Maximizing Your Education: 5 Ways to Utilize ChatGPT for Academic Success

As an Artificial Intelligence (AI) language model, ChatGPT can be a valuable resource for students studying in higher education. Here are 5 main ways that a student can maximize the use of ChatGPT:

1. Research

ChatGPT can be used as a tool for research on a wide range of topics. The model can provide concise and relevant information on a topic of interest to a student.

As a student in higher education, there may be times when you need to conduct research for an assignment or project. ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for this purpose as it is capable of providing concise and relevant information on a wide range of topics.

For example, let's say you are researching a topic on climate change. You could ask ChatGPT to provide you with information on the causes and effects of climate change, current mitigation strategies, and potential future impacts. AI can provide you with relevant and up-to-date information on this topic from reputable sources, helping you to better understand the issue and develop your own arguments and ideas.

In addition, AI can also help you to find relevant research articles, books, and other resources on your topic of interest. For instance, you can ask ChatGPT for recommendations on books or articles related to your research question. This can save you time and effort in searching for relevant sources and help you to identify high-quality resources that you may not have found otherwise.

Using ChatGPT as a research tool can help you to gain a deeper understanding of your topic of interest and find high-quality sources to support your arguments and ideas.

2. Writing Assistance

ChatGPT can be used as a writing assistant to help students refine their writing skills. The model can provide suggestions for grammar and vocabulary, as well as help with sentence structure and organization.

Writing is an essential skill in higher education, and AI can help students refine their writing skills by providing writing assistance. The model can suggest alternative words or phrases help students improve their vocabulary and grammar. Additionally, ChatGPT can provide suggestions for sentence structure and organization to help students improve the flow and clarity of their writing.

 Students can use AI to check their writing for grammar and punctuation errors, as well as to identify areas where they may need to improve their writing. The model can also suggest ways to improve the overall structure of the writing and help students create a more coherent argument. Furthermore, ChatGPT can assist students in developing their critical thinking skills through the process of writing. The model can provide suggestions for alternative perspectives, help students to identify gaps in their arguments, and suggest ways to improve their reasoning.

 AI can be an excellent tool for students to refine their writing skills and enhance their critical thinking abilities. By using ChatGPT as a writing assistant, students can receive valuable feedback on their writing and develop their skills in a way that is tailored to their individual needs.

3. Study Help

ChatGPT can be used to supplement class materials and help students prepare for exams. The model can provide explanations of difficult concepts, examples, and practice problems.

By using ChatGPT as a study help tool, students can gain a deeper understanding of difficult concepts and prepare for exams more effectively. They can also receive immediate feedback on their understanding of a topic, allowing them to focus their efforts on areas where they may need more practice or study. Ultimately, this can lead to better academic performance and a more successful college experience.

Let's say a student is taking a marketing course and is struggling to understand the concept of market segmentation. They can use ChatGPT to ask for a concise and relevant explanation of the topic. The model can provide an overview of what market segmentation is, why it's important in marketing, and different methods of segmenting a market.

The student can also ask ChatGPT for examples of market segmentation in real-world scenarios. For instance, they can ask how a company like Nike segments its market and tailors its products to different consumer groups.

If the student is preparing for an exam, they can use ChatGPT to ask for practice problems related to market segmentation. The model can provide sample questions and answers, allowing the student to gauge their understanding of the topic and identify areas where they need more practice or study.

Overall, by using ChatGPT as a study help tool, the student can gain a deeper understanding of marketing concepts, prepare more effectively for exams, and ultimately achieve better academic performance in their marketing course.

 4. Language Practice

ChatGPT can be used to practice language skills. Students can use the model to improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills in various languages.

ChatGPT can be a great tool for students who are learning a new language. The model can provide assistance with grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. For example, a student who is learning English as a second language can use ChatGPT to practice reading and writing in English. The model can provide suggestions for how to structure sentences, offer alternative vocabulary choices, and provide explanations of idioms and expressions that may be confusing.

Additionally, ChatGPT can provide opportunities for students to practice speaking and listening skills in a foreign language. Students can ask the model to speak in the language they are learning, and then try to respond using the correct vocabulary and grammar. This can be a great way to improve pronunciation and comprehension skills.

ChatGPT can be a valuable resource for language learners, as it can provide personalized feedback and assistance in real-time.

5. Personal Development

ChatGPT can be used as a tool for personal development. Students can ask the model for advice on a wide range of topics, such as career development, goal setting, and mental health.

ChatGPT can be a valuable resource for students looking to develop personal skills and knowledge beyond academics. For example, students can ask the model for advice on developing effective study habits, managing their time and priorities, or improving their communication skills. 

In addition, students can seek guidance on topics related to mental health and well-being, such as managing stress, building resilience, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. The model can also provide information and resources on career development, including job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing tips, and interview preparation. 

By using ChatGPT as a tool for personal development, students can gain valuable insights and advice to help them succeed in all aspects of their lives.

Excited already? Although AI can do so much to assist students in their studies, it is important to be cautious of the following:

• Although ChatGPT is a powerful tool, it is important to remember that it is not infallible. Students should always double-check the information provided by ChatGPT before using it in their studies.
• ChatGPT can provide excellent research assistance, but students must be careful not to plagiarize any content. It is important to paraphrase and cite any information used in assignments and papers.
• While AI can be a valuable tool for students, it is important not to become too reliant on it. Students should still strive to develop their critical thinking skills and research abilities, as these will be valuable in their future careers.

So....to use or not to use? What say you?

Share you views with me.

Top 10 Assignment Referencing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 Top 10 Assignment Referencing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Here are the ten most popular questions I got from students, and these are the answers:

NO. 1: WHEN IS A REFERENCE REQUIRED?

When you:

• quote (use someone else’s exact words) 
• copy (use figures, tables or structure) 
• paraphrase (convert someone else’s ideas to your own words)
• summarise (use a brief account of someone else’s ideas) 

NO. 2: WHY SHOULD YOU REFERENCE?

References enhance writing and assist the reader by: 

• showing the breadth of research 
• strengthening academic argument
• showing the reader the source of information 
• allowing the reader to consult sources independently 
• allowing the reader to verify data

By using references appropriately, you will avoid plagiarism, which is falsely claiming someone else’s words or ideas as your own

NO. 3: WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO CITE?

a) Author Prominent Citation

Using the author’s surname as part of the sentence with the date and all the required detail in parentheses (round brackets): 

Example: Cowie (1996, p. 91) has argued that ‘socialism rejected the liberal ideals of individualism and competition’. 

a) Information Prominent Citation

The other way of citing references gives prominence to the information, with all the required referencing details in parentheses: 

Example: It has been argued that ‘socialism rejected the liberal ideals of individualism and competition’ (Cowie 1996, p. 91). 

NO. 4: SHOULD YOU PARAPHRASE OR USE QUOTATIONS?

a) Paraphrasing preferred

A general rule in academic circles is that no more than 10% of an assignment should be in the form of direct quotations. Therefore, paraphrasing is highly recommended.

b) Quotations 

Quotations should be used sparingly, selected carefully, used in context, integrated into your text, and reproduced exactly (including the words, spelling, punctuation, capitalisation and paragraphing of the original writer. A quotation is used if a misinterpretation would result from a change to the words or a major argument needs to be recorded as evidence 

NO. 5: WHAT IS PARAPHRASING?

Paraphrasing means to restate accurately and succinctly something you have read. Be sure to write this in your own words as far as possible. 

If your work does not refer to specific ideas on particular pages of a resource but to general themes mentioned throughout the resource, page numbers need not be shown. 

Two common approaches of paraphrasing:

a) General Theme 

Studies (Tanner 1999) indicate that the economic structure today is far more unpredictable and unstable than it was thirty years ago. 

b) Specific Idea 

Tanner (1999, p. 22) claims that the introduction of the GST in the Australian economic structure has not impacted the price of fuels. 

NO. 6: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REFERENCE LIST AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY?

The reference list only indicates sources cited in the text of your assignment. 

A bibliography uses the same format as a reference list but it includes all material consulted in the preparation of your assignment. 

A reference list and a bibliography can be prepared separately.

NO. 7: HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE REFERENCE LIST?

The reference list includes full details of all the sources which you cited in the text of your assignment. 

The reference list is entitled REFERENCES or REFERENCE LIST. 

• This is to be written in uppercase, and in bold and centred. 
• Headings are neither underlined nor punctuated. 
• Present the reference list using single line spacing and hanging indent for each entry.
• Insert a blank line between each entry. 
• Arrange the reference list alphabetically and place as the final page of your assignment. Do not use numbers, letters or bullet points to begin each entry. Any reference that starts with a number (e.g. 7:30 Report) precedes the alphabetical listing and is listed numerically.

For a book, the following elements should be presented in this order: 

• author’s surname and initials 
• year of publication 
• title of book (in italics) 
• the edition (e.g. 4th edn) if not the original publication 
• publisher 
• place of publication 

Example:

NO. 8: IS THE REFERENCE FOR A JOURNAL DIFFERENT FROM A BOOK?

For a journal article, the following elements should be presented in this order: 

• author’s surname and initials 
• year of publication 
• title of the article in single quotation marks 
• title of journal or periodical in italics 
• volume number where applicable 
• issue number or another identifier where applicable 
• page number(s) 

NO. 9: SIR, WHAT IF?

• IF there is more than one author of a publication, maintain the order of their names as they appear on the title page of the publication, even if they are not in alphabetical order on the title page. 
• IF a reference has no author, list it alphabetically according to the sponsoring body e.g. UNESCO
• IF there are two or more references by the same author, then list them in order of publication date with the oldest work first. 
• IF references by the same author have been published in the same year, then list them alphabetically according to the title and add the letter ‘a’ after the first date, and ‘b’ after the second date (e.g. 1993a, 1993b). 

NO. 10: WHAT ABOUT WEBSITES (ELECTRONIC SOURCES)?

Before you use any website as a reference, be mindful of evaluating the QUALITY AND TRUSTWORTHINESS of any electronic information on the web you wish to use in an academic assignment. Reliable sources generally include: 

• Refereed articles in online journals 
• Articles from databases selected by the university 
• Articles published by universities, government departments, business organizations, reputable lobby groups. 

a) Document on the World Wide Web (dated and author or sponsor given) 

IN-TEXT REFERENCING

Brown (1994) noted that …

MODEL TO FOLLOW IN THE REFERENCE LIST 

Brown, H. 1994, Citing Computer References, URL: http://neal.ctstateu.edu/history/cite.html, (accessed 3 January 2021).

b) Document on the World Wide Web (author or sponsor given but not dated) 

IN-TEXT REFERENCING
Adherence to the five food groups (Jones n.d.)  

MODEL TO FOLLOW IN THE REFERENCE LIST 

Brown, H. 1994, Citing Jones, P. n.d., Five Food Groups, URL: http://www.food.com.au/5foodgroups/sustenance.html, (accessed 3 January 2021).

c) Document on the World Wide Web (no author/sponsor and no date) 

IN-TEXT REFERENCING
As stated in Guidelines for Citing References and Electronic Sources of Information (n.d.),...

MODEL TO FOLLOW IN THE REFERENCE LIST

Guidelines for Citing References and Electronic, Sources of Information URL: http://www.eliz.tased.edu.au/refs.html, (accessed 3 January 2021).

 NOTE: 

• Always check the validity of a site that has no author or sponsor. The use of such sites is discouraged.
• There are no page numbers allocated to web site documents. However, it is important to indicate this by using n.p. in intext referencing. This shows the reader that the page number has not been forgotten, but rather that it is non-existent. This is ONLY valid for websites!

I hope the above has covered all the area you need to work on your references and avoid plagiarism. 

In the end, Choesay "whatever style of referencing you follow, please remember to remain consistent throughout your work". You will be fine!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

References:
How to Acknowledge What You Have Read: Abbreviations n.d.,URL: www.lib.monash.edu.au/vl/cite/cite l l.htm (accessed 3 February 2021)

Beware! Check The Source of References in Your Assignment

Students like to use the Internet to the source of reading materials and information for their coursework assignments. It is fine to make use of the technology available to assist with your studies but you need to be very careful of the source you are using.

I find that many students like to use ukessays.com as their reference for the written assignments, especially for business-related subjects. First of all, do you know what is this website for? It is a service provider, providing the below services:

Now, I would like to ask you a "common sense" question: Can you cite this website as a source of reference for your assignment?

Also check the source before citing or adopting information from the source. I always recommend students to begin with course-related textbooks or journals. Published textbooks and journals will give you all the proper information you need to write your assignment. You should only go to the Internet when you need additional information. It cannot be your primary source of information to complete your assignment.

Top 5 Weaknesses in Students' Answers

As an examiner, I would like to point out some of the most common weaknesses in students' answers that can be avoided. These are the top 10 weaknesses in students' answers:

1. Fail to plan and prepare for the answer
The reason of showing the marks allocation on each of the exam question is to allow the student to plan for their answer. A question with 10 marks will need more points or depth of discussion as compare to question with 2 marks which requires brief explanation. The length of the answer may varies according to the marks allocated. This will reflect on time management too (this is why many students always complain that they do not have enough time to complete their answers in the final exam).

2. Do not pay attention to the question verbs
All examiner who set exam questions need to comply with the Bloom's taxonomy according to the level of the paper. Various verbs can be used to assess different level of intellectual which requires different answers. Failing to provide what the question verbs require will result in poor answer. For example, lower level verb like 'define' is just to give meaning of a term whereas 'discuss' is to examine in detail by using arguments for and against.

3. Writing down all you know
Some student do not bother with the scope of the question asked but rather look at a few keywords in the questions. With that, they will provide the answers based on what they know about these few keywords and give long lists or writing down all they know about a the subject area,  without caring whether it is relevant or not. Hence, the student may thought that they have answered all the questions completely and did a good job in the exam but will not get the marks as they are forcing irrelevancies into answers. (Hey! examiners do read your answers before awarding marks. We don't just look at quantity but 'QUALITY' of your answer).

4. Repeating and duplicating the same answer
Please note that when examiners set the question paper, they will have to map out the question according to course learning outcomes. Which mean that each question in an exam paper will be assessing on a specific topic. Each question will not overlap with another or repeat the same topic or area. Therefore, if a student is repeating the same answer/material in different parts of answers, it shows that there are limited knowledge and understanding of the course; mainly focusing too narrowly on one area.

5. Only theories and concepts
In social science, students are taught to be practical and able to apply what they learn at real working environment. Although the fundamentals and principles which covers theories and concepts are important, most of the exam questions would assess on the application or practicality of the learned theories and concepts. This make more sense to have essay or case study questions in the exam. As stated in Weaknesses No.2, many exam questions with more marks allocated requires student to not just to state the theories or concepts by to apply them with illustration or examples.

There you go, the five most common weaknesses that I think can be improved. With this feedback, I look forward to see better exam answers from my own students.

To all learners, all the best!

Latest Sales Promotion Strategy by Private Universities in Malaysia

It is normal for the marketers in service-based organisation to develop strategies that can reduce the challenges from the nature of service i.e. intangibility, inseparability, variability and perishability. This is to ensure that the resources are being utilised and quality are maintained. Hence, capacity management is often used by service organisation to reduce the losses when sales are low. Hotels and airlines are famous in using sales promotion to stimulate their occupancy and bookings during low season.

Recently, I found that a private education institution in Malaysia also adopting similar sales promotion like other hospitality businesses, "50% discount on fees for intakes between July to November 2016". Of course, any sales promotion will have its own terms and conditions, same goes to this institution promotion. So don't get so excited first.

Updated (10/6/2016): Another institution is giving out 'Buka Puasa Buffet Dinner voucher" if you register with their programme. Interesting! I just got the email :)

Ultimately, sales promotion is a marketing communication strategy to stimulate sales in a given period of time. It seems like education industry is also becoming a good example for marketing studies.

What say you?

A Teacher, An Educator

Are you afraid of your teacher? Why? Are they fierce to you and demanding? But why? If you are a student, what type of teacher do you prefer?

Something happen for a reason and there must be one when an educator is demanding. A demanding teacher can be fierce because they have expectation and they are concern with the output of their job. As a teacher myself, I want to see how my student improves over time and be ready to graduate. I belief that if they graduated, they should be 100% ready to take up the challenge at work. They should also be able to perform as a thinker and problem solver to assist the company to achieve targets. Their superiors should should have peace-of-mind when assigning tasks to the graduates who requires minimum supervision.

When others asked me, why would you bother and make yourself so stressful with your job teaching the kids. I always share with them a story of 'what if'.

What if I allow the students to pass a course that they have not achieve the learning outcomes. Meaning, they have not learned and understanding the content of the course. Basically, the students have not achieve the expected objective of student attributes and skills of the course. What if this student graduated with minimum knowledge and skills, this person may still get a job and start working in a company that expect the graduate to have the knowledge and skills to perform the assigned tasks.What if they failed in the job, making mistakes, and worse scenario causing damages to the company. Some errors made could cost a company with huge losses. 

If this happen, it is partly our fault, the failure to make sure our students are ready and minimizing these risks. We need to have quality control for every production we had and students are our output in the production process of education. Hence, if there are so many people talking about quality control and warranty services, as a teacher, an educator, we are the production staffs and also a quality control officer ourselves.

So, why are we so demanding and looks fierce all the time? Take a look at those QC officers, auditors or those victims of your failure in delivering work...I think they looks worse than a teacher like me.

We are just doing our job for a better society. I am glad my teachers were demanding and fierce to me. Thank you my teachers, you all have taught me well.

Qualification and Certificates

Recently I had a very interesting conversation with a group of my students about the quality of their qualification when searching for jobs. I think it is word sharing to all.

Student: Is there any differences if I graduated in a local college that is not popular compare to another institution that is more famous.

Me: How much you have to pay for your studies compare to the one that you claim is more famous?

Student: Hmmm... about 3 times more expensive in the famous institution.

Me: Now, if you and your family can afford it, then I would say you can choose any institution that you like the most; in terms of the environment, the location, the people, the facilities, the courses, overseas collaborations and others you may think it is important to you.

Student: But how about to find a job when we graduate?

Me: Personally, I think it is the same as long as the institution is a recognised institution by the Ministry of Education. The chances of you in getting a job would be the same, doesn't matter from which institution that you graduated from. This is because there are many factors that a good employer will take into consideration when hiring a new staff. It is not where you graduated from or how much you have spent in your studies.

Qualification is a minimum requirement, just like a key to open a door so that you can get in. After you got in, what would you do with the key? Do you admire it or merely left it on the desk? We need a certificate to proof that we are qualified to apply for a position. Employer will sort the application according to the requirements for the job and qualification is often the common criteria for the screening process in recruitment and selection.

As long as you meet the criteria, you may have the chance to attend for an interview. Meaning, you have the key to open the door and get in to meet the interviewer. After that, it is you who will have to impress the interviewer, convince them with your competencies and attitude towards work.

Student: But why others pay more and study in more famous institution?

Me: Well, there are many reasons for this. For example, what is the meaning of famous? It is mainly from marketing efforts. Actually, some larger institution that charged more compare to the others provides better environment to study with state of the art classroom, full recreation facilities for extra curriculum activities, collaboration with other overseas institutions for the recognition, more qualified teaching (for some institution only), and others that you may find it unique.

All these may have some relationship to your learning experience that will make you to learn more and be more better in your studies. However, if you are not committed, involved and engaged in your studies, it will not benefit you.

Comparing to other institutions without these, does that mean a student cannot gain good learning experience, poor attitude, lack of knowledge, and cannot develop good skills in the field of studies? Again, it is how committed you are and engaging in your studies.

There are always alternatives when you want to solve a problem which each alternatives has its pros and cons. Ultimately, an education is still a key to open the door of employment. Doesn't make if you have a wooden key, golden key, or key with diamonds...it is only used to just unlock the door.

Student: .........

What say you?

Visited the 33rd Kuala Lumpur International Book Fairs

The 33rd Kuala Lumpur International Book Fairs is an international event organised by Majlis Buku Kebangsaan Malaysia (MBKM), Ministry of Education (Malaysia) in collaboration with 6 Industry association in this Country, with the theme for this year “Buku Menjana Kepintaran Kreatif”.

As a lecturer, this is a good time to update our subject reference list for the students. Textbooks are always important because they are the fundamentals of education. I hope our country's efforts to promote creativity through books will be able to cultivate a better learning environment for the students.

It is becoming uncommon for students to read reference books in higher education. The advancement of Information Technology, and fast and easy access to information using the Internet has become an excuse for many students not to use reference textbooks in their study. I may be 'old-school' but I still think that before we go onto the fast and easy platform to access for knowledge with the purpose of studies, we should value the reference textbooks as the fundamentals of learning. When the foundation is right, then we can use the Internet to enhance our knowledge or for quick reference.

If you agree with me, why not drop by to the fairs to see what are the fundamentals of education can help you in your studies. There exhibitors are not only from the local publisher, but also from ASEAN Country and International Publisher as well (Europe, United State, Australia, India and Middle East). The fairs will be from 24th April 2014 to 4th May 2014 at Dewan Tun Hussein On, Dewan Tun Dr. Ismail, Dewan Tun Razak 3, 4 and Legar Putra Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. The gate will be opened to the public on 24th April 2014, from 10.00am to 9.00pm. Admission is free.

Related Post: Reading Academic Textbooks

Education Fair 2013 in Malaysia

Every time when I go to the education fair, I find something is different. I guess I am witnessing the evolution of education industry in Malaysia. 

Most private institutions dominates the main halls in the education fair, with unique constructions of a large area which consist of many booths (12-16 open booths size). Also, there are actually many private higher education providers in Malaysia and growing larger. So far, I don't see any public university there (even if they are there, they will only take very few booths with minimum spending on the booth design). It shows that the private institutions are still more desperate for students than the public. Well, this has always been the norm, just that the private institutions are becoming more competitive and aggressive in sales and marketing.

Secondly, more students involvement in the marketing efforts by various institutions. They call them the 'student helper'. Their task is to give out flyers, goodies and to collect database by stopping everyone to fill up the enquiry form. Some institutions are like those Telcos (in blue, red, yellow t-shirts), assigning there student helper to try to grab anyone who passes by their booths to fill up the form (just like Telcos promoters-signing up a data plan or buying prepaid SIM). I just wonder if this is how education fair suppose to be - "selling" or it should be a place for counselling and to find out about courses available.

In this education fair, there are also some European universities participating under the European Union education booths. Their counsellors are all standing near to their booths welcoming the potential students to approach them to ask about their courses. It is not so much on collecting database as they are mainly here to create the awareness, provide informations and encourage the candidate to apply for their programmes if they are interested; not on "selling".

To some extent, I find that the approach used by many institutions now is more like trying to sell the visitors a product, just like in PC Fair (for ICT) or Matta Fair (for Travel and Tours). It is scary because the institutions are supposed to promote their courses by creating awareness, help the candidates to choose the right course, provide information on financial aid and to cultivate learning and development in younger generations.

What say you?

Top 5 Tips for Essay Writing in Exam

Most of the final examination would requires a student to write a full essay, especially you are asked to discuss on a particular topic, compare and contrast, analyse, evaluate and give recommendations. Therefore, you will need to make sure that you can present your essay in a professional and yet resourceful manner. Remember, your examiner will be looking for good content of your answer and at the same time, the ease of reading your essay for understanding. That's how you can earn more marks for your answer given.

The following are 5 simple tips to improve your essay:

#1: Essay should consist of 'introduction, body and conclusion';

#2: Use paragraphs to differentiate the main discussion points;

#3: Provide a simple heading for each section of discussion (i.e. The Advantages of Using Mass Media); 

#4: Construct short and simple sentences for the ease of understanding; 

#5: Don't start your essay by giving examples. Examples should be given after your explanation on the discussion point.

All the best!

Top 5 Tools Needed For Examination

As a student, final examination is always the most challenging and stressful assessement. However, you can reduce the stress and challenges by preparing yourself well, not just to have the knowledge and skills to answer the exam questions but to have the right tools ready to go for your final examination.
The top 5 tools needed for examination:
#1: Ball Pen (preferably black color)
Always bring more than 1 pen when you go for exam as contingency. You will never know when the ball pen will run out of ink, got stuck or leaking. Why black? It makes your answer bold and solid - looks more confident and easy to read.
#2: A Watch
You need to time yourself because it is better to have enough time to attempt all the questions rather than spend all the time on a few questions. Do not rely on the clock in the exam hall. Nothing is better to have your own timer on your desk.
#3: Correction Tape
If possible, use the correction tap instead of liquid type corrector. You need time to wait for it to dry and it may not be smooth for you to make the necessary corrections. If not dried, it may be very messy too.
#4: Ruler
It is good to have a ruler in case you need to draw lines. For example, drawing tables, charts, diagrams or underlying key points/titles for essay.
#5: Water Bottle
Exam hall can be very cold and dry. Always make sure you have some water to drink when you feel thirsty. Thirsty means unfulfilled needs; means tense. You can think better if you can minimize the tense.
There you go, the top 5 tools for exam.
Good luck!

The Students in 2013

Ever wonder an undergraduate student study nowadays? When I was in college, we were told to read lots of books, journals, trade publications, magazines and newspaper. Most of these materials can be found in the library. As a student, I cannot afford to purchase these study materials and have to read it at the library. I belief most of us who has gone through your undergraduate life in the 80's and 90's knows what I am referring to.

We don't have high speed Internet, and even to use e-publications, I need to login via VIrtual Private Network in the college. With the limited Internet speed, everyone have to wait for their turns to search for e-journals. At that time, my lecturers used to help us to source of relevant journals and share with us in the class. The moment we got the articles, we were very excited and read it immediately, hoping that we can catch up with our studies by reading more.

It was like a privilege to be able to study for a degree programme for me as I have chosen to study in private higher institution and taking a UK degree. At that time, I was hoping to complete the course within a specific time and prevent from money wasted unnecessarily. As what I can remember, there were lots of reading and practicing of answering case studies and essays.

When we got our test, exam, and assignment results, we were so eager to find out what went wrong and reflect on our work for days. We even work in groups to identify our weaknesses and make sure we know how to minimize the mistakes in the next assessment. We feel so glad to hear and/or read comments from our lecturers so that we can reflect on it and know more about ourselves.

Today, as an educator, I try to replicate my lecturers' efforts to teach my students, hoping that they will learn more and gain better knowledge than us in the past. However, things has changed. I was really shocked when I got to know that many students now don't read textbook, even the main text for a subject that the student is taking. What they read to prepare for exam? Slides for each topics given by the lecturers. How about references for the assignment? Not textbooks, but google for keywords and from various webpages, including slideshares, wiki, etc.

Thanks to the development of the Internet edge, students attitude towards education is no more the same as in the pass. Many might be thinking that education is just merely a paper for them to show to the company when they are applying got a job with higher expectation. I am not referring to all the students out there, but some whom I taught recently. The want fast, easy, simple and no hassle learning experience. Basically, they expect to spend minimum time on studying so that they can enjoy their own lifestyle. As long as they attended the classes every week, it is considered as they study hard. Most of them just for to the library in group for chatting and satisfying social needs.

How they see the assessment? Next post, I will share more of my experience.