With the recent ban of SPM trial results for pre-university entry, it appears that students will be having a lot of time on their hands while waiting for their final exam results.
However, when it comes to learning, there is no downtime. Learning is not confined in the four corners of a classroom. Learning happens whenever you allow new experiences to happen.
Here are eight ways you can continue learning while waiting for your SPM results.
1. Pick up a new language
Learning a new language is no longer a pastime but a necessity because it helps expand your view of the world.
Moreover, a foreign language opens up exciting job opportunities which could involve travel or living overseas for a period of time.
A CNN report revealed that translators and interpreters will be one of the 15 fastest growing occupations.
Among the easiest languages to learn include French, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian and Swedish. Places where you can pick up a new language include:
- ELS Malaysia
- SLC Language Centre
- Inter Cultural Language School
2. Take up swimming
Did you know that one in six children cannot swim? Moreover, about 54% of the world’s total population cannot swim.
And did you know that drowning is the third most common cause of accidental deaths worldwide?
With that said, it’s important to take the time to learn this life-saving skill – it’s one of life’s milestones, like riding a bike or learning to read.
It not only helps you build a strong pair of lungs but it also helps build your self-esteem and sense of independence. There are various places to learn to swim:
- Aeroswim
- AquaSplash Academy
- Let2Swim
3. Bake delicious desserts
Time to raise your culinary game and fill your kitchen with the glorious aromas of good food.
If you like working with your hands and creating things, a cooking or baking class could be just the fix!
Most short-duration classes include a brief lecture, hands-on production and a lunch session. Moreover, you can meet new friends who share your interest in cooking and baking.
Places that offer classes include:
- Baking Class Malaysia
- Baking Project
- Sugar Craft
- The Cooking House
4. Learn a beautiful tune
A study (Shellenberg, 2004) examined the influence of music education on non-musical abilities, as well as the effects on music lessons on academic performance and cognitive abilities.
The study revealed that students who participated in music lessons showed statistically higher intelligence quotients.
Learning to play music encourages and motivates you to be successful. Learn to play music at:
- Philharmonic School of Music & Arts
- Allegro Music & Arts
- Opus Academy of Music
5. Do internship or volunteer work
The world needs more selfless people. Spend your free time volunteering on a project that is near and dear to you in some way.
Recognising your own ability to make a difference is not only empowering and boosts your self-esteem, it can offer life-long rewards in your future personal endeavours (think of scholarship applications).
Furthermore, this will help you in your university applications – you finally have something to write about for extra-curricular activities. You can find causes to volunteer at:
- Do Good Volunteer
- WWF-Malaysia
- Do Something Good
6. Go for some nature-adventure activities
Many young people nowadays have little or no contact with the natural environment.
There are benefits of active involvement in outdoor adventures and one of the obvious plus points is physical fitness. Studies show that involvement in the outdoors also improves social behaviour.
Learn more about what is available to you at:
- Outdoor Gear Malaysia
- EveryTrail
- OpenSky Unlimited
7. Try blogging or vlogging
Well, for those who are into social media, it may be a good time to start blogging or vlogging.
If you’re the shy student in class, now’s a great time to practise and solidify your ideas by expressing yourself.
We know that not every post is going to be perfect but writing more on things you enjoy most can help improve your vocabulary, literary skills, and even critical thinking.
- Silver Fish Writing Programme
8. Travel, travel, travel
It has long been said that ‘travel broadens the mind’, and recent studies are proving this point.
Reviews on psychological distance concept suggests that travel not only improves productivity and creativity but self-awareness as well.
William Maddux, an American social psychologist, observed that those who live abroad come home more creative too.
Furthermore, travelling pushes you to make friends out of strangers and get more comfortable talking to new people.
Afterschool.my provides information on higher education including courses, institutions, scholarships, careers as well as other higher education related topics in Malaysia.