Teach Middle East Magazine May-June 2017 Issue 5 Volume 4 | Page 33

Featured Students students at Jumeirah college few of their top students share books that have impacted them, how they overcome academic challenges and (Yr. 11), Kai Dattani (Yr. 12) and Sara Parker (Yr. 10) this application across a range of subjects, from solving a math problem to analysing a poem. I try to overcome my challenges by breaking down the problem into a series of smaller and more manageable steps. For example, if I am struggling to memorise a set of Spanish vocabulary, I find it easier to break the vocabulary down into smaller groups, and then attempt to revise that. Other things to consider include develop a study timetable and stick to it, keep on top of reading and revision, master time management, ask for help and know where to get help and avoid social distractions during study periods. However, the main thing that I can do is to be positive and remind myself that enough effort, hard work and organization can produce favourable results. Finally, I stay healthy. Eating well, exercising and sufficient sleep are necessary to maintain the crucial work/ play balance. This will help ensure that I am in the right frame of mind to overcome any challenges thrown my way. that you can’t seem to surmount, this feeling happens to nearly every student. For me, the ideal solution to overcoming academic challenges is a culmination of honesty and perseverance. The idea of having to take a step back to surge forwards is far from a cliché, and often it is a matter of being honest with yourself about the level you currently are at, and the achievements you envisage. Taking academics to a level I feel comfortable at, then charging forward, despite the sweat, blood and tears, to the point in which I feel personally proud, is crucial when overcoming these challenges. poems enhanced my love for poetry and encouraged a sense of independence in my behaviour. yourself to tackle a challenge. I like to be organised and break the task down into manageable components making them easier to achieve. What do you do to overcome challenges in your academic studies? To overcome challenges in my studies, the most fundamental thing for me is to develop a passion for whatever I’m doing. By gaining a genuine interest for what I’m learning, has motivated me to want to know more about the subject. Reading deeper into the subjects always helps me feel confident in my knowledge, and therefore perform better when it is assessed. It’s also about how you apply Share an issue/problem that you would like to solve that is currently having a negative impact on young people. One issue that young people are negatively impacted by is the lack of social skills in our generation. The influx of technology over the past decade has brought a plethora of advantages. Unfortunately, due to young people spending an increasing Share an issue/problem that you would like to solve that is currently having a negative impact on young people. Looking at our generation, there is a clear issue keeping many of us trapped. This ma y be behind a phone screen or in a paradox without any clear academic path Share an issue/problem that you would like to solve that is currently having a negative impact on young people. A major issue that I feel is currently impacting young children negatively, although it may seem clichéd, would be social media. Although the benefits of social media are incredible in terms of communication, education, awareness and innovation, it is the route of many problems in our younger society. The amount of time on electronic devices, we are losing the ability to effectively communicate with each other. In order to solve this, I would encourage people to put down their electronic device, and start a conversation. It is also important that we all spend time with our families, such as playing board games, visiting museums and eating together. This way, we are opening ourselves up to the real world, improving our experiences and stimulation, and increasing our social awareness. Finally, I believe physical interaction is crucial in order to help alleviate this problem. It is mystifying that this issue has become so prominent in our lives, when the simple solution is staring at us. to pursue. Many of us are trapped due to a lack of communication. If we were to engage each other, the vast network of teachers, parents and friends to discuss common issues such as a lack of direction, academic worries and even our mental health, I believe we would be able to liberate ourselves from being cemented in our academic worries, and general feelings and emotions. media that is called social is barely that. It is, in fact, having the opposite effect, rather than physical interaction, spending more time on your phone than in conversation within a social situation has become the norm. In addition to disrupting interaction, social media’s biggest impact would be the exposure to a multitude of information and the vulnerability that comes with this. Young children on social media have no protection from information that they should not have to try to understand at that age. The most dangerous part of this is the influence this information has on their understanding of what is socially acceptable; ultimately making them grow up too quickly. Class Time | | May - Jun 2017 | 31