Examinations
are basically all about lecturers dishing out questions and students providing
“suitable” answers to them. Here is a quick analysis: in most universities,
there are just two important periods I call “moments of truth (MOT)” concerning
academics viz. CATs (Continuous
Assessment Tests) and examination. On average, a typical CAT session takes
about an hour per course while exams take an average of about 2 hours per
course. This means that an entire 3-month long academic semester is judged
based on performance on exercises which lasts about 3 or 4 hours altogether. If
an average student offered 10 courses in a semester, the total MOT time will
add up to about 30 (or 40) hours. Rounding that figure off to the nearest day,
let’s say there are about merely two days altogether designated as the
most-prized, invaluable moment for each semester.
Allow
me to derail a bit. See, life would be much easier if we wrote down our plans,
what we desire, out on a piece of paper then critically analyse the details to
fathom a solution(s) of best-fit. As a big follower of football, I’d like to
take a Champions League (UCL) final match as a case study. Normal playing time
takes 90 minutes. The events that occur over this interval whether natural,
supernatural, biological, psychological, physiological, political (you name
it!) are crucial but ultimately not the most important. What counts the most is
that one team will emerge victorious thereby, having their name imprinted on the
big, bold face of history. I remember the 2013/14 UCL Grande Finale between two
Madrid city rivals, when captain Sergio Ramos leapt highest to meet a corner
kick set-piece with his head decisively—a brilliant moment that would
dramatically write a new story in UCL history, cause a positive turning point
for Real Madrid as they clinch their coveted 10th title (La Decima), and simultaneously put a
huge dent in their equally brilliant rival’s title hopes. You will easily agree
with me that the club leader did put his
head to good use (something Yoruba’s call “olori-ire”).
I mean he spotted a golden opportunity and made impeccable use of it when it
mattered most in an incisive, brief “moment of truth.” We, too, can exhibit
this inspiration in our own lives (and our academics) as well. The importance
of doing the right thing at the right time cannot be overemphasized.
My momma used to tell us: “what is worth doing at all, is worth doing
well.” As a student you should realise that gaining admission to study is
worth your while. As a student you are meant to be smart, curious, diligent and
persistent, because these qualities will contribute greatly to your success.
You barely need to study hard instead work hard at studying smart! Tough times
don’t last but tough people do! Quitters never win just as winners never quit!
(can’t recall the origin of these quotes but they ring ‘true’) You need to put
on the whole armory of academic success: friends of like-mind who support you
both in good and bad times, confidence to stand out in class asking questions
and/or actively participating in class [activities], seeking understanding of
whatever is being taught and most importantly believe in Divine to bless your
[just] hustle. These armories mentioned have depths in meaning however, I
still want to shed more light on “moment of truth.”
For
CATs and exams you have to prepare yourself mentally for these moments; eat
well, get good sleep, prepare your writing materials ready before the big day,
get to the test hall in time, be calm and collected. When seated in the test
hall tell yourself “This is just a test and not the end of the world. [your
name] you will pass this course no matter what. [your name] you are the best in
the class, [your name] you are ultimately the world’s best!” These words really
does psyche you prepared for the moment you are about to witness. Now, during
the test breathe in and out sufficiently, because this makes enough oxygenated
blood get to your brain—a process much-needed by your brain that now processes
more information than usual. Read instructions carefully before anything else!
Look through the questions then attempt the ones you can do best and fastest
first. Endeavor to present answers as orderly and neatly as possible.
Peradventure,
you are not conversant with most questions on your question paper, do not panic
neither should you cheat, attempt the few you know beautifully. Give your
lecturer a run for his/her money. Provide the best answer in all class to the
ones you know. A note of warning: Remember “you lose a 100 percent of the
chances you refuse to take,” I mean if there is still time left and you have
attempted the questions you know, try your hands on the questions that prove a
tough nut to crack. You never know, you could be right, perhaps you highlight
something the lecturer mentioned in class on the subject and on the long run
‘grace’ covers you. Why not? It happens. Lastly, examination rules must be
adhered to because, come to think of it—for instance, writing a test without
signing the attendance form automatically annuls all efforts put into passing
that particular test.
