Getting the best out of your worst subject
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Working hard yields good results. Pupils after graduation. Photo by Dennis Agaba

Children treasure their favourite subjects and that is why they give them more time when it comes to revision. This leads to an imbalance since some subjects are done well, and others are failed. However, the following steps will ensure improvement in all subjects.

Encourage a child to pay more attention in class, especially when it comes to difficult subjects. Encourage learners to communicate with their teachers so that they get extra help. Also, children should note down hard topics, or what was tricky to understand, and consult the teacher when class is done.

Sit at the front of the class so that you listen to each and everything explained by the teacher; avoid sitting next to anyone who makes you talk during a lesson. Engage with focused learners as that will help you excel.

Do not fear to participate in class, raise your hand to answer a question; even if you are wrong, you will be corrected. Don’t fear as this will keep you focused. Feel free to ask questions where something is not clear. The teacher will be willing to explain so that you don’t lag behind.

Get additional resources like textbooks that can guide you in subjects that seem tricky, if it is mathematics, the working steps are given on how to get the right answer. After revision, close the text book so that you assess yourself by answering the questions you set without checking in the text book.

Spare extra time for revision after classes but also read ahead so that when a topic is introduced, you have a clue.

Write down the marks you would want to score; this will push you to read hard and avoid the idea that some subjects are harder than others.

Go to class early in order to prepare for a lesson, this will keep you organised. Make it a point to do corrections as it is the only way you will know the right answer of the question you failed.

If you are making a revision timetable, put the ‘hard’ subjects first so that you revise when your brain is fresh. Time yourself while reading, for example, you can decide to read for 40 minutes then rest a bit. Have study intervals so that you stretch and relax.

Discuss with peers who are good at a subject that is hard for you, let them tell you more about that subject, this will help you develop interest for the subject.

Get enough rest so that your brain functions well when you read or study, avoid reading in bed because you might end up falling asleep, or reading when the TV is on as that is a distraction. Find a conducive environment for revision.