Dear Students,
It's still exam time. Some of you have had your first round of tests this year (for example, all the students in my chemistry course). For others, they will come this week. Whether they have gone well or are something you're hoping to forget, this is an important opportunity.
Whether you aced the exam, bombed it, or ended up somewhere in the middle, you should reflect on what you learned—not only regarding the subject matter but about your learning process. How did you study for the test? Were you as prepared as you thought you were? Overconfident?
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 with help you learn more than being able to sort out what you know and what you don't. I know it can be painful. But without the struggle, there can't be any learning. Learning isn't complicated. It's just hard.
So back to work, and you'll be amazed by how much you will learn.
Best,
Dr. Vanden Bout
P.S. I'm out of postscript ideas so send me some bad jokes @StudentDeanCNS.
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