JOINT EFFORT IN STUDIES PAYS OFF
"We all want to obtain better results in examination!" This aspiration has spurred Police Constables (PC) Yau Chi-kwan, Kwan Wai-yip, Lau Wai-yeung, Chow Wing-ho and Chu Tak-chun to form a study group in order to get better prepared for the Promotion to Sergeant Qualifying Examination 2010. And their efforts have paid off, with Chi-kwan scoring "Distinction"; and Wai-yip, Wai-yeung and Tak-chun pulling off "Credit". Though with only a "Pass", Wing-ho has obtained good scores.
Mutual help counts
A few months after results of the 2009 exam were released, these five PCs from Emergency Unit New Territories North lost no time in forming a study group. Hence before and after reporting for duty, and even on holidays, they immersed themselves in discussion at the Resources Centre. Outside the Resources Centre, they also shared with their colleagues at briefing sessions the police knowledge they had acquired.
Unlike their previous "lone battles", mutual help, support and motivation in the study group made learning more interesting for them. Said Chi-kwan: "The learning atmosphere in the study group was very good. Group studies brought some pressure for members because they had to study hard in order to provide the right answers to the questions raised by their partners."
Enhancement in knowledge, friendship
Besides providing a better idea of the exam syllabus, the study group have also brought group members closer in studies and friendship, thus enhancing good rapport in their daily work - an additional bonus for all of them. Said Wai-yeung: "The answers group members provided were the results of their revision efforts. I believed their answers and did not make any double checking." Because of this faith, group members could spend more time in other aspects of the exam syllabus, and acquired more knowledge. This is the outcome of partnership in exam, with group members no longer wagging a "lone battle" on the road to exam.
Wing-ho noted: "With such format of learning, we did not hesitate in asking questions. When we found that the answers provided by partners were not good enough, we pointed out the shortfalls and also accepted others’ corrections. This was a big help for enhancing personal qualities."
Speaking about tackling the promotion exam, Chi-kwan pointed out that candidates should understand each question - just like paying attention to every small detail in handling a case. Tak-chun also pointed out that familiarising with past exam Debriefing Reports would help candidates obtain better results.
Balance between
family and career
On striking a balance between studies and family, Tak-chun said: "Though my wife grumbled that I had spent less time with her because of my work and studies, she gave the study group a big support."
Wai-yip chose to study together with his daughter. Under his influence, this little girl fared better in her studies. Both father and daughter made good progress in their studies and cemented their bond. Chi-kwan opted for studying through POINT at Home, and this enabled him to spend more time with his family.
All study group members put their good exam results down to their families’ support, motivation and understanding.
Among the five group members, Wing-ho has had the most attempt at the promotion exam, but he has vowed to take on another challenge. "Though previous exam failures have brought me some stress, the study group has taught me how to review, analyse, and tackle problems and exam questions. I will try my best again to get better results next time.
For Wai-yeung, the study group is helpful not only for examination, but also for updating group members on legislation and police orders in the interests of their day-to-day jobs. He even recommends the study group for those officers not sitting for the promotion exam.
Culture of lifelong study
At the conclusion of OffBeat’s interview with the study group, Force Training Officer Poon Tsang-kee said: "Police College has been encouraging officers to pursue lifelong learning and adapt to changes in society by following three major avenues: proper training, on-the-job training and personal studies. Study group is effective for preparing for exams, enabling group members to acquire knowledge and others’ experiences through discussions."
FTO Poon hopes officers would familiarise themselves with legislation and police orders and pursue continuous studies in the interests of their jobs and career developments.
The
study
group members share experience of preparing for their promotion
exam with Force Training Officer Poon Tsang-kee (third left)