Jun 18

Bad study habits students need to avoid

Establishing good study habits and techniques at an early age will assist you to flourish in class and attain your educational goals and objectives. Understanding how to study effectively and efficiently is likely to make the difference of you being an “A” students as opposed to a “C” student. Students with bad study habits could end up failing a course or perhaps falling behind everyone else in the class. The following are some bad study habits all students need to steer clear of.

Studying at Home

Studying at home may very well be convenient and easy, however you will find far too many distractions. Regardless of whether you study in your dorm, apartment or house, you will almost always be faced with some kind of distraction. Perhaps it is your talkative roommate or members of the family. The noise of the TV in the next room or perhaps an excuse to do another load of washing. The smallest of distractions in many cases can break you concentration and, in turn, make studying far less effective. Rather go to the library and find a quiet room or space.

Multitasking

When you study it is advisable to focus and concentrate 100%. Multitasking will undoubtedly distract you and break your focus. Avoid listening to music, avoid surfing your favorite social networking websites, avoid IM conversations. Multitasking only causes distractions and breaks your concentration. Studying in silence or possibly a little white noise will enable you to hear your thoughts while focusing without the distractions.

Highlighting

Highlighting points in various colors may possibly help to identify crucial points and make information and facts stand out on a page. Having said that, if you do nothing active with this information it will not do you any good. Highlighting text and passages is not a way of learning. All it does is try convince you that you have studied enough for the day. Make use of the information you have highlighted. Make notes and use flashcards with important words and points. Identify important themes and concepts and create practice essays.

Eating

Among the list of worst study habits is eating excessively. Many students eat when they are under stress and as a consequence gain weight. Avoid eating while you are studying. This will keep your hands free and enable you to concentrate on the subject matter without diversions.

Studying in a Group or with friends

A number of students feel that they need to study with a group of friends and are incapable of study alone. Should you choose choose to study in group make perfectly sure that the group members are not co-dependents.

Cramming and Pulling All-Nighters

All students are guilty of this. Research has revealed that cramming all night does little for exam preparation or result in top marks. All night study sessions not only deprives you of valuable sleep and rest for your brain, it also influences your general mood and overall wellbeing. The only way to avoid cramming is to plan and prepare ahead of time.

Not Making an Outline

Those students who make outlines are far more successful and better prepared for exams. Outlines enable you to manage considerable amounts of information, organize ideas, thoughts and concepts, and allow you to present material in a concise and logical manner. Use outlines to organize your thoughts and manage your studying far more effectively.

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Permanent link to this article: http://blog.mydreamcourse.co.za/2013/06/18/bad-study-habits-students-need-to-avoid/

Jun 13

Groen Sebenza project helps train students in the biodiversity sector

 

Groen Sebenza Project

 

The  Groen Sebenza project has launched and endeavors to train and skill unemployed youth with the skill sets in the biodiversity sector. The launch of the project was attended by Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa and forms part of Environment Month celebrations.

The project has been spearheaded by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) along with its goal and mission to develop necessary skills and bridge the gap between education and job opportunities within the biodiversity sector. Capital backing and finance for the project is originating from the Development Bank of Southern Africa’s Jobs Fund.

The project’s target audience are young students who have at least a matric or a degree.

At the launch, Molewa communicated her thanks to all partners associated with the project and very proud to unveiling a pioneering project. She also express her excitement for being a part of and playing a leading role in the training and education of young students who happen to be vibrant and confident professional for the country’s biodiversity and natural resource management sector.

“This is a ground-breaking partnership with 33 environmental and biodiversity-focused organisations from all spheres of government, business and the NGO sector. “It is the Department of Environmental Affairs’ hope that the effective implementation of the incubator concept will have a catalytic impact on skills development and job creation,” she said.

Over the next two and half years, the Groen Sebenza project will train and skill roughly 800 out of work youth and place these candidates in skilled across public, private and non-governmental institutions in the local biodiversity sector. The main objective and structure of the project is centered on training, mentoring and workplace-based learning together with the goal to upgrade the skills of a group of young and capable professionals as well as help boost South Africa’s biodiversity sector which wishes to create jobs within the green economy.

A number of the students reaping benefits from this project also sole bread-winners of their extended families. The sole aim of the project is to train and offer matriculants and young professionals with the required skills and knowledge the capability to access the job market in the biodiversity sector.

“We are all aware, the battle against poverty is not won once one gains a qualification from an institution. The challenge within this sector is that students with the right qualifications struggle to bridge the gap between education and employment in the sector,” Molewa said.

SANBI Chief Executive Officer Dr Tanya Abrahamse said ” the project essentially brings to life, the ideals of the vision of a green economy by mobilising for and engendering the involvement of young people in the management of biodiversity through job creation.”

SANBI are confident and believe that the project is an excellent leap forward for the country to cope with the skills shortage in the sector. One success story is for 28 year old Sabelo Linda from Osizweni who holds an Honours degree in Science but was unemployed when joining the project. He is now employed by NCC Environmental Services in Cape Town.

 

For more info on the Groen Sebenza project – Click here

 

Source: SAnews.gov.za, sanbi.org (photo)

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Permanent link to this article: http://blog.mydreamcourse.co.za/2013/06/13/groen-sebenza-project-helps-train-students-in-the-biodiversity-sector/

Jun 10

Samsung Academy boosts skills development for electronic engineers

The Samsung Electronics Engineering Academy Johannesburg assists in the fast-tracking of African youths into the job market. The academy has seen numerous students graduate through its doors and has a goal to train and develop 10 000 electronics engineers by 2015.

The academy was set up in 2012 in order to develop and promote skills development in the electronics sector . At the moment the academy offers placements to roughly 240 Grade 10-12 students originating from participating technical schools and 320 students from Further Education and Training (FET) colleges with vocational skills training.

 

Samsung Electronics Engineering Academy 1

In addition to that it also provides assistance and skills development options and opportunities to those matriculant who graduated, however, wound up doing menial labour or still unemployed. Samsung, in co-operation with the National Economic Education Trust, has opened the doors and window of hope for numerous students who graduated with exceptional results in Maths and Science however have not been able to find employment.

The academy and programme calls for students to complete 2 hours sessions at the basic, intermediate and advanced training levels every day after school. The programs and courses are supported by the University of Johannesburg and there is hope that the programme will be accredited and officially endorsed by the University.

Moving the economy forward

Samsung Africa’s managing director, Maengdal Bae, remarked that the country is confronting a major dilemma and is facing an urgent need to “fill the supply and demand gap that has emerged between industry’s need for technical skills and the number of students that enter the job market each year possessing these skills”.

Bae continued to speak about how proud and honored the company was to be able to contribute to the the development of scare skills. The students exiting their doors are not only equipped with the world-class skills to build a better future for themselves, but that they will in addition play a vital part in driving the local economy forward.

The academy in Johannesburg is part of Samsung’s Africa strategy to ensure the continents sustainability by contributing to the education and training of local students they intend to build a skilled pool of resources and, consequently, contributing to a competitive global economy. Samsung has also launched training academies in Kenya and Nigeria and is planning to establish training academies in Ethiopia and Cote D’voire with more to come in the years ahead.

 

Samsung Electronics Engineering Academy 2

 
The dean of the engineering faculty at the University of Johannesburg, Tshilidzi Marwala spoke about the incredible importance of technical education and that it was the cornerstone of any aspiring developing nation. He commended Samsung and their academy for contributing to the country’s technical backbone.

History has shown the success of the academy and program such that of all the 2012 graduates, Samsung is pleased to state that 100% of students were placed in positions at its service centre, knock-down plant and call centre partners across Gauteng.

“Our ability to provide graduates with employment is only possible because of the nature of the academy programme, which is focused on preparing students for the world of work,” Bae said.

Thank you Samsung!!

Soutce: southafrica.info, samsung.com (photos)

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Permanent link to this article: http://blog.mydreamcourse.co.za/2013/06/10/samsung-academy-boosts-skills-development-for-electronic-engineers/

Jun 04

Revision tips for your upcoming exams

Student revision

 

We are all aware that examinations and tests can generate a tremendous degree of stress for students. You may feel that you have your studies under control and are generally conscious of when and where your exams are taking place. Nevertheless, it is always advantageous to take the time to evaluate your upcoming exams details and steer clear of any avoidable anxiety and stress. Revision is extremely important and there is no perfect approach to exam preparation. The things that work for one person might not exactly work for another. Experiment with alternative methods and techniques and then follow what best works for you.

Most important is to find a quiet place to study. Make sure that you find a peaceful and quiet place to study far away from TV and other noisy distraction. Be sure that the area has good lighting and comfortable.

Set up an exam revision timetable. Design your revision timetable to cover every one of the topics of your upcoming exams. Commence with the subjects that are more challenging for you in the event you require more time to revise certain topics just as before.

Make summary notes and list the most crucial points and facts on flashcards. Formulate mnemonics and mind maps to assist you to remember lists of facts. Notes and drawing will be helpful to retain the information and facts. Make sure that you are revising your subject matter effectively and ensure that you are satisfied with your preparations and process.

Get a hold of old exams papers to practice your exam writing techniques in addition to acquiring a significantly better understanding of questions that have been asked in the past years.

Obtain revision guides. Ask your teacher about recommended revision guides available and use them to get an over-all review of your subject material

Form a study group that enables you to exchange idea and thoughts. Interacting within a group will help you to obtain a better understanding of what areas of study you need to review again.

Seek assistance from family and friends. Ask your family and friends to test you. Attend any revision classes that your lecturer or teacher is running. Listen carefully for any hints and tips as to what might be included in your exams. What are main points your teacher is focussing on.

Record your summaries and notes on a digital recorder so that you play back and listen as an alternative to reading.

Make sure you take a 5-10 minutes break every hour and leave your study area. Do some exercises and stretch, go for a short walk, play with your dog, and make yourself something to drink.

Be sure to take a timeout on a daily basis to relax and unwind. Following a long day of revision and studies always take a break and revel in some leisure time with friend or family. Head out for a meal or go to a movie with friends and always make sure that you get a good night sleep of at least 7 hours.

Maintain a healthy balanced eating plan. During exam time and heightened period of stress it is advisable to feed and nourish your brain with healthy foods.

Most importantly do not panic and remain positive. Nervousness and jitters is in fact healthy for you and helps you perform at the best of your ability. The adrenaline rush will enable you to stay alert and focused. Most of all think and stay positive. It is not the end of the world if you do not do as well as you hoped for or expected.

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Permanent link to this article: http://blog.mydreamcourse.co.za/2013/06/04/revision-tips-for-your-upcoming-exams/

Jun 03

Satellite broadcasting helps boost maths and science results

The launch of satellite broadcasting programs is going to make learning for young students undertaking mathematics substantially more interesting.

The programme was launched last week by the Gauteng Education MEC Barbara Creecy and is one of many measures taken by department with the objective of enhancing upon the quality of teaching for grade 8 and 9 students.

The programme and service is going to be broadcast to individual high school specifically chosen by the department and will overlap with lesson to ensure that teachers can integrate the broadcast with their lessons. The broadcast will also be recorded for the benefit of students to revise what they have learnt in class.

15 schools were chosen for the pilot programme in February and from now on the broadcast will expand to over 385 schools who happen to be part of the Senior Secondary School Improvement Programme over the course of the year.

“We are aware of the fact that Gauteng’s education system has the task of producing graduates who are able to become the next generation of skilled workers, engineers, and managers the advanced industrial economy of our province requires if it is to continue to grow,” Creecy said.

The primary goal and objectives of the programme is to improve the overall quality of maths and science teaching available to students in the most disadvantaged schools and regions.

The use of technology in class is a global trend being employed to help bridge the gap of educational inequalities. The Gauteng education department is extremely enthusiastic with the new innovations which have been introduced and it brings the region in line with international trends.

Creecy stated that the launch of satellite broadcasting is not meant to replace teachers, rather it is just another teaching tool that can assist both students and teachers.

 

Satellite brodcasting boosts maths

 

 

Boosting matric pass rate

The satellite broadcasting programme is an extension of the Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP) which has raised the matric pass rate by 12 percent over the last 4 years.

According to results from the pilot program, the satellite broadcasts is exhibiting exceptional results and is designed to rapidly improve learner performance in maths and science for Grades 8 and 9.

Sphesihle Sithole (14), a Grade 9 learner at Ibhongo Secondary School, was quoted as saying that a large number of students are excited by the new programme and interventions and they are confident that everyone will pass maths with flying colors. Not only are students more confident about passing maths. in addition they find maths substantially more interesting as a result of the introduction of the satellite broadcasting.

Aside from the satellite broadcasts, learners and teachers are making use of other social media tools like Facebook, Mxit and Twitter together with landline and mobile phones so that they can communicate back to the central broadcast studio to ask questions and make comments.

The satellite platform also provides on-the-job training for class teachers who also attend further lessons in the afternoons. Teachers in the schools involved so far have been enthusiastic in their response to the programme as have district officials who are overseeing its implementation.

Source: SAnews.gov.za

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Permanent link to this article: http://blog.mydreamcourse.co.za/2013/06/03/satellite-broadcasting-helps-boost-maths-and-science-results/

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