Learning Outcomes 1. Select 10 strategies for managing stress; 2. Set a goal based on 9 characteristics of effective goals; 3. Apply 7 motivational strategies for successful learning; 4. Practise 3 aspects of time management; 5. Identify 8 causes of poor concentration and strategies to improve concentration.

Being independent  Planning and managing the smart way  Applying smart time management  Motivating yourself

a) Managing stress Symptoms of stress are:  Outburst of anger  Loss of efficiency in your studies  Restlessness and / or uneasiness at being alone  Withdrawal from friends and social situations  A lack of joy, spontaneity, happiness or enthusiasm  Preoccupation with certain thoughts, especially negative ones  Difficulty in concentrating and / or making minor decisions  Intolerance of people, and irritability, especially during discussions or disagreements

Strategies for managing stress  Take action to organise yourself  Control your environment by controlling who and what is surrounding you  Give yourself positive feedback  Reward yourself  Exercise your body  Relax  Rest as regularly as possible  Be aware of yourself  Eat a balance diet  Learn to enjoy yourself

Coping with everyday study problems  Recognise your own resources  You do not have to cope alone  Be realistic  You cannot achieve absolute control  Learn to accept failure

Anxiety  Anticipatory anxiety – The distress that you feel while studying or preparing for quizzes/tests and assignment and thinking of what might happen. How to overcome anticipatory anxiety?  Relax;  Be focused;  Think positive;  Study in a group;  Have a specific study time;  Get a set of complete notes;  Get comfortable with your study place; and  Know where you stand and where you are heading.

Anxiety  Situational anxiety – Anxiety that occurs during an examination and before an assignment is due. How to overcome situational anxiety?  Be punctual;  Organise your work schedule;  Avoid highly anxious friends;  Read and understand the instructions;  Work at a comfortable pace;  Ask for clarification;  Keep moving; and  Relax.

b) Goal setting  Set a goal based on 9 characteristics of effective goals: Self-chosen Relevant (R) Challenging Realistic and attainable (A) Specific (S) Measurable (M) Time bounded (T) Positive Written

c) Motivational strategies  Apply 7 motivational strategies for successful learning; Set challenging but realistic learning goals Break down the bigger task at hand Maintain a positive attitude Aim for higher peaks Use active learning strategies Learn from mistakes Monitor your learning

d) Time management  Practise 3 aspects of time management: Analyse your use of time Set your priorities Plan a schedule

e) Concentration strategies  Identify 8 causes of poor concentration: Environmental distractions Noise Physical distractions Boredom, dislike, disinterest Anxiety about studies Intimidating study tasks Daydreaming Personal worries

e) Concentration strategies  Strategies to improve it: Identify the causes Take steps to control Make your control habitual

Learning Skills: Managing Your Learning by Open University Malaysia is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License.Open University MalaysiaCreative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License Based on a work at Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at