n the journey of learning, students face various problems. Some of those issues are due to ineffective ways of transferring knowledge in the classrooms, a lack of counselling sessions and poor teaching methods.

The handling of problems requires a triangular approach. The three parties involved are teachers, students and their parents. This article focuses on some tips for students.

If students can eliminate or curb the negative impacts of these issues at primary and secondary levels, they face little difficulties in higher classes. As the saying goes, “the mind is like an umbrella. It works best when it is open.”

To study effectively, the students should give enough time to studies when they return home from school. The students forget a topic or an idea if they do not revise it the same day. If students spend less time than is required with books, they forget the topics learnt at schools. It is necessary for students to make a personal study plan. They must be punctual in following their timetable.

At schools, most teachers write homework details in every student’s diary. If this is not the case at some schools, students can do so themselves. They simply need to note down the names of the topics in various subjects they studied at school. Once they are home from school, the topics should be revised the same day. Students will not forget the terms and concepts if they study daily. Punctuality plays a vital role and contributes to learning effectively.

There is no single way of planning a timetable. Students may devise the plan according to their own style. There are different ways to make study plans and most of them work. In case of some difficulty, it is wise to consult guardians/ parents or teachers.

Once a timetable is designed, some students learn well by studying for several hours at a stretch. They do not like breaks when they are studying. Then there are other students who learn well by having short breaks during their study-hours. If the results are satisfactory, there is no need to adopt other people’s timetables.

Students need to understand the concept of getting the first position when they are at school or college. Securing a position among the top-three is an achievement; however, it is not the only milestone to achieve. There are other parameters, too, that are not considered by teachers during examinations. For example, analytical skills, critical thinking and imagining the practicality of the concept read, learnt and understood.

Students can evaluate their performance themselves. They should ask themselves how much effort they put in the subjects they enjoy. Why do they enjoy these subjects? Is it due to their own efforts or due to their teachers?

Students should remember these parameters when working on planning a timetable. While following a particular timetable, they should not be worried if they are not among the top-three in the class.

In schools, pupils and instructors are involved in carrying out academic targets (short-term) and educational goals (long-term) in a traditional way. Due to such practices, parhna (studying) and seekhna (learning) are two different concepts in modern education. Frequently, students study a topic but do not learn and understand it. When they are promoted to higher grades, the weakness in childhood learning is exposed.

To study effectively, students must give enough time to their studies regardless of the time of the day they feel comfortable with. Having enough time to study and building on this habit to make it sustainable should be the top priority for students. This formula is applicable to students at all educational levels.

Third, the students are supposed to select the area/ subject of their interests carefully. Many schools do not provide career counselling. Some students do not even know what it means. However, students can overcome the problem on their own. They should discuss the subjects they enjoy the most with teachers when studying them.

Discussion with parents on such topics is not a bad idea either. Liking a subject at one stage and disliking it later is natural and happens to almost every student at school level. The important point is to remain in touch with one’s mentors in this regard.

Students can also evaluate their performance. They must ask themselves how much effort they put in the subjects they enjoy. Why do they enjoy these subjects? Is it due to their own efforts or due to their teachers? Many students do not test their performance and end up choosing their subjects in an uninformed way.

Due to Covid-19, many students have developed an awareness of how they can use the resources available on the internet. Coursera, Khan Academy and Udemy are great help. Making good use of YouTube will help many strengthen the decision they make about the subject selection.

Last, but not the least, they should have zero-tolerance for using unfair means in the examination. If they pass their examinations without cheating, they will face no issues in higher classes.

Following these tips will prepare them for their examinations as well as help them grow into responsible students, resilient citizens and avid learners.

The writer is a civil  engineer. He tweets @DawoodKhanHere. He can be reached at dawoodkhan0666@gmail.com