Nesu Kwaramba encourages Christian parents to see revision not just as a path to good grades, but as a way to prepare their teens for their God-given calling and to make a difference in the world
Every year, in the period following the Easter holiday, the mood shifts across the country as young people, especially those years 11 and 13, ‘buckle down’, or – to use a more contemporary term – ‘lock in’. Of course, the mocks normally taken before the Easter break serve to whet their appetite for that appetising feast of work to soon present itself before them in the final academic term of the year.
What if revision were situated in the boarder context of a fulfilling and specific role to play in global transformation?
When I ask young people about mocks it seems to me that many of them feel they have, in fact, been mocked by the mocks! Prevailing wisdom is that this is precisely the point of mocks – to shock them into urgency and inspire greater commitment to their studies as the real thing approaches. But perhaps the fear of the future isn’t the best way to motivate young people to revise? What if revision were situated in the boarder context of a fulfilling and specific role to play in global transformation?
The motivation issue
How will I do? What if what I’ve revised doesn’t come up? What if the questions are just too hard? These are just a few of the thoughts that can contribute to what has been dubbed revision resistance. However, another reason why revising seems pointless to some young people is that they see no connection between their life and 1 hour 30 minutes in the crucible of the exam room – they ‘don’t see where it’s going to take them’.
Lucy Parsons, Founder of Life More Extraordinary – an academic coaching business that helps young people achieve top grades – says that ‘motivation is a very deep subject’; and that it can start early in a child’s life as parents expose them to the various possibilities available them to them. The argument is that poor academic performance can limit opportunities. Even from a biblical perspective, possibilities such as avoiding poverty (Proverbs 6:6-11), enjoying prosperity (Proverbs 21:5), and good employer – employee relations (Proverbs 10:26) are said to be attainable to those who work hard.
Read more:
“School is a waste of time!” What Christian parents can say in response
Gifts not grades: Recognising every young person’s God-given talents
More than that, God provides a much more exhilarating portrait of the benefit of revision and work that may serve to motivate young people to revise – a chance to play a role in global transformation!
Work changes world
It might be worth noting that, to begin with, there is a very real sense in which we were created to work. Not that we’re created for the sole purpose of working, but there is something in our DNA that finds fulfilment in meaningful work. After all, we were created in God’s own ‘image’ and to ‘be like’ Him (Genesis 1:26). From the very beginning of our story as mankind, we discover that God is a God who works (Genesis 2:2-3); Jesus – who revealed the Father to us – affirms this truth (John 5:17; John 14:10).
revision and work become even more exciting when they are seen as avenues towards the work that one is made for…
The Easter story concerns and confirms the value and significance of our ‘work’. For Jesus himself said that post-resurrection, He would return to the Father, leaving us with the responsibility of continuing His work (Mark 13:34; John 14:12). So far as God is concerned, our work functions as a witness to the world (Matthew 5:16), pointing people to God and thereby contributing to His Kingdom coming on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). So, work is an indispensable part of global transformation! Young people should be trained to have a deep awareness of the fact that they can change the news headlines though their work!
Work includes not only their career or paid work; but unpaid work and volunteering can witness too (Acts 9:36-39) – honing whatever gifts and talents they gain through studying will only make their work more effective. Moreover, revision and work become even more exciting when they are seen as avenues towards the work that one is made for…
Made for my mountain
I wonder how many Christian young people hold the conviction that they were ‘created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that [they] should walk in them’ (Ephesians 2:10)? How many young people are aware that God has a specific ‘ministry’ (Colossians 4:17) He has called them to, and that this brings with it a specific spiritual and psychological satisfaction that money can’t bring (John 4:34; Proverbs 13:12)?
I suspect that if young people knew more about the benefits of mastery on their mountain, motivation for revision and school work in general would increase a great deal!
How many young people know that we are called to one or more of the 7 mountains – home, church, education, media, government, performing arts, and commerce – for the purpose of bringing Kingdom influence to them and thereby change the world? And how many young people know that hard work and learning as much as possible during their school days will only sharpen their toolkit, making them more effective on their mountains? Are young people being trained to understand that hard work is a vital ingredient on the pathway to success and greater Kingdom influence on their mountain (Proverbs 12:24; Proverbs 22:29)? I suspect that if young people knew more about the benefits of mastery on their mountain, motivation for revision and school work in general would increase a great deal!
Revision hacks
But hard work is not the same as smart work. Oftentimes, young people lament that they don’t know how to revise. So, in addition to inspiring young people and motivating them through conveying a sense of calling and contribution to global transformation via meaningful and satisfying work, here are a few revision hacks for young people as they enter exam term:
- Work was created to be fuelled by adequate rest (Genesis 2:3; Exodus 16:29), so young people should plan in some rest periods during their study times – as well as recreational activities to avoid burnout.
- Young people should find a revision style that works for them because learning styles differ, for example, some work better at night rather than the day; what is their most productive time? Revision cards work for some – but not all. Parents can receive greater guidance via academies like Life More Extraordinary and other websites and initiatives like Red Bird Tutoring.
- Young people should be encouraged to pray as God is their helper and can help them revise effectively and remember relevant information during exams (Proverbs 2:6; Psalm 37:5; John 14:26; 1 Peter 5:7).
