Success is known as the state or condition of meeting a defined range of expectations. As learners report back to school, they will require strategies to excel in the new term. Brian Ishimwe, a senior six student at King David Academy, is of the view that learners should learn how to review new information and summarise it before it accumulates. He notes that writing down one’s schedule of activities and making sure they stick to it is key. Once the timetable is out, learners should plan how to go about revision, tests, group discussions and so forth. “Don’t assume that you will be able to remember everything; write it all down to stay organised. Life without a plan will only lead to last-minute panic, thus nurturing failure,” he says. He adds that learners ought to surround themselves with friends who are committed to learning and value their education — those who spare time to read and carry out research. Avoid those who only think about playing or having casual conversations because the break was way too long, and now the time to focus and bear fruits of success is here. Divin Lionel Dushimimana, a student at Green Hills Academy, urges learners to drop the habit of multitasking as it hinders them from fully devoting themselves to studies. For instance, if it is time for classwork, learners should pay attention instead of letting distractions get in the way. Dushimimana says that some learners have given up on trying to thrive as they think that they are ‘slow’, yet the right mind-set can actually make one ‘sharp’. Research has established that students who believe that they can be smarter actually do become smarter — it all starts with a positive attitude. John Mary Musinguzi, the head teacher at Lead International School, urges learners to prepare for class a day before, as morning confusion is triggered by failure to know what subjects will be studied. He also says that students ought to set a clear objective of what they want to accomplish. This might be to read through a set of notes systematically or complete a number of multiple-choice questions. Reading with a specific plan inspires learners to read even more, Musinguzi adds. He also says that students should test themselves with questions once they are done reading their notes to check how much they have grasped. Musinguzi recommends reading at least two weeks before exams as it will help one avoid cramming. The school principal adds that excellence doesn’t require reading continuously without rest, rather, having balance. For example, it’s imperative to set aside time for relaxation, either through exercise or a hobby. With technology, learners should utilise the online platforms to study ahead of the syllabus, or in case they need more meaning to some topics, he notes. Musinguzi also points out that students must be responsible enough to submit homework or school assignments in time. “It is common for students to get stressed; research shows that learners should relax through deep breathing exercises, listening to music, spending time with friends on a regular basis, exercising, reading books, keeping a journal, and taking a few minutes to reflect at the end of each day,” he says.
