Managing your own Learning Studying in a Tertiary Environment

Adapting to the New Environment In tertiary education the ability to become an independent learner is crucial. You are expected to assume responsibility for your own learning without close supervision. Inner motivation and self discipline are required to cope with the expectations of study at this level. Being an independent learner in a tertiary environment that you are responsible for managing your studies, your time and yourself. In high school, you might be used to teachers reminding you when work is due, telling you what and when to study, and checking your progress. (Payne & Whittaker, 2006) © Central institute of Technology 2013

What does this really mean? With greater freedom comes more responsibility. You have a great deal more responsibility for your own success than at high school. It means managing your own time and study between classes. It can feel lacking in structure, but is also liberating. It is important to stay focused and maintain motivation. Tertiary learning requires you to learn and complete assessments independently, plan your workload, meet deadlines and organise your time. This level of self-management can be a challenge. Some students thrive, others find it difficult to adjust at first. (Cottrell, 2013) © Central institute of Technology 2013

Work, Study, Life Balance The challenge facing many students is the need to juggle many commitments. They need to balance study with family, friends and sometimes work commitments. Careful planning is required to ensure that assessments are submitted on time and all classes are attended. Maintaining a healthy balanced diet and setting aside time for physical exercise and relaxation are also important. © Central institute of Technology 2013

© Central institute of Technology 2013 Set Yourself Goals Start by thinking about your long-term goals, then develop short-term and medium-term goals to help you achieve them. Remember, goals should be: Realistic Achievable by a certain date Written Flexible (sometimes life gets in the way) Goals are realistic – your goals must be attainable to your personal resources and abilities. Goals are time framed – always set a beginning and end date for your goals. Goals are written – Committing a goal to writing makes it more concrete, and encourages commitment towards completion Goals need to be flexible – there are many factors that can affect attaining your goal. Image courtesy of xedos4, freedigitalphotos.net © Central institute of Technology 2013

Your Study Workspace is important On campus: the campus library, student area Off campus: your kitchen table, your bedroom, the local library Consider: Ventilation Temperature Lighting Furniture/Equipment Distractions Try to establish a regular study schedule, studying in the same place every time. Remember that lighting and temperature are very important and affect how you feel while you are studying. You should choose a place to study that is comfortable but not too comfortable. Your bed is not a good place to study. Decide when you concentrate the best and try to study during that time. Before you begin to study, write down a goal for the study session. By doing this, you will have a way to measure when your study time is up. Otherwise, how do you know when you are done? It's all about finding a place you feel comfortable studying in and can get to easily where you can solely focus on studying.  listening to music when studying depends on your personality and preferences.  Some people prefer no music saying they get distracted, can't concentrate and start singing along or listening to the music rather than studying.  Other people may prefer to have light background music to fill as background noise and allow you to concentrate more on studying.   It's up to you if you want to have music on or not while studying.  Try it out and see what works best. © Central institute of Technology 2013

Getting the most out of Classes Be punctual Attend all classes Where you sit counts Be prepared Turn off your mobile phone Contribute Keep focused Review afterwards In class - sit close to the front or where the lecturer is delivering the lesson. The closer you are to the front, the fewer distractions and the easier it is to listen and take notes. Choose not to sit close to your friends if they are likely to distract you. © Central institute of Technology 2013

Ask if you don’t understand - Keep the lines of communication open - Lecturers encourage students to ask questions. Questions help the lecturer to know what needs to be clarified. Clarifying an issue will help others who also don’t understand. By asking questions you are showing the lecturer that you are are interested and involved. © Central institute of Technology 2013

© Central institute of Technology 2013 Missed a class? - Keep the lines of communication open - If you miss or know you are going to miss a class, contact the lecturer - email is often best. Copying another student’s notes may not be that helpful, as they reflect someone else’s interpretation.  Find out if information is on Blackboard and access it from there. Ask your study partner to get two sets of of of student handouts. © Central institute of Technology 2013

Establish social networks Find a ‘study partner’ with whom you can: Discuss concepts and ideas in your course Exchange advice and work out problems Collaborate on study tasks Collect student handouts if you miss a class © Central institute of Technology 2013

© Central institute of Technology 2013 Time Management When you're studying, learning to manage your time effectively will help you achieve your goals and reduces stress. Remember to: Work out your priorities Plan your study sessions Set time limits Use daily to-do lists Create a weekly and semester study timetable Daily To Do List – hourly breakdown of tasks planned the night before. Weekly Planner – everyday events planned at the beginning of each week. Include classes, work commitments, sporting activities, social and family commitments, meals, household chores, travel to and from the above. Plans made at the beginning of the week often don’t work on the day, so be willing to be flexible, but stay focused on what is important. Writing things down helps you not to forget. Semester Planner – Exam and assessment due dates, events, holidays. © Central institute of Technology 2013

Sample Study Timetable (On-campus, full time student) Day/Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 8 - 9 am GYM TRAVEL   9 - 10am FOOD 10 - 11am CLASS STUDY WORK SHOPPING 11 - 12 noon CHORES 12 - 1pm LUNCH 1 - 2pm 2 - 3pm 3 - 4pm LEISURE 4 - 5pm 5 - 6pm DINNER 6 - 7pm 7 - 8pm 8 - 9pm 9 - 10pm LEISURE  10 - 11pm 11 - 12pm Study Hours 1 2 4 3 © Central institute of Technology 2013

© Central institute of Technology 2013 Computer Skills These are taught as part of your course. You will be expected to use computers to prepare your assessments; do research; communicate; and access learning materials. It is essential to organise computer files effectively so they can be found quickly and easily. Skills will be provided in: word processing spread sheets presentation software © Central institute of Technology 2013

Tips for Working in Groups Exchange contact information Assign roles based on individual strengths Share roles and responsibilities evenly Contribute effectively as a team member Accept that this is a working relationship, not a friendship © Central institute of Technology 2013

Group work gives you the opportunity to: Enhances social skills and interactions Develops teamwork skills Group work gives you the opportunity to: Gain experience in collaboration Develop skills relevant to employment Learn more effectively by exchanging ideas with others Participate in a larger project Looks great on your resume Shares the workload Develops planning skills Opportunity for multiple viewpoints

© Central institute of Technology 2013 Summing up… Take responsibility for your own learning by: Managing your time and your life. Knowing when assessments are due. Getting started on assessments early. Asking for help early. Accepting that feedback is constructive criticism designed to help you. Exploring your options and finding out all you can about the course. (The Learning Centre UNSW, 2012) © Central institute of Technology 2013

© Central institute of Technology 2013 Who can I talk to if I want advice? Andrea Redknap, Academic Advisor T: 9427 1369 E: andrea.redknap@central.wa.edu.au Andrea’s role is to support and help you achieve success in your studies. If you have questions or concerns about a particular unit, the course you are enrolled in, your career prospects or just want a bit of a chat, please feel free to contact her. © Central institute of Technology 2013

© Central institute of Technology 2013 References Cottrell, S. (2013). The study skills handbook (4th ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Payne, E. & Whittaker, L. (2006). Developing essential study skills (2nd ed.). Essex: Pearson Education Limited. The Learning Centre, UNSW. (2012). First steps: A beginner’s guide to university. Retrieved from http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/firststeps/diff_ind.html - This presentation created by Nancy Stokes, librarian for Tourism & Events - © Central institute of Technology 2013