Transcript 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. •

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.
(Payne & Whittaker, 2006)
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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.
(Cottrell, 2013)
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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.
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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:
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Realistic
Achievable by a certain date
Written
Flexible (sometimes life gets
in the way)
Image courtesy of xedos4, freedigitalphotos.net
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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
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Getting the most out of Classes
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Be punctual
Attend all classes
Where you sit counts
Be prepared
Turn off your mobile phone
Contribute
Keep focused
Review afterwards
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Ask if you don’t understand
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- 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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Sample Study Timetable
(On-campus, full time student)
Day/Time
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
8 - 9 am
GYM
TRAVEL
GYM
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
TRAVEL
9 - 10am
10 - 11am
FOOD
CLASS
CLASS
STUDY
CLASS
WORK
WORK
11 - 12 noon
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
2 - 3pm
3 - 4pm
SHOPPING
CHORES
12 - 1pm
1 - 2pm
Sunday
LUNCH
LUNCH
WORK
LEISURE
LEISURE
LUNCH
TRAVEL
CLASS
LUNCH
CLASS
CLASS
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
DINNER
DINNER
STUDY
4 - 5pm
5 - 6pm
6 - 7pm
CHORES
7 - 8pm
DINNER
8 - 9pm
STUDY
DINNER
DINNER
WORK
STUDY
DINNER
DINNER
STUDY
STUDY
9 - 10pm
10 - 11pm
LEISURE
LEISURE
0
0
STUDY
11 - 12pm
Study Hours
1
2
4
3
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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
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Tips for Working in Groups
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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
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Develops
teamwork skills
Enhances social skills
and interactions
Gain
experience
in
collaboration
Looks great on
your resume
Shares the
workload
Participate in
a larger
project
Develops
planning skills
Group work
gives you
the
opportunity
to:
Learn more
effectively by
exchanging
ideas with
others
Develop skills
relevant to
employment
Opportunity for
multiple viewpoints
Summing up…
Take responsibility for your own learning by:
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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)
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Who can I contact if I want advice?
Jennifer Hyde
Email: [email protected]
Jillian Elliot
Email: [email protected]
Your lecturers are here 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 or your career prospects, please feel free to
contact them.
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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 & Auslan -
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