Archive for December, 2008

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Be an Optimist! Be Positive


2008
12.17

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"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit."

Helen Keller, lecturer

I have spoken to so many folks who are getting ready for various types of exams.. and I am amazed at how much they have tied themselves into knots by just thinking of negative thoughts!

First thing in preparing for any exams- Keep a positive mind set. Start with every preparation with a "I can do it, this is EASY!" mindset, and you will be surprised every time- it does in fact become easy.

BE POSITIVE- in your thoughts, in your deeds! You will get there quicker!

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Make Tracking your goals your New Habit


2008
12.10

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“Habit my friend, is

practice long pursued, that

at last becomes the man

himself.”

Evenus

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Goals are the first step!


2008
12.09

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  Without goals, and plans to

reach them, you are like a

ship that has set  sail with no

destination.”

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Getting started with Examination Prep Work


2008
12.08

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So we are ready to go!

Steps to take:

1. Set clear Goals – It is too early for most of the students to plan for this at this stage of their life. However, it is still very important to set some clear goals.  I realize it is not easy for students to grasp the concept of setting goals. Nevertheless, I will put a few tips for you to see how best you can set some goals that will help you.  Goals need to be something that excite you, set you moving in the right direction, and moreover gives you a a clear vision of where you are going.  Goals are always written in Present tense.  E.g- "I am in the Top 2 of the class, and have got an average of 85% in the Exam. I see myself being congratulated by the Principal & my friends, who are shaking their heads in amazement and my overall performance. I am simply the best in the class."

2. Take Stock : This is an important element of the entire process. Take stock of where you are- and what you have to study! Many students do not know how much they need to do, and how many days they have to achieve their goals.  This is therefore an important step, to ensure that you know how much you need to prepare!

3. Set up your Calendar:  Set up a calendar (a softcopy will be part of the e-book that I will get ready over the next 1 week or so).  This should be planned carefully so that you are clear about what to study when- rather than get rattled and try to do too much – thereby attaining – nothing! 

4. Plan your Weekly & Daily Goals : Plan your weekly and daily goals.  Also set a weekly checkpoint to see what is working and not working. 

These are high level pointers- and there is a lot that you have to do over the next few days to get yourself moving in the right direction. 

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Exams are round the corner..


2008
12.08

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Technically no. They are NOT round the corner.

Are they??

Think again.

With most of the students getting ready for exams over the month of March, and many of them getting ready for what is called the most important exams for children in India – the "Board Exams", there are many children walking around stressed out about what to do.

I had the opportunity to talk to a couple of my nieces, who are appearing for their 10th standard ("Board" exam), and they are not sure where to start and how to go about it.

Think about it. Most schools spend so much time and energy completing their portions by March. Then, then prepare, and make the children go through "preparatory" tests for almost 3 months. 

Not ONCE, do they spend time, teaching these children "HOW" to read. "How" to build their memory, how to PLAN the time they need to use- and WHAT they should study.

I went through my school (looking back, I am not sure how :)), but things have not changed! 

The goal of this blog is to try and ensure that I share what I can with the broader audience. If some of the students are able to use the tips- then I will consider this to be a worthwhile effort.

This is obviously work in progress- and therefore, do spend the time to look at all the entries- as sometimes, I suspect they may not follow a particular order.  I will also try to upload some files, which I hope will be useful to you.

All the best.. Students & hmm.. parents!