Dear Students,
We are now starting to find a rhythm this semester, and part of that rhythm is exams. Everyone loves exams! Or, at least, most students do. Or maybe no one does. I can't ever keep that straight. But, love them or not, they are a critical part of learning.
Moreover, you shouldn't wait for exams to crop up to test yourself. Aldous Huxley wrote, "If most of us remain ignorant of ourselves, it is because self-knowledge is painful and we prefer the pleasure of illusion."
So be honest with yourself, both before and after exams. Nothing will help you learn more than being able to sort out what you knowand what you don't know. I realize it can be painful. It's difficult to admit when you don't understand something. But if you test yourself, you have a chance to sort it out before the exam. Remember: "Learning isn't complicated. It's just hard." It won't happen magically on it own. It will happen with time and effort. Understanding what you know and what you don't helps you to maximize that effort.
So back to work—and you'll be amazed by how much you will learn.
Best,
Dr. Vanden Bout
Comments