ACA 101: The Subtle Yet Powerful Act of Academic Validation
Have you ever been in a room filled with people who believe in you, who see your dexterity, and who encourage you to reach for the stars. To become not just the star that shines at night, but one which dazzles like knights. For students, this room is the classroom, and the people, their educators. But what happens when this room falls silent? When the validation, recognition, and encouragement that supposedly fuel academic success becomes absent? In this void, self-doubt creeps in, motivation wanes, and learning begins to fade. Plainly, this is the sickening state of academic in today's Nigeria. And this is where Academic Validation comes in – the subtle yet powerful act of acknowledging, supporting, and empowering students to never settle for the less but aim for the sky, for it is their limit.
Straightforwardly, the constant debate among students stirs the necessity for the present article. The debate of the century: whether to encourage students' academic effort, progress and achievement or discourage them from pursuing their academic (excellence) interests and focus on TVET skills and leadership. The latter fights headlong with the former and that reflects the repulsive state of a country that competes globally, academically. Academic Validation is the key that opens the door of opportunities; It involves providing feedback, support, and encouragement that helps students feel valued, motivated, and confident in their academic pursuits.
Moving on, Academic Validation includes: regular, specific, and constructive feedback on assignments, projects, and performances; not excluding acknowledging students' achievements, such as awards, certificates, or public recognition and offering support, guidance, and motivation to help them overcome challenges and reach their goals. Academic Validation helps students develop positive self-image and confidence in their abilities. It is like a treasure one carries around without feeling inferior in any situation, whatsoever. It encourages students to take risks, persist in the face of challenges, and strive for excellence. It is in this form of validation that outstanding students stand out outstandingly. They oftentimes appear intellectually than mediocre students. And it is evident in their level of participation in class discussions, regularity in classes, critical thinking, not excluding creativity and leadership in group assignments and presentations. Academic Validation contributes to improved academic performance, retention, and overall success. Markedly, students who receive validation tend to have higher grades, better test scores, and increased academic achievement. And as such, they are more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and committed to their academic pursuits. Academic Validation has a positive impact on students' self-esteem, confidence, and resilience, setting them up for success not only in academics but also in their personal and professional lives.
Strictly speaking, when we invalidate academic excellence, we: undermine students' confidence in their abilities, leading to self-doubt and decreased motivation; this creates an environment where students question their own ability, leading to anxiety and decreased performance. Students who discourage academic excellence cannot value academic standards, hence settle for average. Specifically, this is one of the key contributors to impostors and inadequacies.
Moreover, the presence of opportunities opened to only applicants with academic excellence and restricted to those without academic excellence, and the absence of opportunities accessible to applicants without academic excellence and restricted to those with academic excellence should encourage academic validation. Recently, I applied for an internship role at a Leading Leadership Cohort, it is in the interest of this article to inform every reader that: only those whose transcript begins from a specific standard are eligible to apply. Au ford, for anyone seeking knowledge, it should reflect in abilities and grades as it is oftentimes the volatile-world-of-opportunity’s picture that they've taken. Similarly, it is noteworthy that a number of students who engage or focus on TVET skills and leadership are often enthusiastic about excellent results, and as such, academic results shouldn't be a limitation.
Generally speaking, this article acknowledges the factors that hinders students in attaining academic excellence, particularly in Nigerian institutions where students have dark stories to tell. It must interest you to know that the brutal-world-of-opportunities sets its standard on what it is, just as you have set the pace on what it should be, without considering such stories. In this wise, where academic excellence is ATTAINABLE, be a part of the academic stories that inspires. Also, students should strive for academic excellence and encourage Academic Validations, because in the grand scheme of things, excellence isn't cheated.
In conclusion, Academic Validation is a subtle yet powerful tool that has a profound impact on students' academic experiences and success. Hence, by recognising and acknowledging students' efforts and achievements, teachers, lecturers and students can foster a supportive and inclusive academic environment that promotes motivation, engagement, and overall well-being. As educators, let us prioritize academic validation in our teaching practices and strive to create a culture of recognition and encouragement that empowers students to reach their full potential. Validation is the spark that ignite the flame of academic success. And, as JameWilliams Gabriel, an Academic Excellence Coach always say: Start Excellent, Stay Excellent and Sign out Excellent; If Academic Excellence is Attainable— Don't Settle for less.
©️ Sulaiman, Samad Olaitan
Department of English, Lagos State University