INTRODUCTION

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Learning means a relatively permanent change in behaviour due to practice. Learning can only be said to have taken place if there is a change in behaviour - overt or covert. Overt is when there is an open show of change. Covert when the change is internal, cognitive (in the level of knowledge). In this context, learning refers to studying, acquisition of information. This often starts in a formal classroom setting, but for a student that dares to be different and aims at distinction, there is always a need to study beyond the classroom. The Berean Christians knew this secret (of distinction).

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Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

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TIPS ON HOW TO CARRY DISTINCTION-ORIENTED STUDIES

• HAVE A TARGET: usually, there are two target points - position (mean men) or royalty (with kings) (Prov. 22:29)
• Be in the classroom first: Always be available for the teacher's initial and introductory remarks. This serves as a pointer and foundation; except you are running a correspondence programme.
• Know that no teacher can give you everything in the classroom: The best/ highest teacher only gives the tip of the iceberg in the classroom. So, there is always a need for further study and learning beyond the classroom.
• Remember that you are the first beneficiary of the proceeds of your learning: You are not going to school for your parents or teachers, it is for your own good. Take your destiny into your hands.
• Make deliberate search for information search for new information: This keeps you updated; it could be through the Internet, newly published materials, etc.
• Develop a good study habit: This entails rehearsals, possibly with pencil and paper - it aids proper encoding and retrieval of information. Break the material into parts.
• Read in a quiet place: You cannot read everywhere; if learning must take place, a quiet place is a sine qua non.
• Make friends with academic-minded persons
• Learn to read alone first before reading in a group.
• Reduce attendance to non-academic programmes and engagements.

CONCLUSION

The difference between a man of distinction and a man of mediocrity is in how much time and effort they devote to studying and learning outside the classroom. There are things you will never learn in the classroom. Most times, what lasts longer in our brains are those things we learnt while undergoing our own personal study. It is on this premise that I say that this noble prectice of learning outside the classroom should therefore not be ignored.