| Tips on How to Study Well |  |  |  |
By: Isaac G. Gitogo
It is unfortunate that we are producing learners who are too dependent on their teachers. They are being instructed on what to do in almost every learning activity leaving little room for making their independent decisions on learning. [..]
Some of the these learners are with their teachers almost every minute they are in school so much that when left on their own, they are lost. It is for this reason that learners should be encouraged to study on their own starting at an early age. They should be encouraged to take charge of their independent study and here we give suggestion on how to get started.
It is important for learners to understand that effective study does not merely involve the action of just grabbing a book and sitting down to read. If individual study is to bear fruits, one must plan meticulously. What I have outlined below are suggestions that have been proved to work for many learners and are therefore worth trying for learners who are having difficulties in individual study.
1. Study in a quiet room
It is the responsibility of the parent to provide a private environment for learning to their children at home that should include adequate time to study independently. A leaner should be helped to select a private room for study even if it is his/her bedroom so long as the basic facilities are provided. These should include a table and a comfortable chair in a well light area free of interruptions. A sitting room is unlikely to offer a private environment that is conducive to learning unless the learner is the only one in the house. Not with the other members of the family moving up and down, the television and radio likely to be on and thus unintentionally interrupt the learner.
2. Get all that you will need
Before the start to study, it is important for one to get all that he or she will need. This may include class notes, text books, mathematical set, pen, pencil, a ruler and so on. One should avoid having anything that may distract him or her near nearby. A mobile phone should not be near unless it is switched off. One should not study in the sitting room with the television set or radio switched on. A leaner should sit on a comfortable chair in a room with adequate light and then open the book at the planned area. One is then set to begin studying.
3. Read silently
One is advised to begin reading quietly and avoid pointing words with the finger or pronouncing the words as one reads along. Avoiding this would make one able to read faster. When reading, one should not simply memorize what is in the books. Those who set KCPE examinations are experts and will rephrase what is in the books in their own words as they prepare the examination questions. Other questions require one to apply what has been learnt in new situations. As such memorization alone would not help. One must really understands what is being are read.
Create memory devices
What is read is more likely to be remembered if it is associated with something that is well known. Use of rhymes or memory tricks to organize been read can be very useful. This will enable one to remember it later. An example of such rhymes is “Richard Of York Gained Battle In Vain.” that reminds of the colours of the rainbow and the order in which they occur. There are many others a leaner can come up with. When choosing such rhymes, one should go for what is familiar as it is less likely to be forgotten. There could be as many different rhymes and tricks of helping one recall what has been read as there are learners. One should therefore attempt to find a way that best suit him or her.
Underline key words
It is necessary to underline key words such as terms, definitions (meanings) formulae and also connecting words that you may find critical to understanding the context of the key words. Examples of such connecting words may include -such as, not greater than, main among others.
Underlining key words enables one to review the work faster later because all the words would have been divided into three categories. These are key, connecting and filler words. Filler words and sentences, which are the majority, are only used to support the other two.
Take keen interest in diagrams
One ought to take special interest in diagrams, photographs, graphs and tables as they convey valuable information. Such illustrations are also frequently presented in examinations and are often done poorly. As such diagrams and maps given as part of the not the notes by the teacher should be drawn very carefully and accurately with the labeling done clearly. Most important is that what is represented should be understood. If in doubt ask your teacher for clarification.
Check the meaning of new words
As one reads, the aim should not only be to understand what is being read but also increasing the word power. This is achieved by checking for meaning of new word in the dictionary as well as attempting to get their meaning from the context in which they are used and then confirm their meaning from the dictionary.
Make short summary notes
It is also important for one to learn the art of making short notes that can be perused within a very short time. The aim of these short notes should be to refresh one on what has been learnt. These should be very brief notes, at times in short hand in a small note book that would easily fit the pocket. Under no circumstances, however, should one go to the examination room with such a notebook. Examination cheating is a wicked thing that one should not even think about.
Practice makes perfect
The parting short is that practice make perfect. As a learner, one should therefore make reading of notes and other relevant information given by a teacher a habit and not something to be done only when expecting an examination. This is the only sure way of reaping benefit from the exercise. However, one should bear in mind that we are all different. There are some of us who do very little reading yet they score very highly in examinations. Others need to read something just once and it sticks n their mind. However an average person will require reading materials again and again for it to be fully understood. So one should find the method and the frequency of reading that is most comfortable and that yields desirable results other than simply following the crowd by doing what everybody else is doing.
The writer is a Doctor of Philosophy student in Curriculum Studies at Moi University with a wide field experience in the Kenya school curriculum issues. He is also a consultant in primary school evaluation. He can be reached through info@kenyaexams.co.ke |
| Tips on How to Study Well | | | |
By: Isaac G. Gitogo
It is unfortunate that we are producing learners who are too dependent on their teachers. They are being instructed on what to do in almost every learning activity leaving little room for making their independent decisions on learning. [..]
Some of the these learners are with their teachers almost every minute they are in school so much that when left on their own, they are lost. It is for this reason that learners should be encouraged to study on their own starting at an early age. They should be encouraged to take charge of their independent study and here we give suggestion on how to get started.
It is important for learners to understand that effective study does not merely involve the action of just grabbing a book and sitting down to read. If individual study is to bear fruits, one must plan meticulously. What I have outlined below are suggestions that have been proved to work for many learners and are therefore worth trying for learners who are having difficulties in individual study.
1. Study in a quiet room
It is the responsibility of the parent to provide a private environment for learning to their children at home that should include adequate time to study independently. A leaner should be helped to select a private room for study even if it is his/her bedroom so long as the basic facilities are provided. These should include a table and a comfortable chair in a well light area free of interruptions. A sitting room is unlikely to offer a private environment that is conducive to learning unless the learner is the only one in the house. Not with the other members of the family moving up and down, the television and radio likely to be on and thus unintentionally interrupt the learner.
2. Get all that you will need
Before the start to study, it is important for one to get all that he or she will need. This may include class notes, text books, mathematical set, pen, pencil, a ruler and so on. One should avoid having anything that may distract him or her near nearby. A mobile phone should not be near unless it is switched off. One should not study in the sitting room with the television set or radio switched on. A leaner should sit on a comfortable chair in a room with adequate light and then open the book at the planned area. One is then set to begin studying.
3. Read silently
One is advised to begin reading quietly and avoid pointing words with the finger or pronouncing the words as one reads along. Avoiding this would make one able to read faster. When reading, one should not simply memorize what is in the books. Those who set KCPE examinations are experts and will rephrase what is in the books in their own words as they prepare the examination questions. Other questions require one to apply what has been learnt in new situations. As such memorization alone would not help. One must really understands what is being are read.
Create memory devices
What is read is more likely to be remembered if it is associated with something that is well known. Use of rhymes or memory tricks to organize been read can be very useful. This will enable one to remember it later. An example of such rhymes is “Richard Of York Gained Battle In Vain.” that reminds of the colours of the rainbow and the order in which they occur. There are many others a leaner can come up with. When choosing such rhymes, one should go for what is familiar as it is less likely to be forgotten. There could be as many different rhymes and tricks of helping one recall what has been read as there are learners. One should therefore attempt to find a way that best suit him or her.
Underline key words
It is necessary to underline key words such as terms, definitions (meanings) formulae and also connecting words that you may find critical to understanding the context of the key words. Examples of such connecting words may include -such as, not greater than, main among others.
Underlining key words enables one to review the work faster later because all the words would have been divided into three categories. These are key, connecting and filler words. Filler words and sentences, which are the majority, are only used to support the other two.
Take keen interest in diagrams
One ought to take special interest in diagrams, photographs, graphs and tables as they convey valuable information. Such illustrations are also frequently presented in examinations and are often done poorly. As such diagrams and maps given as part of the not the notes by the teacher should be drawn very carefully and accurately with the labeling done clearly. Most important is that what is represented should be understood. If in doubt ask your teacher for clarification.
Check the meaning of new words
As one reads, the aim should not only be to understand what is being read but also increasing the word power. This is achieved by checking for meaning of new word in the dictionary as well as attempting to get their meaning from the context in which they are used and then confirm their meaning from the dictionary.
Make short summary notes
It is also important for one to learn the art of making short notes that can be perused within a very short time. The aim of these short notes should be to refresh one on what has been learnt. These should be very brief notes, at times in short hand in a small note book that would easily fit the pocket. Under no circumstances, however, should one go to the examination room with such a notebook. Examination cheating is a wicked thing that one should not even think about.
Practice makes perfect
The parting short is that practice make perfect. As a learner, one should therefore make reading of notes and other relevant information given by a teacher a habit and not something to be done only when expecting an examination. This is the only sure way of reaping benefit from the exercise. However, one should bear in mind that we are all different. There are some of us who do very little reading yet they score very highly in examinations. Others need to read something just once and it sticks n their mind. However an average person will require reading materials again and again for it to be fully understood. So one should find the method and the frequency of reading that is most comfortable and that yields desirable results other than simply following the crowd by doing what everybody else is doing.
The writer is a Doctor of Philosophy student in Curriculum Studies at Moi University with a wide field experience in the Kenya school curriculum issues. He is also a consultant in primary school evaluation. He can be reached through info@kenyaexams.co.ke |
TIPS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR KCPE EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE.
By Teacher Isaac Gitogo
Dear candidate,
Let me start by wishing you success in the forthcoming 2012 KCPE Examination. You are capable of performing well enough to enable you to be admitted in the secondary school of your choice. This is possible if the following is given serious consideration by you as a candidate as well as your teachers.
First, it is important that you cover the syllabus well before the time of examination. Most teachers ensure that this is done. As such you may not need to worry much about this. However should you find that your class is lagging behind in any given subject, the best you can do is to read ahead. Seek assistance of your friends in different classes or schools who may have already covered what you are reading. Your teacher may also be of great help. Most teachers go out of their way to assist pupils when approached politely.
Covering the syllabus is not enough though, you need to read and understand what has been covered in class. Do not read to memorize what has been learnt. This is called cramming. The reason is that even if you deed, which is not very possible, you would be likely to get only half of the questions correct. This is because KCPE Examination is set by experts who seek to find out whether candidates understand what they have learnt not whether they can recall what they have read or heard from their teachers. A good number of questions therefore will require you to apply the information you have learnt in new situations. This is only possible if you understand what you have learnt.
Practice on Sample KCPE Examination Test
Once the above has been done, the next step is to practice on sample KCPE Examination tests. There are many commercial tests available from bookshops, however, before you buy one, seek the opinion of your teacher or somebody with a good knowledge of primary school education syllabus. This is the only way you can pick an examination that may be of help to you. With a good examination at hand, you need to choose an appropriate time to do the test. The best time is after you have done some revision in any subject of your choice.
It is very important for you to do the test under conditions that are as similar to the real KCPE examination as possible. Choose a time when you are relaxed and have no other pressing things such as assignments to do. Also find a quiet place where you are not likely to be disturbed before you finish the test. Inform your parents or any other person who may be likely to interrupt you on what you intent to do in advance. Ensure you have a watch to time yourself. Do not keep looking at your watch every time now and then though. The best way would be to do half the work and find out how much time you have taken. You can then adjust your pace accordingly.
Answering Multiple Choice Questions
Before you begin doing the examination, ensure you enter all the information regarding your identity as required. This will include your name, school name, code and your index number. If you are so eager to start that you forget to enter your name and index number in the real KCPE Examination, you will not get results
Read any instructions given carefully and ensure you understand them before you start to answering the questions.
. Read every question quickly but carefully. Read the question more than once and be sure that you understand the question before choosing the correct answer. Underlining the key words in the question may help in understanding exactly what is required of you. Pay particular attention to questions that indicate that some choices may be partly correct in which case you are required to choose the most corrent answer. Differentiate such questions from those that require you to choose an answer that is not correct among the choices given. One is likely to choose the wrong answer despite knowing the correct one if you answer the questions in a hurry without understanding the question well. Remember that some choices may be correct statements in themselves, but not when joined to the question being asked.
Start with question you are sure of the answer.
Begin by answering those questions you are 100% certain of the answer. If you cannot answer a question within a minute or less, skip it and plan to come to it later. However mark it so that you can easily identify it from those that you have already answered. You should not get worried if you find that there are some questions you are unable to come up with. An answer of such questions may occur to you simply as a result of being more relaxed after having answered other questions. At other times, later questions may trigger something in your thinking that will enable you remember the answer of an earlier question you were not sure of.
Always remember that well set examinations have questions of varying difficulty. A few may seem just too simple. Take them at face value and appreciate the easy mark rather than trying to find a trick behind them. Remember that some questions that may appear easy to you may appear difficult to others. A few questions may seem to be really demanding. See them as a challenge, attempt them but do not let them consume more than their share of your time.
Have a second look at the challenging questions
After going through the whole fifty questions or ninety for Social Studies go back to the beginning and have another look at the questions you had left un-answered. Answer those that you are reasonably sure of the answer without spending too much time on one question. Finally study the remaining questions and attempt to answer them. If you are unable to come up with the correct answer, then guess but do not leave any question not answered.
If you must guess, do so from a small number
If you must guess, then do so from among a small number of choices as possible. This can be done by eliminating the choices that you know are clearly know are wrong.
Approaches of answering multiple choice questions
This approach of answering multiple-choice questions is called elimination method. It involves looking for clearly wrong answers and cross/canceling them out. This is followed by making a careful selection among the two or three remaining alternatives. When using this approach, chances of arriving at the correct answer can further be improved by reading the question with each of the remaining choices separately. Take advantage of the correct sound or flow that correct answer usually produces. Alternatively, read the question and option A as a true –false question and decide whether it is a true or false statement. Then do the same with thing for the question and choices B, C, and D. Choose the alternative that is true or false depending on what is asked.
It is of utmost importance to bear in mind that when confronted with a true/false question, a statement must be 100% true. If one word in the statement is not true, then the whole statement is false. A true/false statement assumes the idea that “This is always true”. True/false statements that provide reasons are therefore more likely to be false because there may be other reasons or other addition ones. Such reasoning can be used to eliminate a choice when one is in doubt. This should however not be treated as a first had rule as there may be exceptions.
Another approach of answering multiple choice questions is the answer –search method. It involves reading the question and trying to answer it in the mind without at the choices. This can be done by treating the question as filling-in question. When you come up with the answer, search for it among the choices given. If you see it, then choose it but make sure that none of the other choices is a better answer. The answer search method relies heavily on one’s recognition memory which can be very impressive. However, if one is tense, there is interference with recognition memory well, a candidate has to be fairly relaxed and distant from the questions and wait for the correct answer to “jump out” at them. Once you decide on an answer, stick to it. Whatever method you use, once you decide on an answer, stick to it. Change answers only if you are sure it is clearly wrong. More than often one changes from the correct answer to the wrong one.
There is no strategy that is better than the other. The best way to approach multiple choice questions is to choose the method that is more comfortable with your natural way of doing things. To impose a new foreign approach that do not agree with already well established approaches to examination writing can cause problems. To come up with a strategy that works for you, look for books and try the different strategies to see which best works for you to gain confidence and enable you enter the examination room relaxed. This will enable one to focus on the questions rather than the strategy.
Some candidates prefer to mark the correct answer on the question paper and then transfer them to the answer sheet later. The reasoning is that if you try to do several things at the same time, you increase the probability of making a mistake. Saving the relatively easy job of marking the correct answer on the answer sheet until the last step reduces the probability of making silly errors. Other candidates would prefer to mark the correct answer directly on the answer sheet. Choose the method that is most comfortable with you. Make sure you fill the appropriate eclipse carefully in pencil. The invigilator will probably never take a close look at your answer sheet. So if you fail to fill in the eclipses completely or if you make stray marks, only the computer will notice and you will be penalized. Be sure to erase any accidental marks outside the required spaces completely and you keep the answer sheet clean
Each time you do a test whether in school or on your own, take note of the questions you have failed. In which topics are these questions you have failed? If you find that there is a specific topic you are failing to score as expected in most of the tests you attempt, then know you have to seek help in that specific area.
Quality KCPE trial tests are available at www.kenyaexams.com
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