Study Skills & TMA Preparation

2 Now that you have decided … the next question: “How?”

3 Outline of Presentation WOU’s Study Model and You Self-Study: how to do it successfully Time Requirement and Management Tutors and Tutorial Support Assignments and Examinations

4 Other Learners WawasanLearn Tutorials Assessments & Exams Regional Centre Support Digital Library YOU Distance Learner The WOU’s ODL Model Course Materials

5 Implications to You A Different Approach to Learning You Take Control of Your Own Learning Acquire a New Set of Study Skills Change in Life-Style

6 Self-Study Learning takes place through: Interactive Course Materials: –exercises & activities –further readings –self-test (Quizzes, CMAs) –audio & video materials Study/Discussion groups with peers Online via WawasanLearn (LMS) WOU Digital Library Preparation of Assignments (TMAs), feedback

7 To Undertake Self-Study Successfully Set Realistic and Achievable Goals Adopt Effective Learning Styles & Strategies* Practice Effective Time Management – balance between study and work, family and other obligations  some sacrifices may have to be made.

8 Effective Learning Styles & Strategies---know yourself! Learning Styles Strategies 1. Visual learners-prefer to see what is being learnt. Concept maps, colour coding, creating diagrams. 4. Reflective learners-like to think about and digest new information. Review new work, write summaries, create own overview of topics. 2. Auditory/verbal learners- enjoy oral discussion. Explain concepts to peers, use mnemonics, create own audio tapes by reading notes 3. Active learners-like to engage themselves with the material Take notes, fill in sheets and work with models.

9 Effective Learning Styles & Strategies Learning Styles Strategies 5. Sensory learners-like to learn facts, details and solve problems Memorise facts, work on projects and anything hands on. 8. Global learners-like to see the big picture before learning details. Concept maps, diagrams, flow charts. Make connections between texts, notes and tutorials. 6. Intuitive learners-like to discover new relationships but dislike repetition. Create own tables, write summaries and answer practice questions. 7. Sequential learners-like the step by step approach. Go through a problem methodically, fill in sheets, do error analysis.

10 Motivating Yourself to Study 1.Have a conducive environment to study. 2.Break down the bigger tasks into smaller achievable bits. 3.Set realistic learning targets & goals 4.Have incentives – reward yourself upon completion of a task. 5.Be positive.

11 Motivating Yourself to Study 6. Learn actively. 7. Relax and exercise regularly. 8. Form study group. 9.Negotiate the support and understanding of your loved ones in this endeavour. You need their moral & physical support!

12 Time Required to Study a Typical WOU 5-credit Course Self-Study* (hrs) Tutorial & TMA (hrs)Total Unit 132Tutorial234 Unit 232Tutorial, TMA Unit 332Tutorial, TMA Unit 432Tutorial, TMA Unit 532Tutorial234 Total Time Allocated for Self-study * (including WawasanLearn & e-Library): 160/200  80% Tutorial : 10/200  5% TMA Preparation : 30/200  15%

13 How much time do you need this Semester? For one 5-credit course, you will require to devote ± 200 hours for self-study  200hr/19weeks = ± 10.5 hours per week For 2 courses, ± 21 hours per week For 3 courses, ± 31.5 hours per week  this works out to be ± 6.3 hours per day!!! (or ± 4.5 /day including Saturday & Sunday) Remember: You have a FULL-TIME job as well

14 How are you going to find the time?

15 Work Entertainment Study Family Social Juggling various responsibilities and commitments You will have to prioritize  Some of the ‘less important’ activities may have to be sacrificed Time Management

16 Time Management Tips Set Targets –Know what you want to achieve in a day, week or month –Scheduling –Make a schedule for your study, social activities, exercises, dates etc (birthdays, anniversaries!!) Prioritise –Identify which tasks are most important and need to be done first and which ones can be done later

17 Time Management Tips Avoid Procrastination –Stick to your schedule, try not to postpone –Spend about 1-2 hours per day (5 days) per course for self-study Know when you are most effective –Use the times when you feel most energetic to do tasks that are more demanding, e.g. study the difficult components! Use spare minutes –Use your waiting time for making and reading short notes

18 Tutors and Tutorial Support Tutors’ role: Conduct Tutorials (F2F) (Facilitator NOT Lecturer) Conduct Telephone Tutoring Moderate “WawasanLearn” Marking and grading of assignments Provide academic counseling

19 WOU Student Support: Tutorials During Tutorials … Exchange ideas with tutors and fellow students Clarify concepts/assignment questions … In-depth discussions on issues and applications Get feedback on previous assignments Reminder: Facilitation & discussion, NOT lecture Limited hours: Not all queries/doubts can be clarified  use WawasanLearn, e-Library & other learning support services

20 Assessment Strategy ASSESSMENT Level 100 & 200 courses Level 300, SST Project Courses, CEMBA & CEMPA courses Continuous Assessment 50%40% Final Examinations 50%60%

21 Assignments (TMAs) Assignments = Course work to demonstrate your understanding of the course content. Thus, it is your own work. Types: essays, problem solving, case studies, projects or laboratory reports Adhere strictly to deadline for submission  plan and manage your time  seek prior approval for late submission to avoid mark deduction!!!

22 Preparing for Final Examination Before exam: Study regularly throughout the semester Stick to a revision time table Apply proven review/revision techniques Practice using specimen and past exam papers Look after your health

23 Some proven revision techniques Practice jotting down answers and making essay plans. Practice writing against the allocated time using past year questions. Use good quality notes, refine them further into lists, mind maps, diagrams and transfer them onto revision cards. Create and plan a topic list and study schedule.

Thank You