Watching blockbuster film “3 Idiots” is always a fascinating experience. But youth especially the students in schools, colleges and universities across Pakistan or anywhere else always wonder of how they could become a “Master Student” like Ranchoo (played by famous actor Aamir Khan).
Nevertheless, with the research of expert educationists’ and thinking experts like Linda Elder and Richard Paul, “3 Idiots” formula to turn you into a “master student” could be laid down. Not relying entirely on following ideas, these 10 ideas should be a starting point for you towards your journey to be an ingenious student during your academic period and a dynamic professional for your future field of work
Idea 1: Make sure you thoroughly understand the requirements of each class, how it will be taught, and what will be expected of you. Ask questions about the grading policies and for advice on how best to prepare for class. (Never mind if you are in mid of academic year; just start practice this from today)
Idea 2: Think of each subject you study as a form of thinking. (If you are in a history class, your goal should be to think historically; in a chemistry class to think chemically; etc.)
Idea 3: Become a questioner. Engage yourself in lectures and discussions by asking questions. If you don’t ask questions, you will probably not discover what you do and do not know.
Idea 4: Look for interconnections. The content in every class is always a SYSTEM of interconnected ideas, never a random list of things to memorize. Don’t memorize like a parrot. Study like a detective, always relating new learning to previous learning.
Idea 5: Think of your instructor as your coach. Think of yourself as a team member trying to practice the thinking exemplified by your instructor. For example, in an algebra class, think of yourself as going out for the algebra team and your teacher as demonstrating how to prepare for the games (tests).
Idea 6: Relate content whenever possible to issues and problems and practical situations in your life. If you can’t connect it to life, you don’t know it.
Idea 7: Figure out what study and learning skills you are not good at. Practice those skills whenever possible. Recognizing and correcting your weaknesses is strength.
Idea 8: Seek to find the key concept of the course during the first couple of class meetings. For example, in a biology course, try explaining what biology is in your own words. Then relate that definition to each segment of what you learn afterward. Fundamental ideas are the basis for all others.
Idea 9: Learn to test your thinking using intellectual standards. “Am I being clear? Accurate? Precise? Relevant? Logical? Am I looking for what is most significant?”
Idea 10: Frequently evaluate your reading. Are you reading the text book actively? Are you asking questions as you read? Can you distinguish what you understand from what you don’t?
These ideas are for becoming not just a better student but a master student. Some are simple. Others require further explanation and clarification. For example, if you are motivated to improve, you can immediately implement Idea 1 so as to take first step.
Consider Idea 4: “Become a questioner.” In this case you may need to read further in the guide to get ideas of kinds of questions you can and should ask. We suggest, therefore, that you employ a two-fold process. First, using 3 Idiots Formula For Becoming A Master Student, compile a personal list of suggestions or strategies you can immediately use. USE THEM IMMEDIATELY. Second, proceeds to other ideas, especially as you acquire insight into items on the initial list of 10 ideas.
Finally, as you successfully implement some of the suggestions, your confidence and motivation should improve. Re-cycling through these ideas, again and again, re-thinking what you are and are not doing, should raise you to yet further achievements as a student—a student seeking mastery like Rancho in 3 Idiots.
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