Engineering
There are many learning styles that engineering students or board exam reviewees can adapt to be able to study effectively.
Each style depends upon the nature of the subject matter, the learning curve of the student, and the time required to study the topics.
For Christian Jake Villamar, the most effective study style is to use the Learning Pyramid.
This was a suggestion made by Dr. Ireneo C. Agulto, the dean of his engineering school in Central Luzon State University.
It appears that this is indeed effective. Christian Jake finished his agricultural engineering this year as Cum Laude, and eventually emerged as the first placer in the licensure examination with a rating of 84.30%.
The 21-year-old native of San Jose City in Nueva Ecija revealed in a Facebook conversation how the Learning Pyramid (also know as Triangle of Learning) helped him in studying.
“I used the triangle of learning as suggested by our dean. He said that the greater percentage of what you review will retain if you read, write, and say it,” he said.
But what really is this Learning Pyramid (Triangle of Learning)?
Researched and created by the National Training Laboratories in Bethel, Maine, the Triangle of Learning, also known as the Learning Pyramid, illustrates the percentage of learner recall that is associated with various approaches.
The first four levels, which include lecture, reading, audio visual and demonstration, are passive learning methods.
In contrast, the bottom three levels, which are the discussion group, practice by doing and teach others, are participatory, active learning methods.
The Learning Pyramid clearly illustrates that active participation in the learning process results in a higher retention of learning.
The percentage indicates the average student retention rates.
Aside from the Triangle of Learning, what else could have contributed to the board exam success of Christian Mark? Check this full transcript of our interview to know more about his life as an engineering student and board exam reviewee.
Student Life
Why did you choose this course? Who or what was your inspiration?
Just like the others, I ended up with this course because of my scholarship.
My family, my close friends and my girlfriend are my inspirations. To improve our way of living as a family is what motivates me.
What are your favorite subjects in your entire engineering study? How about least liked subjects?
My favorite subjects include Processing of Perishable Farm Products, Agricultural Mechanization, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Mathematics, and Rural Electrification. My least liked subject is Strength of Materials.
Have you had any subject failures or disappointing academic performance to the very least? If yes, what did you do about it? How did you cope?
None at all. I do have a grade of 2.75 but it is quite normal to get this level of grade in the college of engineering of our university.
Do you have any study tips or tricks that you think others should emulate from you?
If possible, I don’t memorize engineering formulas. I see to it that I understand the principle behind so that I can still solve a particular problem. Most of the time, I connect the topics or principles in real life to appreciate it more.
What is the best engineering school advice that you can give to other students?
Just enjoy what you are doing. If you are not enjoying, then you may be on the wrong path. You also need to make sure that you learn every single day.
Board Exam Experience
What were the greatest struggles that you experienced while preparing for the board exam? What did you do to overcome them?
I sprained my ankle when I played basketball with my cousins. Actually, I’m just trying to unwind that time but it turns out to be the opposite.
Another thing is that we were significantly behind in the review class. It started on the last week of May and ended on the first week of August.
Together with my classmates, we just attended the classes after our graduation day which was held on June 30. It was almost half of the duration of review class, which basically means that we were behind than those who were already reviewing.
Due to this, I worked really hard for the remaining weeks and used this as my motivation.
Did you enroll in a center for your review? Do you recommend doing so? Which one did you go to?
Yes. I went to the review class of the university where I graduated which is the Central Luzon State University. It is really recommended to do so.
How did you find the board exam? Easy, average, or difficult?
Average. The real difficulty of our licensure examination is the scope of every subject which seems to be limitless.
What were your expectations after you took the board exam and before the results were out? Did you have a feeling that you will be at the top?
Frankly speaking, I know that I will pass the examination no matter what but that’s all. I never see myself being on the top.
What did you do the first minute you discovered you topped the board exam?
I cried.
Who do you owe your success to?
God first. This will not be possible without him. I do not pray for this to happen but he still gave me this. All glory to God!
Also, my parents, sister, relatives, close friends, girlfriend, and teachers.
What incentives did you get from your university and review center after your board exam success?
Cash incentives.
Share your most effective study habits.
I used the triangle of learning as suggested by our Dean, Dr. Ireneo C. Agulto. He said that the greater percentage of what you review will retain if you Read, Write, and Say it. You also have to know your green light, which is the best time for you to study.
Give 5 important tips for future board exam takers who aim to become topnotchers.
- You have to pray, pray, and pray even more. Nothing is impossible with God, right?
- Enjoy what you’re doing.
- Understand every principle and every topic in any way that you can apprehend. Try applying it in real life.
- Don’t just memorize formulas. Know where it came from. Know the principle behind those things.
- Balance your time. There are more important things in life. You know that!!
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