In 2016, a random sample of 5,000 students in Singapore topped the global PISA scores for English, Mathematics and Science. The 3 yearly PISA tests are designed by OECD. More than 60 countries around the world participate in the study. 15 year olds across the globe are tested to gauge how well they apply their knowledge to solve problems. In other words, PISA tests students on their critical thinking skills.
Each and every one of us knows of someone who was an excellent student in school but who somehow did not go on to fulfill this potential beyond school. The popular belief is that these stellar students find it hard to cope with working life because they do not have the street smarts to navigate the unpredictable roads of real life.
Hunched over books, some with pens for jotting down notes while others are busily highlighting passages. Every day, millions of students go through the ritual of studying for tests and exams. Assuming that all else is equal, what is it that distinguishes those who do well from those who don’t do as well?
We will discuss about some of the most popular learning strategies and explain how tweaking them can make a difference.