STUDENT TIP: HOW TO BE BETTER THAN YESTERDAY

“We may not be always the best, but becoming better is constant as a learner.” This is a personal quote by the Resource Speaker, Ms. Liezel Moises-Abrea, RPm, Rpsy to start her presentation in an event prepared by the Guidance, Counseling and Testing Unit (GCTU) in collaboration with the PATTS Peer Facilitator (PPF) on October 7, 2022, via Google Meet.

With the theme, “Aral 101: Attaining a Resilient Academic Life”, Ms. Moises-Abrea emphasized that learning is not only attained in school but in the external environment as well. Regardless of several abilities and levels of thinking, she pertains to everyone as meaning-makers – that unlike animals, human being’s ability to rationalize is a gift. Here, she emphasized that how a person gives meaning and interpretations on what we see, hear, and feel, an individual is different among others.

A simple activity tested the attendees’ perception through picture analysis to show how an individual’s brain works. She mentioned, “Brains do not replicate reality, we create our own reality.”

As discussed, the brain has an amazing ability to change and heal itself as a response to mental experiences. A term called ‘neuroplasticity’ stems from several causes such as stress, traumatic experience, and emotions, among others. Brain changes such as Neurogenesis, New Synapses, Strengthening Synapses, and Weakened Synapses were also highlighted in the webinar.

Determinants of academic success encircle motivation and diligence that highly affects grit and intelligence. Learning styles, as explained, provide a framework for how students learn depending on one’s method of absorbing new information and skills. This includes visual, auditory, kinesthetics, and reading and writing.

As witty as her personality, Ms. Moises-Abrea ended her presentation using the P.A.T.T.S. acronym to help the attendees remember her tip on attaining a resilient academic life: P - Plan and monitor your academic goals; A - Adopt new effective study habits; T - Try to build a growth mindset; T - Think and re-examine your metacognitive skills; and S - Self-care and mental health.