CONTENTS
1.
Tips for Class
2.
Tips for Studying
3.
Tips for Taking a Test
...No eye has seen, no ear has
heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love
him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
School is tough and there is no way
around that, but we have hope because “God is our refuge and strength, and an
ever-present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1). These tips are not a way for us to
use God. He cannot be manipulated, but they are helpful bits of advice. In no
way am I saying that this is the only process by which God will work in us. If
we are sincerely seeking God, He may have another plan for us individually. For
I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not
to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)
A.
TIPS FOR CLASS
1.
Get plenty of sleep. Freshman and
even upper classman that never learned their lesson, would stay up all night
running around and then come home completely exhausted. They would sleep
through their classes during the day or would not complete assignments that
were due. The end result was that many of them had to return home to mommy and
daddy because they were either put on academic suspension or they lost valuable
scholarship money for not maintaining a good GPA (Grade Point Average).
2.
Eat a good breakfast and maintain a
healthy diet. Studies have shown that eating a good healthy breakfast improves
academic performance. It’s ok to splurge every once in a while.
3.
Make every effort to attend class.
You miss out on important information when you skip class. Some professors
count attendance as part of your grade and even if they don’t your attendance
will inevitably affect your grade because you may miss valuable information.
4.
Be seated in class on time. You
might miss important information or helpful hints if you are late. There are
lecturers that every once in a while would give all the students who were on
time a hint to a question on a test and told us not to tell all the students
that were late.
5.
Be prepared. Have all the necessary
materials needed for class.
6.
Sit on the FRONT ROW of class. This
will help eliminate distractions and will make a good impression.
7.
Listen to the professor and have a
system for taking good notes.
8.
Ask questions when you don’t
understand. Don’t be afraid to ask because more than likely most of the class
doesn’t understand as well.
9.
SET ACADEMIC GOALS!
B. TIPS FOR STUDYING
1.
Don’t wait until the last minute to
study. Begin studying well in advance, at least 3 days prior to any test you
may have. Some test may require studying sooner.
2.
Many times I would need extra
motivation in order to study, so I would write quotes that motivated me on post
it notes and stick them around my desk.
3.
Viewed studying as a form of worship
to God. Study in a way that would be pleasing and worship ful toward God.
“Present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed
and who correctly handles the word of God” (2 Timothy 2:15).
4.
Put yourself around people who are
good students. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools suffers harm”. 1st Corinthians 15:33
says, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” Put yourself
around people who have good qualities you want to gain and who will be a good
influence on you.
5.
Avoid reading in bed or studying too
much when you’re tired or sleepy. If you’re tired you won’t remember much of
what you studied. Go ahead and go to bed, get plenty of sleep, and start
studying the next day when you are well awake. You will remember more of what
you study if you do. Strategically plan out when you will study.
6.
Find a nice quiet place away from
distractions so you can focus clearly (i.e. away from your boyfriend, girlfriend,
roommates, TV, radio, etc.). Music is fine if you are the type of person that
needs background noise to study.
7.
Avoid time wasters like checking
email, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, or just surfing the web.
8.
Before studying pray and ask God to
help you study and to help you remember all that you study. Ask God to bless
your hard work and ask Him for wisdom and understanding to help you comprehend.
9.
Take breaks from studying. Let your
mind rest every once in a while when studying. Get something to drink like a
fruit juice or take a short walk outside. Then come back and resume studying.
Be sure to not let yourself get sidetracked during a break. Be disciplined.
10.
STUDY HARD. There is nothing
unspiritual about hard work.” I believe that. “Lazy hands make a man poor, but
diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4). Wealth can be in the form of good
grades and good grades earn scholarships and good jobs.
C. TIPS FOR TAKING A TEST/EXAMINATION
1.
Read over your notes at least once
about an hour before taking your test/Exam.
2.
Be prepared! Remember to bring two
pens or two sharpened pencils and other exam requirements.
3.
Before taking a test relax your mind
and take some deep breaths.
4.
Pray and ask God to help you
remember all that you have studied and to bless your hard work.
5.
Never ever, ever, ever cheat. How
can you expect God to bless your hard work if you cheat? Cheating is lying and
is dishonest because you are lying about who the answers came from and taking
credit for someone else’s work.
6.
If you have a learning disability make sure to inform your
teachers at the beginning of the semester.
7.
After taking a test thank God for
His help and that it is over.
8.
After taking tests allow yourself to
unwind. Go do something fun and enjoyable.
9.
Keep in mind that a test or an exam is
an opportunity for you to be a witness and for others to see God’s power at
work in you. Don’t pass it up. Ephesians 5:15-16a reads, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity...”.
10.
When you get your graded test back give
God the glory and thank Him for his help. Thanking God for His goodness is very
important. Our God is merciful and gracious and He enjoys hearing thankful
hearts.
EPILOGUE
Keep in mind that doing well in
school and giving the glory to the LORD is a good way to be a witness for Jesus
Christ. Doing well in school is also a good way to earn money. By studying hard
you can earn scholarship money for school. Earning scholarships is a good way
to show your parents that you are thankful for their help and that you are
doing your best. You will not only reap the benefits now, but later as well
when a possible employer sees how hard you worked in college.
Be responsible. If you want to do
well in school you must make it a priority. School must come before your social
life. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a social life, but prioritize your time
accordingly. We cannot ask God to help us if we are not willing to do our part.
If we work hard and ask God for help He is faithful to help us. “...He who
began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ
Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).