1. 1 CP586 © Peter Lo 2003 Multimedia Communication Effective learning, Communication and Research

2. CP586 © Peter Lo 20032 Study Tips Find a quiet place to study. Set up blocks of time for study. Review notes immediately before and after class. Keep distractions to a minimum. Have regular scheduled breaks. Avoid procrastination.

3. CP586 © Peter Lo 20033 Study Tips Variety is the spice of life. Divide large tasks into smaller tasks that are easily manageable. Be realistic when undertaking a task. Have confidence in your own ability. Survey all textbooks and assessment tasks for key words and objectives.

4. CP586 © Peter Lo 20034 Make The Most of Class Time Be prepared and read supplementary material. Always review notes from your previous class. Listen attentively. Paraphrase what the lecturer says in your own words. Prioritize the items mentioned in class. Set small specific goals – read the corresponding text book every week. Meet deadlines.

5. CP586 © Peter Lo 20035 MNEUMONICS Mnemonics are an excellent method of memorizing complex material. SOHCAHTOA If I play sohcah I will hurt my toa. Sin=Opposite/Hypotenuse. T.A.K.E. M.A.S.T.E.R.

6. CP586 © Peter Lo 20036 T.A.K.E. Better Notes T : the objective of a particular lesson is important. A : ask questions. K : keywords count. E : examine your notes. Writing word for word is often difficult, focus on objectives and key words. Examine and review notes immediately after class.

7. CP586 © Peter Lo 20037 M.A.S.T.E.R. Your Text Book M : Make yourself comfortable. A : Ask questions and use programmed instructional material. S : Small sections at a time. T : Test yourself. E : Enjoy a break. R : Re-answer questions.

8. CP586 © Peter Lo 20038 Time Management Don't procrastinate or be distracted. Use a wall or desk calendar for major exams, due dates and meetings. Be active in what you are doing at any given time. Plan and take study breaks, study 30-40 minutes with 5-10 minute breaks. Set deadlines and reward yourself.

9. CP586 © Peter Lo 20039 Time Management Get motivated and follow your schedule. Work with a friend to motivate each other. Evaluate your priorities. Take responsibility for your own actions. Examine cause and effect relationships. This will help determine what factors contribute to your own failure and success.

10. CP586 © Peter Lo 200310 Memory Interest : try to maintain your interest in a topic. (e.g. study with a friend). Intent to remember : have a positive attitude to your study material. Basic background : try to understand all the basic principles. Selectivity : be selective about what you learn. Distribute learning : long sessions are not as productive as several short sessions.

11. CP586 © Peter Lo 200311 Memory Meaningful organisation : organize material into logical groups. Recitation : recite ideas out aloud. Mental visualization : create a mental model. Association : associate new ideas and terms with known quantities and variables. Consolidation : it takes time to properly absorb information. (E.G. Review class notes.).

12. CP586 © Peter Lo 200312 General Study Techniques Make summary sheets, flash cards, and practice tests. Keep up to date with assignments. Take notes in every class every day. Ask questions when you don’t understand. Refer to your unit description for topics. Review material after it is delivered.

13. CP586 © Peter Lo 200313 Stress Stress is an emotional/bodily reaction to physical, psychological or emotional demands. Stress is a fact of life and can be managed to become healthy and useful. Stress can be caused by our physical and internal environment. Unmanaged stress can increase your heart rate and blood pressure making you feel tense. Alcohol and drugs do not alleviate stress.

14. CP586 © Peter Lo 200314 Exams and Exam Anxiety Try to stay on a reasonably regular schedule of reviewing, eating, sleeping, and relaxing. Memory is improved after having a good nights sleep. Start at least a week, or preferably two, before your exams begin. Don't attempt to study 24 hours a day; your efficiency and capacity to retain material will rapidly decrease.

15. CP586 © Peter Lo 200315 Exams and Exam Anxiety Remember that short and regular study periods are more productive than lengthy single sessions. Eat a well-balanced diet and drink lots of fluids. Don't use drugs or alcohol as they can decrease your ability to think clearly.

16. CP586 © Peter Lo 200316 Exams and Exam Anxiety Be conservative and reasonable about the demands you place on yourself. Identify and report problems before you sit them. Excessive amounts of coffee may produce confusion and even disorganization of thought processes. A failure is not the end of the world.

17. CP586 © Peter Lo 200317 When to Study Try to study during the day and early evening rather than during sleeping hours. Best when there are fewest competing activities in progress. You must maintain adequate rest periods. Stop studying when fatigue or lack of attention occurs.

18. CP586 © Peter Lo 200318 Study and Concentration Reward yourself when goals are obtained. Set study goals before you begin each period of study (e.g. Number of pages, number of problems). Break up the content of study by mixing up subjects and building in variety and interest to removing boredom. Make the most of rest periods and do something quite different.

19. CP586 © Peter Lo 200319 Study and Concentration Start with short study periods and slowly build to longer periods only as fast as you can maintain concentration. If necessary, make a calendar of events to clear your mind of distractions. Avoid relaxing while working and create a work atmosphere.