EdTech: Target Setting — 2
In our last blog, we explored the deep-seated connection between education and technology, and how their intertwined journey has shaped human learning since primitive times. We emphasized the critical role of technology in making education accessible and affordable, especially in the Indian context. We also discussed India’s pressing need to harness its demographic dividend and the transformative potential of ed-tech in achieving this.
The initial step in studying is also one of preparation, specifically for the examination. “Exam preparation” is a process from which, like all other processes, we can learn and adapt.
The art of preparing for an exam goes beyond absorbing subject matter. It also involves developing the discipline and strategic foresight needed for exam success. This dual pursuit teaches us about the nuances of the subject and, importantly, about maintaining discipline, which is itself a broad canvas encompassing theory and subsequent action. But what fuels this discipline? The solution is motivation, which thrives in the face of difficulty if nurtured by clearly defined targets.
Setting targets for an exam is key. Think of it like having a roadmap for your studies. It helps you see where you’re going and how far you’ve come. We can break down these targets into two kinds: long-term and short-term.
Long-term targets are your main goals, like getting a high score in the exam. Short-term targets are smaller steps that lead you towards your main goal, like completing a chapter or understanding a difficult concept. While these targets guide our journey, one may ask: what is the ultimate aim of “preparing for an exam”?
The answer is inspired by the Toyota Process Management model. Here, we borrow the technology of process management from the industry, applying it to our exam preparation strategy. Why? Because, just like in the industry, discipline is crucial, resources are consumed, and a ‘product’ is generated at the end. This product is not the exam result, but the ‘exam hours’
Why do we focus on ‘exam hours’ rather than results? Here’s a simple explanation:
Firstly, imagine you got a score of 4.8 out of 5. Sounds like you did pretty well, right? But, what if your classmates scored 4.9 or even a perfect 5? Suddenly, your impressive score doesn’t seem as great. That’s because results are relative to others’ performance.
Secondly, you might have heard the phrase, “Expect the unexpected.” This applies to exams too. Despite rigorous preparation, unforeseen events could happen on exam day. You might suddenly fall ill, or there could be a surprise question. These uncertainties are beyond our control and could affect your results.
This is why we should focus on the ‘exam hours"—the time when we are actually taking the exam. Think of it as a journey. You’re the captain of your ship, navigating through a sea of questions. Your preparation helps you understand the map (the exam structure), and your skills help you handle the winds (distractions, stress, etc.). So, mastering the ‘exam hours’ is like ensuring your ship reaches its destination successfully, no matter what comes your way.
Once we have our target defined as the ‘exam hours,’ we can then concentrate on other targets of process management principles. These include the Highest Quality (in terms of preparation), Lowest Cost (optimizing resources), and Shortest Lead Time (efficiency in preparation). These principles, borrowed from industrial process management, form the cornerstone of effective and strategic exam preparation.
Key Points:
- The role of discipline and motivation in exam preparation.
- The importance of setting both long-term and short-term targets.
- Adapting the Toyota Process Management model to exam preparation.
- Focusing on preparing for ‘exam hours’ rather than the unpredictable results.
- Concentrating on the principles of Highest Quality, Lowest Cost, and Shortest Lead Time in your preparation process.
