The K-12 system in the Philippines has brought a more holistic and comprehensive approach to education. With its enhanced curriculum, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in whatever college program and career path they choose.
One of the academic tracks in K-12 is Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM). The ABM strand offers a solid foundation for students aspiring to become future accountants, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.
College readiness requires hard work and dedication, regardless of what strand you take. But let’s face it, ABM can sometimes feel like a tough mountain to climb. But with the right study habits and discipline, ABM students can rise to the challenge and become successful.
Let’s discuss this academic track further and provide essential study tips for ABM strand students.
A Closer Look at The ABM Strand
The Accountancy, Business, and Management strand is meant for students interested in pursuing a college degree and a career related to business and finance. It teaches the following concepts:
- Fundamentals of Finance, Accounting, Business Management, and Corporate Operations
- Entrepreneurship
- Statistics and Probability
- Business Math
- Marketing
- Physical Science
- Applied Economics
Benefits of the ABM Strand
Choosing the ABM strand offers a wealth of opportunities and advantages for business-minded students. Here are several compelling ABM strand benefits that students should consider when deciding on their senior high school track:
Wide Range of Career Opportunities
Students enrolled in the ABM strand can lead successful careers in the following professions:
- Accountants
- Business Managers
- Entrepreneurs
- Financial Analysts
- Financial Advisors
- Marketing Professionals
- Retail Managers
- Economists
In-Demand Skills
The ABM strand aims to keep students globally competitive. Students develop skills that are highly sought after not only in business and finance but also in other industries like:
- Analytical Skills
- Communication Skills
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Leadership and Management Skills
Preparation for Higher Education
The academic strands in the K-12 program were created to make the transition to higher education smoother. Students taking the ABM strand often pursue business-related courses in college, including but not limited to:
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management
- Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Entrepreneurship
Perhaps one of the most common reasons to choose ABM is the entrepreneurial spirit. Students who dream of starting their own business or managing their own team take the ABM strand because it is a strategic and personally rewarding decision. The curriculum is designed specifically to nurture the business and leadership mindset, so it only makes sense to enroll in this track.
10 ABM Strand Study Tips
ABM involves a lot of research, critical thinking, and practical application. Here are effective studying tips for ABM strand students to help you manage expectations and navigate the requirements of your course:
1. Create a Study Plan
Creating a study plan is crucial for managing your time and energy. Allocate specific times for studying each subject and stick to that schedule. Most teachers provide syllabi to students to guide them through topics and tasks for the semester. Use this to keep you organized and avoid cramming.
2. Minimize Distractions
When you’ve been studying for hours and feel restless, it can be tempting to browse social media or check notifications. The key is to set up an ideal study environment with minimal distractions. Remove unnecessary items from your study space, such as gadgets and trinkets. If music or white noise helps you focus, you can play them in the background at an adequate volume.
3. Stay Organized
Clutter can negatively affect your cognition and cause stress and anxiety. Our brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganization reduce focus. To improve your study efficiency and help you better retain information, keep your notes and study materials tidy. Use folders, binders, or digital tools as needed.
4. Try the Pomodoro Method
The Pomodoro technique boosts productivity by breaking down study time into 25-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break. During the 25 minutes, you fully immerse yourself in the study materials without distractions. The Pomodoro method helps students focus and avoid procrastination because it is based on spaced repetition, which means spacing out your study session over a period of time to reinforce retention.
5. Be Attentive and Take Notes
Although self-study is a highly encouraged and useful skill, active class participation is still one of the most effective ABM strand study tips for students. You enrolled in school to learn, so embrace every opportunity to actively participate in class. Listen attentively and take down notes when your teacher provides deeper explanations of topics. Ask questions about things you didn’t quite absorb. Developing this habit will greatly benefit you in college.
6. Take Practice Tests
Practice tests are proven to help students identify weak areas, apply theoretical knowledge, and build confidence for exams. They also enhance our ability to remember and retrieve information. Try the following methods to test yourself and improve retention and active recall of concepts:
- Create flashcards
- Make a reviewer
- Ask a friend to quiz you
- Write your own questions
- Search for practice questions
- Use mnemonic devices
7. Use Online Resources
With the rise of online learning, schools in the Philippines offering online education provide numerous resources to help students study at their own pace and convenience. Websites, video tutorials, and modules can be excellent supplements to textbooks. For example, educational websites like Khan Academy and Coursera or webinars from Harvard Business Review are easily accessible online, so use them to further enrich your learning.
8. Study with Your Classmates
Networking is crucial in business and finance, so it’s important to create a solid network of friends and acquaintances as early as senior high school. Connecting with peers allows you to share knowledge, discuss difficult topics, and develop critical communication skills that you’ll find useful in the long run. It also makes studying more interactive and less monotonous. The ABM strand can be challenging; feeling supported throughout your academic journey helps lighten the load.
9. Apply What You Learned
School may give you the theoretical and technical know-how, but nothing beats first-hand experience. Applying concepts in real life is the true measure of a seasoned professional. Don’t limit yourself to the materials provided by your teacher. Join clubs and workshops to expand your knowledge. You can also start passion projects like a personal finance vlog or a small online store, or apply for internships to gain real-world experience.
10. Take Care of Your Health
ABM can be physically and mentally demanding, especially during exams and deadlines. Poor health habits can affect your well-being and academic performance. That’s why prioritizing your health is one of the most crucial senior high school ABM strand study tips. While taking care of your health is not an actual study tip, doing so gives you more endurance and a sharper memory. Here are a few ways you can take better care of yourself:
- Take 15-20 Minute Breaks
- Exercise Regularly
- Take Showers
- Get Plenty of Sleep
- Eat Nutritious Food
- Meditate
- Journal or Talk to a Friend
Be College-Ready With OEd
By following these essential studying tips for ABM strand students, you set yourself up for academic success. Feel free to personalize your study habits as you see fit to maximize your education and achieve your career aspirations.
For a more holistic and convenient learning experience, search no further than OEd, an online senior high school in the Philippines. We offer a flexible way to complete your secondary education and prepare you for the rigors of college and beyond. Contact us for more information about our SHS academic strands and course offerings.
