A Ringgit for your Thoughts

Reading is definitely a skill important for everyone to get through their day-to-day lives, however, some may not be experts at it yet. Here are some ways to master this skill. Firstly, practice reading regularly even if it is only for a few minutes a day, as the saying goes ‘practice makes perfect’. Furthermore, when starting to read, try indulging in materials that pique your interest most, this will help you focus and not lose motivation. When encountering a foreign word, using the dictionary or more efficiently the internet, will help tremendously in finding the meaning and use of the word. To further improve your reading fluency and pronunciation it is advised for you to read the passage aloud. However, to ensure comprehension of said text, active reading is a must as with this method, you will generate questions and actively summarise the main points of the text. - Nausheen Mumtaza Yauni Binti Shamsudeen Syed Ahmed

We can all collectively agree on how difficult it is to remember important information from lectures. Nonetheless, the use of mnemonic devices, specifically acronyms, provides an easy and fun way to retain information. Acronyms turn long and complex information into short and fun phrases or words. This helps immensely when students go through an information overload and cannot remember anything in the end. As the words and phrases are catchy, students tend to recall them faster and more effectively than the original information given. Associating these words and phrases with the original information also helps make it a long-term memory that can be used at a later date. - Nausheen Mumtaza Yauni Binti Shamsudeen Syed Ahmed

As college students, first-week motivation will definitely be lost somewhere in the semester. At this point, students will opt for a less time-consuming and more effective method of note-taking, this being annotating on readily available materials such as lecture slides or study manuals. This method only requires either a gadget such as an iPad, printed-out notes, or study manuals. It works particularly well when slides are handed out before the class to expand the ideas and concepts taught in class. Moreover, it reduces the risk of having or accidentally inputting faulty information as the main points are readied by the lecturers themselves. - Nausheen Mumtaza Yauni Binti Shamsudeen Syed Ahmed

People have different learning styles, the one highlighted in this passage is the kinesthetic style. How would you spot a kinesthetic learner? A kinesthetic learner often will partake in physical activities, touching and feeling to better understand lessons, making practical lessons preferred over theoretical ones. These learners would benefit a lot by creating models and using simulations, essentially ‘doing’ tasks to optimise understanding and comprehension of a particular topic. When teaching a kinesthetic learner, some ways that can be implemented would be by gamifying lessons, using sign language, conducting experiments, and using tactile resources. - Nausheen Mumtaza Yauni Binti Shamsudeen Syed Ahmed

Scenario Team members were assigned tasks contradicting their capabilities. This caused confusion and reduced the quality of the assignment handed in.  Cause of the conflict Poor delegation of tasks. Resolution Leader should observe members and assign tasks according to the members’ strengths. Members should speak up if the task given may be difficult and ask for redelegation of tasks.  - Nausheen Mumtaza Yauni Binti Shamsudeen Syed Ahmed

As fresh college students, it might be challenging to adapt to the workload given, and thus where time management comes in. However, the notorious problem amongst students will forever be procrastination. To counter this, a study group could be made for the same task, which adds more pressure for completion. Furthermore, distractions such as electronics should be kept away in distance to ensure maximized focus and productivity. Breaking down tasks makes them so much more achievable and reduces the chances of burnout. According to studies, having a study routine and adhering to it with discipline for two months, will make studying more of a habit and less of a chore. Procrastination will always be a problem, but in the end, it’s what you do about it that will help you manage your time. - Nausheen Mumtaza Yauni Binti Shamsudeen Syed Ahmed