For most students, the end of the academic school year is a time to forget all about school and focus on social activities. School can be tough; what with assignments, lessons, essays, and tests. By the time the academic year is over, a majority of students are often too exhausted to think of anything but relaxing.
Every great student knows that this is the perfect time to measure the effectiveness of their education. How do you measure the effectiveness of your education? Why you must pause and thoroughly reflect on your performance!
Undoubtedly, this is the last thing any student wants to spend so much as an hour of their summer on. However, a little self-reflection can go a long way in enhancing your academic performance in the future. In fact, self-reflection is a sure way to boost your academic performance and get better grades in the next school year.
What is the importance of measuring education effectiveness?
Self-reflection may seem like an obvious thing to do, but sadly, most students are yet to master the art. Most students are either ignorant of the benefits of self-reflection or too lazy to assess their academic performance.
If you are one of the many students who are yet to learn how to assess their education – CustomWritings academic writing helper is here to show you how. Relax; it is never too late to begin your own fruitful journey of self-reflection.
How do you do it?
Self-reflection is a simple process that only requires you to seriously think about your intentions, actions, and outcomes of those actions. Self-reflection is an art like any other and can be perfected through consistent practice. It is important to remember that you can begin whenever you are ready.
Why should you measure the effectiveness of your education?
Self-reflection helps you determine the areas you need to improve on as a student. Self-reflection points you to your specific academic weaknesses and helps you turn these weaknesses into strengths. The academic scene is quite competitive as every student strives to impress the examiners and score the highest grades. Besides, the effectiveness of your education plays a significant role in your ability to fit in the actual career; hence, self-reflection is a true advantage.
The education effectiveness test
Self-reflection basically requires you to ask yourself several questions and answer them as truthfully as possible. The answers to these questions will help you measure the effectiveness of your education in the past semester or year.
Was my overall performance better or poorer than in the past years?
BETTER: This means that your education was somewhat effective because there is something you are doing right.
POORER: Your education effectiveness is low. There is probably something you are doing wrong.
Did I take on too many responsibilities, academically or otherwise?
YES: too many responsibilities can overwhelm you and make it hard for you to perform. Consider dropping some responsibilities to make your education more effective.
NO: You had all the time to focus on your education. However, it is possible that you are not challenging yourself enough.
What were my strongest and weakest courses?
ANSWER: First, create a list of the courses you scored highest in. Now create a list of the courses you scored poorest in.
What study habits did I rely on to perform well?
List the habits that you feel helped you perform well in your strongest courses. These may include proper time management, strong study skills, paying attention in class, punctuality in class, and consultation with the course instructor.
What habits may have caused you to perform poorly?
Consider the habits that may have led to your poor performance in your weaker courses. For instance, maybe you took on too many courses. Perhaps you had issues with lateness, concentration and completing assignments on time.
Will I need to take a course like this again?
Are there any courses that you failed and would have to retake? List them
What will I do differently to pass these courses?
List the habits that you feel will make you pass next time. If you are having a hard time reflecting on the habits that made you fail and use them as building blocks for your solutions.
NOTE: The above questions are great, but feel free to experiment with other questions.
What should you do with the information you gather?
The self-reflection may feel overwhelming, but that is to be expected. It is good practice to take notes as you go through the process so that you can review them later. Note the observations that stood out the most for you. After self-reflection, you may need to take a day or two to process your observations.
Once you have cleared your mind, you can return to your list of observations and note observations that are similar across classes. For instance, did a particular habit contribute to your improved performance in both History and Psychology? Was your poor performance in English literature and Mathematics caused by poor reading habits?
Be true to yourself
The whole point behind engaging in self-reflection is to change your habits. However, it is pointless to promise to drop a habit that you do not intend to drop. Determine what needs to change. Figure out what you will or will not change.
If you are uncertain about how to approach some of the issues that came up, determine the resources that you can turn to further assistance.
Create a list of items that you intend to either change or continue with during the next school year. Keep this list in a safe place. You will need it for your next self-evaluation!
