teachers who explain topics with videos. For example back then when I was really struggling with Chemistry equations, everytime I tried I couldn't meet up, so I watched one teacher on YouTube who explained it step by step and I overcome it finally.

Also, I do use WhatsApp groups where my classmates share notes and past questions. Sometimes we even do group discussion online.

These digital tools help me because they make learning easier. Of waiting for teacher I can learn anytime by myself.

Same as me I do know many students that's do face anxiety and depression especially when their exam is near too or when life problems disturb them. So from my experience my simple advice is:

• Don’t be alone. Try your best to talk to friends or family. Sharing your problem makes it lighter.

• Take steps. Don’t try to read everything at. Break your study into parts. Celebrate each progress.

• Meditate. I believe prayer gives strength. Even short meditation can calm your mind.

• Rest. Don’t just sit with books all day. Walk around play football or sleep well. A healthy body helps a mind.

These pieces of advice can help students feel better and reduce anxiety. Education is important. Health is more important.

In summary my study life is like a battle. My main technique is writing things down in my words. It helps me understand better makes revision easy and builds confidence.I fight distractions like phone and noise. I hold on to one habit. Consistency. Which keeps me strong and prepared.I use tools, like Google and YouTube. I encourage myself and others to face anxiety with courage, prayer and support.

It is not easy. Like that farmer clearing his land I know one day I will succeed.

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_{All shown pictures are mine shoot 📸on Tecno spark30. 📱}

Cc:
@ahsansharif