Learning techniques and habits to achieve AL1

Keynote Learning Blog presents:

Think this article would be helpful to someone else? Click on the buttons below to share it!

Achieving amazing grades is what most students and parents want to have. 

Some even aspire to be the top scorer amongst their whole class or cohort. 

But many of them think it is unattainable as they do not know the proper techniques on how to get there or believe that their child needs to be naturally smart or gifted. 

But what if I told you that your child does not need to be gifted in order to achieve AL1 or AL2 for PSLE (and A for O levels)?

Instead, there are techniques that can be developed consistently over time and it is not too late to start now! 

So what are these techniques we speak of? Read below to find out!

Interest in Science 

When your child has a natural (can be developed also) interest in Science, they tend to ask questions and seek answers on their own. Students who seek out answers on their own tend to retain the information better.

For subjects like Science, sometimes there might be 1 or 2 questions in the exams that require thinking deeper as the knowledge may not be directly in the textbook or theory they were taught.

This is to sift out the better students as the better students tend to seek out extra information on their own. 

For example, on the topic of electricity (in the PSLE syllabus), your child learns the basic theory about it. However, if they have an interest in the topic or Science in general, they might have more questions about how it is applicable in real life. 

Having an interest in Science can academically benefit your child not only at PSLE but also at O levels too! 

Watch the video below on how PSLE knowledge can be carried over to O levels 

Of course, this technique can also be applicable in other subjects too! Not only just Science. 

For example, if your child has a natural interest in English, they will be reading more books and even newspapers. Which can ultimately improve their vocabulary and writing. 

Tendency to ask questions

Linking back to the previous point, having the tendency to ask questions helps your child to learn better.  

As mentioned before, when your child asks questions, it means they are curious. When your child is curious, they will seek out answers and they tend to retain the information better. 

Although asking questions is not just limited to ”why does this certain theory work this way” or general questions like ”why is the sky blue” 

Asking questions can also refer to when your child does not understand the theory or concept and require further explaination. 

Habit to do practise papers

Although this may sound obvious, how many students would actually sit down and do practise papers every 2 to 3 days? Or even every day? Is your child doing that? 

Many students (maybe including your child), may only start doing practice papers only during the exam period. They might be busy with other homework or CCA. Or they might be lazy or do not see the constant need to do it.  

Students who spend 1 to 2 hours daily refreshing what they learnt in class, tend to score better as it helps them in information retention.

Those who do practise papers will remember how the concepts are tested and would not panic during exams. 

This needs to be a consistent habit instead of doing it for 1 month and giving up halfway. It might seem tedious, but the payoff is worth it 

Having personal resilience 

Having resilience means facing challenges head-on instead of falling into despair. It is often defined as the mental reservoir of strength that helps people handle stress and hardship

Does your child have that?

Students who do well are able to keep calm when facing difficulty in their work and learn from their mistakes afterwards. 

Does your child panic when they see difficult questions during their work or tests?

Does your child look at their bad grades and then give up?

Your child needs to understand that it is not the end and they can bounce back from their difficulties. 

When your child learns that they can control the outcomes of their decisions, they are more likely to view themselves as capable and confident. A confident child has higher resilience. 

Watch the video below on what to do when they encounter tough questions (for Math)

We hope these 4 techniques that are practised by top students, can help your child too! 

Remember, consistency is key! Not only does your child need to develop these skills, but they also need to constantly practise them.