By Palesa Ndinisa
Exams are in progress and anxiety can play a role in a student’s life. Lethabo Sibuyi, an 18-year-old student who is one of the best performing learner from Hoërskool Dr. Johan Jurgens studying Physical Science, Accounting, Life Sciences and Mathematics stresses how much having a good study routine helps.
The young man excitedly expressed how he loves challenges and found Science subjects interesting. “I’m a problem-solver, so Mathematics, Physics and Accounting came natural for me. I knew from grade 8 that I would choose accounting because Economic Management Science (EMS) was my favourite subject. However, I could say Life Sciences is my least preferred. Simply because it has a lot of notes and I genuinely enjoy solving problems,” added Sibuyi.
To help him cope with the pressure of studying, especially because he studies the most demanding subjects, Sibuyi indicated that he uses the 2, 3, 5, 7 study method. This study, according to an article published by Birmingham City University, is a spaced repetition technique for revising material to improve memory retention. It involves reviewing information at specific intervals: 2 days after the initial study, following 3 days later, followed by 5 days later and finally, 7 days later. It is reported that this method helps information move from short term to long term memory.
“On day 1, I study the subject and write notes. On day 2, I review my notes and the material I have written. On the third day, I study again and revise my notes now more detailed with mind maps and acronyms I created. On day 5, I review my material for 2 hours and breaks in between and finally on day 7, I revise by asking my younger sister to help me as she asks me questions pertaining the subject I’m studying. This method helps me so much in preparing for my exams so far, it works. I’m confident that I will pass,” added the young scholar. He also stresses out that using past question papers helps but it should not be the only source for studying. He advises that students need to watch tutorials and gather extra knowledge about the subject they are studying.
Sibuyi mentioned that he has applied at the North-West University (NWU) and the University of Free State (UFS) for BCom in Accounting, Nursing Science and Logistics Management. “Although there is pressure in matric with the workload, exams and university applications, to lessen the pressure, I do not compete with others. Instead, I try to better myself from who I was yesterday. I encourage matriculants to find a study routine that works for them and actually study rather than cramming. Always remember, hard work beats talent, so it’s very important to study,” said Sibuyi.
