WINDHOEK-The most crucial reason why learners fail their exams is due to lack of determination, says one of the overall best performer in six subjects in the 2014 Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) Ordinary-Level examinations, Alfons Kudumo.
Kudumo, 18, made these remarks to Youth Corner, saying some learners wait until the last minutes to study and that is why many fail. “A lot of learners have a tendency of waiting until exams are near and that’s when they start reading. These becomes a problem because too much will need to be read in a short period of time hence they end up memorising,” says Kudumo. He adds that both learners and teachers can be blamed for examination flops. “The success of learners results from a 60/40 contribution from two parties, one being the teacher and the other being the learner, if one of the two doesn’t do their part than a disastrous result is likely expected,” he says.
“I must say I am really honoured and feel very grateful to God Almighty for making it possible for me to come out tops, furthermore I must say I am really happy to know that my hard work prevailed after all,” he enlightens to the question how it feel being a top learner. He discloses that some of the reasons he believes he passed with flying colours include reading, making use of his teacher’s services and forming a study group. “I would usually read early in the morning before I get in to class, I made full use of my teachers, I would always go to them for explanation where I could not understand and I formed a study group with some other friends,” affirms Kudumo.
Some of his tips for better performance during examinations are:
- Always be focused when a teacher is teaching in class, ask questions wherever you have doubts and ask your teacher for more homework in areas giving you problems, test yourself days before your exam and try to find out just how well prepared you are.
- Always concentrate much on areas that you know you have problems with, however this does not mean you should neglect some areas, the most important tip is doing your work on time, assignments and homework.
- Dedication, hard work, believing in yourself is all that it takes to achieve your goals, however in whatever that you do, don’t forget to pray and in case you don’t make it, never give up give it a second, third and even a forth chance.
- Finally try as much as possible to read something every single day, always be ahead of time.
Kudumo is from the Nzinze village in the Kavango West region and grew up in Rundu. He attended St.Jovitha Pre-Primary School after which enrolled with the Noordgrens Senior Secondary School in Rundu in 2010 and proceeded with his secondary schooling gained at the St. Boniface College in Kavango West region where he completed his Grade 12 last year. Kudumo describes himself as a very friendly person who loves spending time with friends. He is this year starting his first year at the University of Namibia for a degree in Accounting.