This University Q&A is a pseudo-dialog between me and myself, of which most materials are not of my own, but from a book introduced by my dad years ago called 读书这玩意儿-杨牧谷著. Why Q&A? I want a change from the usual essays, plus I want to experience temporary schizophrenia, just for fun. ^^
A Good Start
1. Why do I need to enter university?
A university is a place were you realize your dreams by bolstering talents and acquiring valuable knowledge on interested topics
2. What are the common problems that impede students from entering universities?
Some of the more common problems are lack of academic credentials, economic problems, problems on accommodation and personal issues.
3. What should a student do during the orientation weeks?
A student should get familiar with the surroundings. Note down the location of the facilities and understand the local public transport system. Be accustomed with the university rules and obey them. Join societies! Meet new people and gain more insight. Lastly, make sure that the course suites your interests and abilities. Remember that the university is a tool and it's all up to the user to achieve desired results. Never neglect the importance of planning and making proactive choices.
Interviews
1. Define 'Interview'
The word interview is comprised of two words, 'inter' and 'view'. It is a social activity the aims to achieve a bidirectional understanding.
2. How important is one's personality in interviews?
Since all interviewees are academically or professionally qualified, the best way to shine is to have an outstanding personality. In general, the interviewers seek honesty, aggressiveness, responsibility and a purpose-driven mentality. They want to find trustworthiness, competitiveness and determination in a successful candidate.
3. What should I do to give a good first impression?
Males should be more linguistic and females, more selective in their words. Interviewees should dress in formal attire. Stick to conservative styles. All facial details should be neat. Practice good manners and always keep a smile. Speak with appropriate intonation, speed and clear pronunciation. Remember to avoid informal language. Be quick to listen and slow to speak; listen attentively and understand the questions asked before answering them. Do not interrupt the interviewer when he or she is talking. Do give concise and content rich responses. Lastly, avoid arrogance but practice confidence.
4. What important practices should be adopted before, during and after interviews?
Be punctual, better yet, arrive at least 15 minutes earlier.
During interviews, make keen eye contact during conversations. Avoid arguments and debates at all costs! Produce a well organized resume. Show your eagerness by elaborating on your sacrifices in pursuit of the job. You should have a good general knowledge, especially on current issues. It is good to ask more details about the job/course to discern its suitability.
After interviews, you will do well by giving thank you cards to the interviewers to express your gratitude.
5. Any other useful tips on being successful in interviews?
Know you course/job. Do some research. Know the company/university as well. Give smart guesses for unanswerable questions. Avoid exaggerating past achievements. Some interviewers give scenarios that require your personal opinions. They are testing on your problem solving skills, ethics or crises management finesse. Do well to respond appropriately.
University Life
1. Why do I progress slowly in my studies?
Do you think the course suites you? Do you have any financial, emotional, family or health problems? Just remember that problems can be solved and it's never the end of the world.
2. You misunderstood me, I'm actually in need of academic help. Any suggestions?
O I'm sorry. Some lecturers offer personal tutoring. Councillors can give good advice. I'm sure your friends will be more than willing to lend a hand, if a nerd like you has any. Kidding..
3. Haha, very funny, Should I get out and make new friends then? Why should I?
If we are confined within our racial groups, we will get limited exposure and only posses a narrow and inaccurate perception of the world. University life is a once in a lifetime chance to mix with different groups of wide varieties. Enrich your life experience by encountering disparate cultures, mentalities and even contradicting beliefs. Learn to communicate with the opposite gender as well. It's not all about mating you know? Don't give up half of the human race to bashfulness. They can be good friends that can provide invaluable assistance. Lastly, learn to stick to your own values while respecting other people.
4. Would you briefly explain the teaching and learning methods commonly employed by universities?
Sure thing, first there are the lectures. It aims to share the maximum amount of information to as many people as possible in a limited time frame. Students are usually not allowed to ask questions to avoid distracting the lecturer. It's a good method to finish teaching syllabi under the allotted time.
During tutorials, problems are discussed and solved. Involvement is crucial. Inculcate good understanding and critical thinking.
Tuitions are there to solve personal problems by formulating tailored solutions.
5. How important is having a proactive attitude?
It's very very important. One ought to remember that university is not like secondary school. No one cares about your progress. You are on your own, treated like independent adults and are expected to behave correspondingly. An adult is self-motivated and self-sufficient, seeking help proactively whenever needed. Master listening, reading, writing and speaking techniques ardently. It helps to make life easier.
6. What are the basic responsibilities of a university student?
Students should manage their own time wisely. Read whenever there's free time. Set up personal study schedules and complete all assignments on time. Loiter in the library often, which contains a wealth of knowledge.
When lecturers introduce a menagerie of reference books, they are usually just flaunting about how savvy they are. Cut them some slack and let them enjoy their job once in a while, but your job is to pick out the essential reference books by comparing with the scope of your course. When reading them, scan through unimportant parts but read the crucial sections thoroughly. Learn to differentiate what's significant, and what's not.
Lastly, girlfriends and boyfriends are not compulsory. This matter is a business between you and your God.
7. Now where's the fun in that? Anyways, what should I do if there are too many distractions around me?
Study in the library, genius. Perhaps you should seek alternative secret gardens to study.
8. What should I do to concentrate?
Find a place without distractions, then meditate before studying. Emptying the mind improves concentration.
9. I have a problem, I read too slowly and there're so many books left to read, what should I do?
Are you having trouble understanding text speedily, remembering facts and making useful notes as well? (nods) If you use the wrong reading techniques, you'll even be easily fatigued! Firstly, although there are many speed reading tutelage out there, remember, quality over quantity. There's no point reading at light speed if you do not understand what you read. So how to speed read effectively? Avoid silent pronunciation, that is, make sure your voice box does not subconsciously pronounce the words as you read. Avoid reading word by word, but read idea by idea. Just make sure that you have an overall understanding, most information is surplus. Lastly, as long as you can section out the ideas in long essays, making notes should not be too big of a problem.
Pursuit of Knowledge
1. What are the basic cognitive skills that should be possessed by students?
A student should be able to memorize facts. He should also be deft at organizing ideas through simplification and prioritization. He should also be a critical thinker that asks excellent questions and expresses independent opinions. Lastly, he must be able to learn through practical exercises such as experiments, role playing and social activities to apply theory in reality.
2. How should a student make the most out of the library?
The library contains a repertoire of much needed reference materials. A student should spend more time in the library and familiarize with the library's book organization system. Note down where are the essential reference books. Read journals for the latest information. It's good to make good friends with the librarians, who if they find you favorable, might just reveal secret collections of rare bibliography to the exclusive few.
3. What are the common motives in the pursuit of knowledge?
A 20 year Harvard University research shows that motivation is more important than intelligence or skill when it comes down to successful learning. The Chinese seek knowledge to find the Way. The Greeks pursue knowledge to know the Truth. The Hebrews strive to know the Law. What about you?
4. How to be successful in reading?
One should be patient and determined. Find friends and family to create a supportive system. Study locations should be conducive as well.
5. What are the pros and cons of self-study? Why must I go to University? Can't I study on my own?
When you study on your own, you can concentrate easily, read according to your interests and study at your own pace. However, there are many decrepitudes to this learning style. When there are no one to compete with, one easily becomes haughty. One is confined to a narrow and subjective world that lacks the more objective perspectives. A standard like that in examinations is lacking, hence it's impossible to asses one's progress, thus one becomes easily satisfied with, comparatively, miniscule achievements. Learning processes are slow due to the many trial and errors cum the absence of professional guidance. There may be a lack of reference materials and logistical insufficiencies as not everyone can afford these things. The speed of learning may be abated due to a lack of discipline, proliferation of idleness and the truancy of time tables further worsens the situation. It's better to study in universities if given the choice.
6. Why should a true Christian study hard when they are already guaranteed access to eternal life?
Christians should study hard to practice responsibility in the present life. Christians should know the world that God has created and thus praising Him for His wonders. Don't be pea-brained dinosaurs. Be knowledgeable and glorify God by using that knowledge in helping the needy. Do the right things at the right time, study or serve in the ministry when ever needed. We are obliged to preach the Gospel and make people the disciples of Christ by teaching them the Way, which has the power to change the world into a better place. In the 21st century, more and more people have access to higher education. They face problems and inquiries that must be met with intimate wisdom, hence it's imperative that we exceed the knowledge of the smartest people around to give the greatest impact in the lives of many, for God.
Conclusion
When it comes to studying, start early. Commence organized and systematic reading. Make notes and use symbols on the books read. Write book reports when possible. Buy the books that you need, not want. Apart from that, good magazines helps a lot in the pursuit of knowledge as well. While reading, ask questions like: What's the problem? What's the approach of the solution? What are the steps of the solution? Why does the author want to solve this problem? Are there alternative perspectives to the problem? Are there substitutable solutions? Can you express these ripostes in your own words? Can you read books that oppose your personal beliefs? Do you dare to conquer or submit to the challenges assailing on your values when necessary? Do you apply acquired knowledge in daily life, especially in helping the needy?
I hope that this short post will help those in need. Feel free to share it with anyone who's deprived of this knowledge. Part 2 which deals with the more technical problems faced in universities, will come around soon.
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