Studying and reading: the critical interdependency

The shortcomings were largely blamed on over-familiar communications encouraged by text messaging and social media networks like Twitter, and it is doubtful whether a similar survey of the local market would provide different results.

This is despite the fact that there are literally thousands of insurance students, in the local industry. However, a considerable number of them struggle as soon as they attempt to proceed beyond the introductory courses. The most common deficiency sited, is the inability to express themselves and/or the inadequacy of knowledge. This indicates study difficulties.

Nowadays, one often hears that people do not read, but rather watch television, play video or computer games or spend time on social networking. Social networks, texting and many online sites use short forms, which do not give the reader a chance to develop or to expand vocabulary, or use proper sentence structure.

 

A study by Statistics Canada, recently stated that a Grade 9 student’s love for reading will make him more likely to achieve a higher level of education and earn 10% more in annual earnings by the time he turns 25, compared to his peers who rarely take the time to read.

Modern society and its culture are not fostering a love for reading. There are simply too many distractions today.

Reading develops the mind and enhances the vocabulary. To be able to study by reading, though, you need to develop reading skills.

A lot of people, of course, now use computers, tablets, or e-readers to read. During the period 2011 to 2012, the readers of traditional books in the USA apparently dropped from 72% to 67%, but according to a poll conducted for USA Today, 35% of those with reading devices said they are reading more books since they got them. The portability of a reading device greatly enhances the ability to read anywhere, any time.

Many will remember the correspondence studies where books and documents were mailed to and fro. Today, hardly any hard copy documents are still being used. In the case of insurance students, the prescribed books are still mostly in hard copy, although they are often also available in electronic format. Study guides, tutorial letters and lecturers' communications are largely sent through the internet.

South Africa was slightly behind the overseas institutions in embracing the electronic age, but is rapidly catching up. This is particularly apparent with the new courses being developed. Normally, where it is being delivered via distance learning, the study material is only made available in electronic format. This places the material firmly in the e-book domain and requires the student to prepare in the same manner as if a printed book was being used.

It is remarkable what can be achieved with the modern e-books when compared to those of a few years ago. Nowadays, it is not merely an electronic version of the printed material, but often incorporates elements such as a video clip, animated illustrations and pictures, self-tests and a variety of other study aids. It has also solved the traditional complaints about e-books – that you cannot make notes, highlight paragraphs or insert bookmarks.

However, when all is said and done, the diligent insurance student still has to sit down and invest his time to studying, which largely involves reading - even if it is an e-book. If the student is unfamiliar with the reading skills required for college students, it would be a good idea to purchase one of the many books available on this subject.