Students’ perspective on what really shapes a semester

Put simply, the first semester of any academic year is very important because it is a prerequisite to academic success hence a student makes up a good result. The first semester, which is very much longer than the second semester presents students with opportunity to carry out numerous activities which could make or mar their academic life. School events such as welcome parties, matriculation, orientation programmes usually take place and these entails fun fares.

The second semester is the business end of the academic calendar; this semester is very short and the school authorities seem to carry a compendium of activities. There is usually the battle between fun and academic exercise and that is when some inconsistent students flop.

It is usually like a dream to some students when they see that the examination timetable is out. Anxiety naturally fills the air and the lack of preparation is the seed that blossoms into what is popularly called ‘Examination phobia.’ While some students use this opportunity to sit up and face their academic pursuits, others are unable to redress the wrongs they have committed; it stays with them till their last day on campus.

In polytechnic communities for instance, during the second semester the Students’ Union Government or even the school management itself organises big events such as Rag Day, Rector’s Cup, Students’ Week, Departmental Parties, and Faculty Parties, etc. In the opinion of many students, these events impede lectures, some students use these periods to pay visits to their homes, and other places. As these activities go on, the time for lectures also go in vain without the students achieving anything academically. A greater percentage of students embrace these celebrations in totality, perhaps give more preference to these occasions at the expense of their academic work.

However, despite these activities students who really know their onus strategically exploits these opportunities. They know very well that most of their counterparts may have been carried away by these activities. A study group of not more than five is usually formed by these students, with the little they have being able to tap from the lecturer’s teachings, coupled with research and textbooks.

They analyse these teachings basically on every individual’s perception. It was at this juncture that a sociology lecturer said: “Students who really form these study groups are usually extroverts in nature; they have the natural momentum to socialise freely with their peers. This is in most cases associated with environmental factors.”

More importantly, it is advisable to know your real self. Getting adequately prepared cannot be overemphasised in the second semester of any academic year, or even the first. Students becoming time conscious during this period, will really make them not to be taken aback. Be it as it may, becoming a part in a study group is good, but for me studying alone is better.