Pines City Colleges, September 7, 2024—To equip freshmen learners and academic scholars with practical advice, effective study techniques, and valuable insights, the guidance office led by Ms. Consuelo Pagaduan and the Students Affairs Services (SAS) headed by Mr. Jayson Belino conducted an activity entitled “College Life Hack: Study Smarter (not just harder), Cultivate EQ, and use the SQ3R method to boost academic performance.” The event was attended by 402 freshmen students during the morning session and 35 academic scholars in the afternoon.
The program began with an inspiring song, setting a positive and energized atmosphere for the participants. Following this, Mr. Belino, the head of SAS, delivered warm welcome remarks, emphasizing the program’s aim to empower learners to excel academically while cultivating their emotional intelligence and navigating the transition to college life. Before diving into the main discussion, participants engaged in a series of interactive activities, showcasing their creativity through dance performances and participating in psychological tests and self-assessments regarding their study habits.
Effective Study Habits
The program discussed a range of effective study habits and strategies, such as having good time management, avoiding procrastination, not skipping classes, engaging all senses, reading manuals ahead of time, asking for help, settling a study area, testing yourself, studying with friends, having a 10-minute break every hour of work, relating your study to your life goal, and utilizing mnemonics. These study habits will not only help learners to enhance their academic performance but to sustain it as well.
SQ3R Method
The SQ3R method also introduced a structured approach that enhances comprehension and retention. By incorporating the “Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review” method, learners can achieve a satisfactory level of academic performance.
Emotional Quotient (EQ)
One of the key highlights of the program was the discussion of emotional quotient (EQ). The participants learned about the importance of EQ, which enfolds emotional intelligence, mental well-being, and the ability to manage and understand emotions. It was emphasized that high EQ contributes to success in both academics and professional life, leading to strong relationships and facilitating personal growth. Moreover, strategies to cultivate high EQ were explored, including cultivating patience, experiencing gratitude, and developing empathy.
Participants’ Feedback
Jessa Albis and Zander Pulac, from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, freshmen participants, expressed their appreciation for the program’s interactive nature and the valuable life hacks shared to help freshmen cope with the challenges they face in adapting to college and life and praised the effectiveness of the study techniques.
“The flow of the program is great. I appreciated the way how the personnel considered how important interaction among students is to make the seminar productive. In addition, the life hacks that they shared are really helpful because, as a freshman, it’s really hard to adapt easily in college, especially when we needed to accomplish tasks from different subjects in a short period of time,” Albis said.
“The given life hacks are really effective because some of them are the things I really did in the past. However, there are life hacks that are also new to me, and I hope that they are really helpful. I really appreciate the life hacks given by the guidance counselor, which can help me survive as a scholar. As they have said, study smarter, not harder,” Pulac mentioned.
The program indeed provided a platform for freshmen and scholars to learn effective study habits, develop emotional intelligence, and gain valuable insights to navigate the challenges of college life. It was a motivational and enriching experience, empowering participants with the knowledge and skills needed to excel academically and personally. #John Roel Salazar & Lhialyn Khate Comom
