Archive for March 2003
Four paradigms that have helped me do better in my studies
Never let school interfere with your education — attributed to Mark Twain
© Angel’s original . Written 21 March 2003
Published in Horizons, May-June 2003
Magazine of The Management Development Institute of Singapore 
How fun it has been to go back to school! In less than a month, I will be completing a year of Diploma studies in Mass Communications at the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS). The last time I engaged any formal education prior to MDIS was when I took my G.C.E. “O” levels more than 20 years ago!
Back then, my parents and teachers had to push me to take my studies more seriously. I was young, a slow starter and enjoyed playing more than studying. I did not see the value of education and so was not motivated to give my best to it. The fact that my learning style did not match the way things were taught in school also did not help the situation.
I believe it was Mark Twain who said, “Never let school interfere with your education.” Since I leaving school more than 20 years ago, I have not stopped learning! I am very grateful to have a second go at attaining further formal education. MDIS is just another building block in my passion for lifelong learning and personal development.
Studying still is hard work. But what a difference a change in attitude and motivation makes. I would like to make my life count, education is one way I can better develop myself for this end.
Here are four paradigms that have helped me:
A # Paradigm 1: Accept responsibility for your own learning
No one can do our learning for us. No matter how well (or how badly, I might add) a teacher might teach, the responsibility of learning always falls on us as students. Ask and keep asking if you do not understand something.
B # Paradigm 2: Build a network of friends
You can learn better with others. One of the many things I have especially appreciated from my year at MDIS are the friends that I have made along the way. Our lecturers are not the only ones we can learn from. As adult learners, our class comprise people from all walks of life and professions. They each open up a new world for me.
The study group that I am a part of is an unusual one in that our members are big hearted about sharing helpful websites, information, notes and resources with each other. We are sparring partners, discussing our lessons, keeping pace and mutually encouraging each other. The members tap on the strengths of each other and help the weaker ones along. We read each other’s assignments, giving feedback and sharing resources whenever we happen to stumble upon topics relevant for our friends.
For me, success is not just about me making the grade, but also seeing my friends make it too.
C # Paradigm 3: Concentrate on growth, not merely on grades
While good grades are important, the process by which we acquire them are even more important. This process includes for instance, the private discipline of reading, research and review. It also means attending and participating in class activities. These disciplines help us to understand and have a better handle of the subjects we are studying. There are no short cuts or substitutes!
When scoring “A’s” is all that matters, our tendency will be to study only to do well for our exams and nothing more. This I believe is short sighted and short-changing ourselves. Education is not about being able to regurgitate facts that we have memorised for our examiners. Rather, it is about acquiring and applying knowledge, understanding and wisdom for our lives.
D # Paradigm 4: Develop character
Seven of the eight subjects that we covered for the Mass Communication course had a topic that dealt with ethics. This is very telling indeed! In the marketplace, it is not often that we find people who are not only skilled, but who are also honest and compassionate in their dealings with other people.
Student life is a microcosm of the big-fish-eat-small-fish business world. Cheating, cutting corners, or plagiarising are some of the common temptations students face. To make our lives count and to be a well-rounded person, I believe that we need to be people who are honest, upright and compassionate. Student life is a good time to develop these character traits in order to better prepare us for the marketplace and for life.
“Never let school interfere with your education!” Happy studying and may you enjoy your lifelong learning and development and excel in all your pursuits at MDIS.
