Every Individual is unique and has his or her own preferences and choices. ACCA students pursue and prefer various techniques at studying the subjects on the syllabus.
Unlike earlier blogs of mine, where I expressed my personal opinions on certain topics relevant to an ACCA student, this month’s blog merely enlists the very few methods of studying that I am aware of. I presume this would perhaps give an opportunity to my co-affiliates and students to adopt a technique of study from the same. I am very much aware that this is not an exhaustive(complete) list and my student and affiliate friends across the world will have more to add to this. Each subject in the ACCA syllabus often needs to be tackled differently. Some of the methods of study that I used when I did my ACCA exams and some others which I learnt and heard from my friends are listed below:
Cover and Practice – A common method used by many students and used by me in a few theoretical papers is to read and cover the study material and gain an understanding of the paper content and then follow it up with sufficient practice of exam type questions, which may be obtained from previous exam diets. But this a time-taking exercise and may not be adopted unless sufficient time is on hand.
Group Discussion – Perhaps the simplest way of gaining a new perspective of approaching questions is to engage ourselves in a discussion or debate with fellow students. One may note that papers like P4 (AFM) often test the understanding of students and the workings and assumptions are more important than the final answer. This paves way for students to analyze and answer questions in any fashion and using any approach that they may like, clearly stating the assumptions and limitations, to gain very good marks in the exam. It is here that discussions play a vital role by expanding a student’s thinking horizon and increasing awareness.
Practice and Practice- This is an effective approach when faced with shortage of time. It involves nothing but practicing questions from practice kits and earlier exam sittings. It is often difficult to read and learn from the exhaustive texts and study materials. By practicing questions and comparing ones answers with the suggested ones, a student begins to learn the knowledge elements without having to consult the exhaustive study material. This method certainly scores over others for without practice it is impossible to get through an ACCA paper.
Exam-based learning – This is a risky but highly effective method of studying. It involves practice and learning of previous exam papers only. Texts, Kits and all other materials are ignored and previous year(s) question papers are attempted within the stipulated time period and marked against suggested answers. Perhaps one significant advantage of this technique is the enhancement of the ability to answer within the stipulated time. However it is not in the best interest of the student to confine to topics covered in the previous few examinations.
Read and Over Read – This technique of gaining knowledge would work most effectively when used on pocket Notes and combined with the previous technique. It typically would comprise of reading summarized noted and reviewing them on a sustained basis until proficiency is obtained on a topic.
I hope this blog will help at least a few ACCA students in their pursuit for knowledge and learning and to pass their examinations. I welcome and request each of the students reading this blog to post their views and comments on an appropriate study method.
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