Category Archives: Personal & Random

Have you ever wonder why some students get better grades than others? It’s not because they are smarter. They just have better study techniques that help them learn better. Being a university student myself, I have witnessed study techniques that work and don’t work. One of the most important technique that helped me a lot in my academic career is “Become An Active Learner”.

The difference between university and high school is huge. In university, you don’t have regular classmates anymore. Classes are very large so instructors and students rarely interact with each other. The university environment forces a student to become passive. All you do is go to lectures, take notes, walk out of lectures, and go to other classes. Lecture notes and textbooks become your only learning sources. But they are never enough! Well. Maybe enough for you to pass the course, but will never be enough to be an “A” or “A+” student.

Too boost your grades to the next level you will need to be an active learner. That means learning by interacting. Try to interact with your instructors before and after classes. If they have office hours, always go to them. Ask them anything. Raise your questions or concerns because most instructors don’t mind giving you extra help. Occasionally, your instructors will give you important information about tests and exams that others don’t know about! Don’t be shy to talk to your classmates too. Ask them questions and share your knowledge with them. The best way to learn is by teaching. When you teach other classmates about things you know, you are gaining knowledge as well. Form study groups with other students that are eager to learn. You will be amazed how much extra information you will get from your classmates!

Additionally, being an active learner doesn’t mean you have to interact with others. You can interact with yourself as well! Read your textbook before going to class and on a piece of paper write down any question you have while reading. Bring your questions to the class because most instructors are basically elaborating the textbook content during lectures. Most of the time your questions will be answered without you even asking! If not, just put up your hand and ask. This will help other students too because many of them may have the same question.

Hope these techniques will help you become an active learner and get the grades you always wanted!