Studying while you have young children can be done! It just requires some organisation and routine. Depending on how young your children are, I recommend using child care two days per week. These will become your study days. If money is a problem or your child/ren are too young to attend child care, focus on their sleep times to get your study done.
First, get yourself a diary. Schedule in all family events, extracurricular activities and assignment due dates. Work out the regular days you can do study and write ‘study’ on those days. Aim to set aside two full days.
From your unit information and study schedule provided by your tertiary institution you will see what is required for the first week. So, if it is article XYZ and chapter 1 and 2 of your text for unit EDNE then write that down under your first ‘study’ day. As you complete your study, tick off what you achieve. If you don’t get it done the first day transfer the work to your next study day.
Work study in around your life. Print off and read articles before you go to bed, take your text book to the hairdresser or when you take your child to their gymnastics class. That’s an extra hour of work you can tick off your study schedule that week! Look for opportunities to do a little bit of extra study.
If you have an assignment due or an examination coming up, ensure you have organised time without your children so you can get the assignment polished and your pre-prepared to sit your examination – even if it is online you will need peace and quiet!
There will be days that you will think ‘this is all too hard’ but think about the final outcome and what that will provide for you and your family. Reward yourself when you finish an assignment or you have done extra study and take regular break to walk the dog or do something one on one with your child. Keep yourself motivated because you can do this!
Showing posts with label study tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label study tips. Show all posts
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Don’t be the loafer.
When studying either externally or on campus, at some stage you may be required to do a group assignment as part of your assessment.
This can be a frustrating type of assignment especially if you have a loafer in your group. A loafer is one that doesn’t do the work required but expects the credit at the end.
Join an online group as soon as possible as I find those who join first are usually on the ball and ready to work. A wiki is usually where online group work will take place. If there are topics where you are assigned as a leader, ask questions for the others to answer.
Remember the due date is there for a reason but don’t leave your answers and ideas until the last day as the topic leader needs to summarise and most likely post a group response in the forums. Don’t use ‘I work all week’ or ‘it’s not due until tomorrow’ as an excuse not to check the wiki and provide your input. It is better to be up-to-date and involved with the discussion than to whinge that you didn’t get your input posted.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a loafer in your group, you may need to send them a private email along the lines of ‘I hope you are okay, such and such is due tomorrow’. If they do not respond to the group by the deadlines, keep moving along with the topic. The lecturer will read the wiki posts and ascertain who participated actively within the group and who did not respond enough.
You may have the opportunity to do an individual reflective essay on the group assignment where you can talk about participation within the group including the positives and negatives.
Ensuring that you take accountability for your participation in the group will mean an enriched learning experience for you.
This can be a frustrating type of assignment especially if you have a loafer in your group. A loafer is one that doesn’t do the work required but expects the credit at the end.
Join an online group as soon as possible as I find those who join first are usually on the ball and ready to work. A wiki is usually where online group work will take place. If there are topics where you are assigned as a leader, ask questions for the others to answer.
Remember the due date is there for a reason but don’t leave your answers and ideas until the last day as the topic leader needs to summarise and most likely post a group response in the forums. Don’t use ‘I work all week’ or ‘it’s not due until tomorrow’ as an excuse not to check the wiki and provide your input. It is better to be up-to-date and involved with the discussion than to whinge that you didn’t get your input posted.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a loafer in your group, you may need to send them a private email along the lines of ‘I hope you are okay, such and such is due tomorrow’. If they do not respond to the group by the deadlines, keep moving along with the topic. The lecturer will read the wiki posts and ascertain who participated actively within the group and who did not respond enough.
You may have the opportunity to do an individual reflective essay on the group assignment where you can talk about participation within the group including the positives and negatives.
Ensuring that you take accountability for your participation in the group will mean an enriched learning experience for you.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Study – what is it and how do I do it?
Study involves learning about a particular topic so that you may retain that information and use it at a later date.
There are many different ways to study. Some people prefer background music, others must have complete silence. Work out the environment that works best for you so that you may get the most out of your study.
Ways of studying include;
- Study notes – a collation of ideas, summaries and general notes made throughout the unit of work.
-Discussion – talk about your topic in person or online with friends, family and fellow students. It doesn’t matter if you go off on a tangent as long as you are talking about and making connections.
-Reading – this could be text books, relevant articles, newspaper reports, online forum posts and anything related to your topic.
-Note taking – take notes of your lectures, text book chapters, interesting articles and any ideas that will be of use
-Self testing – use your study notes to make up your own questions and self test. Give your study notes to a friend or family member to ask you questions. If available, do past exams for practice.
-Ask questions – if you are unsure on a sub – topic, ask your lecturer, fellow students or others knowledgeable in the area of question.
-Investigating – explore further areas of the topic that you find of particular interest or need further explanation.
-Experimenting – especially helpful in the area of science, doing hands on activities may help you make connections.
-Researching – extend your study through wider reading. Find other relevant text books or use the internet for further information on sub-topics.
- Mind mapping - there are many concept maps that can help you show how sub-topics connect
- Brain storming – particularly helpful when preparing for an essay
- Jotting down ideas – anytime ideas may come into your head for that next assignment or exam– make note of these so you can come back to it later.
Ensure you have a tidy desk to do study and to keep your notes. You may choose to be in different environments when you are studying for an exam. For example, you may take your study notes down to the beach for the afternoon or you may take them on the bus to work with you. Wherever you are, make sure you are relaxed and have the concentration you need to make the most of your study.
There are many different ways to study. Some people prefer background music, others must have complete silence. Work out the environment that works best for you so that you may get the most out of your study.
Ways of studying include;
- Study notes – a collation of ideas, summaries and general notes made throughout the unit of work.
-Discussion – talk about your topic in person or online with friends, family and fellow students. It doesn’t matter if you go off on a tangent as long as you are talking about and making connections.
-Reading – this could be text books, relevant articles, newspaper reports, online forum posts and anything related to your topic.
-Note taking – take notes of your lectures, text book chapters, interesting articles and any ideas that will be of use
-Self testing – use your study notes to make up your own questions and self test. Give your study notes to a friend or family member to ask you questions. If available, do past exams for practice.
-Ask questions – if you are unsure on a sub – topic, ask your lecturer, fellow students or others knowledgeable in the area of question.
-Investigating – explore further areas of the topic that you find of particular interest or need further explanation.
-Experimenting – especially helpful in the area of science, doing hands on activities may help you make connections.
-Researching – extend your study through wider reading. Find other relevant text books or use the internet for further information on sub-topics.
- Mind mapping - there are many concept maps that can help you show how sub-topics connect
- Brain storming – particularly helpful when preparing for an essay
- Jotting down ideas – anytime ideas may come into your head for that next assignment or exam– make note of these so you can come back to it later.
Ensure you have a tidy desk to do study and to keep your notes. You may choose to be in different environments when you are studying for an exam. For example, you may take your study notes down to the beach for the afternoon or you may take them on the bus to work with you. Wherever you are, make sure you are relaxed and have the concentration you need to make the most of your study.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Exam Blues
An examination (exam) is looming and your stress levels are rising. How can you stay calm, study well and blitz the exam?
Preparing for an exam and getting over the exam jitters is one that takes practice. You need a strategy that works best for you.
Staying calm is the first thing to do. So, you have an exam – find the things you have to learn and know how to do well. Don’t dwell on the fact that an exam is next week. Remind yourself that if you do the preparation work then you will be okay.
Some people prefer the ‘night before cram’ method. Whilst this may work in the short term, the knowledge won’t be there in the long term. It also means that the knowledge you acquire in the cram, you will most likely have to learn again in the future and it won’t be so easy to scaffold for future learning.
A ‘less stress’ method is one that I prefer. Here, you take your learning that you have done throughout the term or semester and compile your study notes. These notes consist of quotes, formulas, models, phrases, ideas, really anything to do with your exam topic. It is best to start compiling notes as the term or semester progresses. For example, if you are required to read chapters two, three, five, seven and eight of your allocated text book then summarise each chapter and include a heading for easy reference.
Most teachers will let provide you with tips on what you will need to know and understand to be successful in your exam. Remember, the exam will only have what you have been learning about during the unit or semester. It is amazing to realise that examination writers (most likely the subject coordinator) that set the exam do not include random topics or questions that you will not have learned about. The examination will cover what you have been learning throughout the term or semester. It is your time to show your teacher what you know!
Know your exam structure. Check whether it is an essay, short answer, multiple choice or a mixture. This should be provided by your teacher prior to your exam and help with your preparation. If it is an essay, know your quotes and who said them. Be able to back up your ideas. Write a sample essay structure including what ideas you will cover in which paragraph. If it is a multiple choice, know your facts. You are usually provided with four possible answers. It will include; one ridiculous answer, one that could be correct, another very close to the true answer and the correct answer. Cross out the definite incorrect answers if you are unsure of the true answer. Just because it is a multiple choice exam does not mean you do not have to know your stuff! With short answer, you will also need to ensure you have plenty of study notes and facts.
Your notes do not have to be full paragraphs. I like to use dot points and expand on anything I am not sure about. Typed notes are easy to read, but written notes are just as good. Make sure you reference where the information came from i.e.: text book, article, lecture. Carry your notes with you wherever you go so that you can glance at them from time to time. The aim is that the information will become familiar, easy to recall, thus ‘stick’ in your mind.
Studying for an exam does not mean you read over your notes day in and day out. You need time to absorb the information and also relax your mind. So make sure you eat well and get enough sleep. You don’t want to be having a brain overload the night before the exam.
The night before the exam, you may have trouble sleeping but if you know you have done the work i.e.: read all chapters, completed assignments, made great notes, spoken with the teacher about any problems, then you have nothing to worry about. You most likely know more than you realise! Get your family members or friends to ask you questions about your topic – just talking about will make you feel better.
One the day of your exam, have one last read over your notes. If you don’t know it now, you won’t know it in time for your exam. But because you have done consistent study over the semester or term you won’t need to stress! Take a bottle of water, pens and sharpened pencils and positive affirmations with you to your exam.
If once you get into your exam, the page in front of you is a blur, take a few deep breaths before starting. Remind yourself that you know your stuff! Take a sip of water and write your name on the exam paper. You will most likely have fifteen minutes reading time and you will be able to make notes. Write all your thoughts and ideas down on paper so that if you do have a mind block – it will be easy for you to refer to your notes. Take note of how much time you have to complete the exam and divide your time between questions so that you pace yourself well.
Once you get writing, it should flow. If you get stuck on a question this is okay. Stop; take a breather and a sip of water. Reread the question or move on to the next question. Don’t forget to mark the unanswered question so you remember to come back to it.
Once you have completed your exam stop, take a sip of water and a few breaths. Reread through your answers checking for punctuation, grammar and that you have answered the question properly.
After your exam – reward yourself. Take the afternoon off study, do something you enjoy. Rest your brain – you deserve it!
Preparing for an exam and getting over the exam jitters is one that takes practice. You need a strategy that works best for you.
Staying calm is the first thing to do. So, you have an exam – find the things you have to learn and know how to do well. Don’t dwell on the fact that an exam is next week. Remind yourself that if you do the preparation work then you will be okay.
Some people prefer the ‘night before cram’ method. Whilst this may work in the short term, the knowledge won’t be there in the long term. It also means that the knowledge you acquire in the cram, you will most likely have to learn again in the future and it won’t be so easy to scaffold for future learning.
A ‘less stress’ method is one that I prefer. Here, you take your learning that you have done throughout the term or semester and compile your study notes. These notes consist of quotes, formulas, models, phrases, ideas, really anything to do with your exam topic. It is best to start compiling notes as the term or semester progresses. For example, if you are required to read chapters two, three, five, seven and eight of your allocated text book then summarise each chapter and include a heading for easy reference.
Most teachers will let provide you with tips on what you will need to know and understand to be successful in your exam. Remember, the exam will only have what you have been learning about during the unit or semester. It is amazing to realise that examination writers (most likely the subject coordinator) that set the exam do not include random topics or questions that you will not have learned about. The examination will cover what you have been learning throughout the term or semester. It is your time to show your teacher what you know!
Know your exam structure. Check whether it is an essay, short answer, multiple choice or a mixture. This should be provided by your teacher prior to your exam and help with your preparation. If it is an essay, know your quotes and who said them. Be able to back up your ideas. Write a sample essay structure including what ideas you will cover in which paragraph. If it is a multiple choice, know your facts. You are usually provided with four possible answers. It will include; one ridiculous answer, one that could be correct, another very close to the true answer and the correct answer. Cross out the definite incorrect answers if you are unsure of the true answer. Just because it is a multiple choice exam does not mean you do not have to know your stuff! With short answer, you will also need to ensure you have plenty of study notes and facts.
Your notes do not have to be full paragraphs. I like to use dot points and expand on anything I am not sure about. Typed notes are easy to read, but written notes are just as good. Make sure you reference where the information came from i.e.: text book, article, lecture. Carry your notes with you wherever you go so that you can glance at them from time to time. The aim is that the information will become familiar, easy to recall, thus ‘stick’ in your mind.
Studying for an exam does not mean you read over your notes day in and day out. You need time to absorb the information and also relax your mind. So make sure you eat well and get enough sleep. You don’t want to be having a brain overload the night before the exam.
The night before the exam, you may have trouble sleeping but if you know you have done the work i.e.: read all chapters, completed assignments, made great notes, spoken with the teacher about any problems, then you have nothing to worry about. You most likely know more than you realise! Get your family members or friends to ask you questions about your topic – just talking about will make you feel better.
One the day of your exam, have one last read over your notes. If you don’t know it now, you won’t know it in time for your exam. But because you have done consistent study over the semester or term you won’t need to stress! Take a bottle of water, pens and sharpened pencils and positive affirmations with you to your exam.
If once you get into your exam, the page in front of you is a blur, take a few deep breaths before starting. Remind yourself that you know your stuff! Take a sip of water and write your name on the exam paper. You will most likely have fifteen minutes reading time and you will be able to make notes. Write all your thoughts and ideas down on paper so that if you do have a mind block – it will be easy for you to refer to your notes. Take note of how much time you have to complete the exam and divide your time between questions so that you pace yourself well.
Once you get writing, it should flow. If you get stuck on a question this is okay. Stop; take a breather and a sip of water. Reread the question or move on to the next question. Don’t forget to mark the unanswered question so you remember to come back to it.
Once you have completed your exam stop, take a sip of water and a few breaths. Reread through your answers checking for punctuation, grammar and that you have answered the question properly.
After your exam – reward yourself. Take the afternoon off study, do something you enjoy. Rest your brain – you deserve it!
Friday, March 12, 2010
I’m behind in my study – what do I do?
First of all, don’t stress and don't give up! Stress will only make you procrastinate and unlikely to complete any work to your best ability. Remind yourself, that you can do this. Take a breath and focus on one subject today. Take this subject and look at what needs to be completed. Are there articles to read? Do you need to start an assignment? Do you need to contribute to online discussion? Are there five chapters to read in your text book? Work out what you need to do next. Write the list which may look like this;
‘Science
1. Read chapter 2, 4 and 8 of Skamp text
2. Read articles by Keys, Novak and Gunstone
3. Contribute to online discussion on the past 3 weeks topics (approximately three contributing posts)’
Set time aside to complete this work. This may be two hours this afternoon and one hour tonight. You will need to make study your priority in the next two to three days to catch up.
Write notes for the articles you read in your notebook or type in a word document or online blog. This will help the information you read, stick in your mind. It will also be there for future reference in your study notes – particularly helpful if you have an examination at the end of semester.
Tick off your list as you complete your study. Once you have done these, it is time to move onto another subject you are behind in. Make another list of things and tick off as you complete them. Once again, you will need to immediately put aside three to four hours of time where you can do solid work.
To avoid getting behind in your study again, use your diary effectively. Write in important events outside of study, assignment due dates and weekly tasks. Tick off each day what you complete. If you do not complete a task on a set day, transfer it to your next study day. By keeping on top of your study, you will reduce the stress caused from a heavy work load. Study will be easier and you will be more productive in your work.
‘Science
1. Read chapter 2, 4 and 8 of Skamp text
2. Read articles by Keys, Novak and Gunstone
3. Contribute to online discussion on the past 3 weeks topics (approximately three contributing posts)’
Set time aside to complete this work. This may be two hours this afternoon and one hour tonight. You will need to make study your priority in the next two to three days to catch up.
Write notes for the articles you read in your notebook or type in a word document or online blog. This will help the information you read, stick in your mind. It will also be there for future reference in your study notes – particularly helpful if you have an examination at the end of semester.
Tick off your list as you complete your study. Once you have done these, it is time to move onto another subject you are behind in. Make another list of things and tick off as you complete them. Once again, you will need to immediately put aside three to four hours of time where you can do solid work.
To avoid getting behind in your study again, use your diary effectively. Write in important events outside of study, assignment due dates and weekly tasks. Tick off each day what you complete. If you do not complete a task on a set day, transfer it to your next study day. By keeping on top of your study, you will reduce the stress caused from a heavy work load. Study will be easier and you will be more productive in your work.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
10 ways to beat study stress
10 ways to beat study stress
1. Deep breathing
Deep breathing provides fresh oxygen to your brain allowing you to feel more calm and alert.
2. Exercise
30 minutes of exercise a day will make your body and mind feel more energised and take your mind off that next assignment that is due. It will help you burn not only calories but any frustrations.
3. Herbal tea
Have a cup of your favourite herbal tea and sit back and relax.
4. Yoga
Try out some yoga poses – yoga stretches and relaxes your body. Great for both men and women
5. Take a break
Read a chapter of a non-text book, ring a friend for a chat, walk outside and spend time with your pet. Whatever you choose make sure it is away from your computer and your study space.
6. Discuss your topic
Discuss your topic with a friend who has a good ear to listen or with a fellow student to exchange ideas. Just talking out aloud about any problems you have with a topic can help find the answers.
7. Schedule Time
Put extra time aside for any work you need to catch up on. This may mean you have to say ‘no’ to helping out a friend or Friday drinks. Remember you want to reduce your stress levels so catching up on or getting ahead with study will help do this.
8. Ask for help
If you are struggling with an assignment – email or ring your lecturer. You will find they will be happy to help you. Ensure you have specific questions to ask and let them know where you are up to in your study.
9. Sleep
Are you getting enough sleep every night? If you are tired everyday you will find it difficult to concentrate. If you have young children this may be a tough task, but do the best you can to get adequate sleep.
10. Music
Bring music back into your life. Turn on your iPod and dance around the lounge or go for a walk. If you have music downloaded on your computer – turn them on! You will be amazed how your favourite music can put you in a good mood.
1. Deep breathing
Deep breathing provides fresh oxygen to your brain allowing you to feel more calm and alert.
2. Exercise
30 minutes of exercise a day will make your body and mind feel more energised and take your mind off that next assignment that is due. It will help you burn not only calories but any frustrations.
3. Herbal tea
Have a cup of your favourite herbal tea and sit back and relax.
4. Yoga
Try out some yoga poses – yoga stretches and relaxes your body. Great for both men and women
5. Take a break
Read a chapter of a non-text book, ring a friend for a chat, walk outside and spend time with your pet. Whatever you choose make sure it is away from your computer and your study space.
6. Discuss your topic
Discuss your topic with a friend who has a good ear to listen or with a fellow student to exchange ideas. Just talking out aloud about any problems you have with a topic can help find the answers.
7. Schedule Time
Put extra time aside for any work you need to catch up on. This may mean you have to say ‘no’ to helping out a friend or Friday drinks. Remember you want to reduce your stress levels so catching up on or getting ahead with study will help do this.
8. Ask for help
If you are struggling with an assignment – email or ring your lecturer. You will find they will be happy to help you. Ensure you have specific questions to ask and let them know where you are up to in your study.
9. Sleep
Are you getting enough sleep every night? If you are tired everyday you will find it difficult to concentrate. If you have young children this may be a tough task, but do the best you can to get adequate sleep.
10. Music
Bring music back into your life. Turn on your iPod and dance around the lounge or go for a walk. If you have music downloaded on your computer – turn them on! You will be amazed how your favourite music can put you in a good mood.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
10 Tips To Kick-Start Your New Study Year
10 Tips to kick start your new study year
It is the start of the New Year and many are first year University students studying via distance for the first time. Elearning is a great way to further your education and get to exactly where you want to be. Receiving all your University material at once can be quite overwhelming. It is best to take small steps and ease yourself into your new study year. Here are ten tips to kick start your new elearning year;
1. Ease yourself into the new semester
- start with navigating your way around the university site
- read through your assignments and study topics
- work out what you will need to read first
2. Organise Yourself
-De-clutter your study space
-Refill your black and colour ink cartridges
-schedule study times
- have plenty of printer paper and pens on hand
3. Order Your Textbooks
- you will need them by the first day of the teaching period.
-order second hand textbooks to reduce costs
4. Prepare your diary
-schedule in important events ie: weddings, birthdays
-write in your assignment due dates
-write in the exam period
5. Introduce yourself to your fellow students
- most of your communication will be online so introduce yourself on the online forum
- include your name, year of study, location and something interesting about yourself
-join online study groups if available
6. Eat well
- eat plenty of fruit and vegetables everyday
-get adequate sleep every night
- you need to have an alert mind
7. Exercise everyday
- even if you only have time for 15 minutes!
- try yoga and stretching
- vary your routine so you don’t get bored
- alert body = alert mind
8. Get into good habits now
- stick to your study schedule
- check your University email regularly
- log on to University forums daily
- use your diary
9. Write down your goals
- have long term and short term goals
- write down what you need to accomplish each study session ie: read article xyz
- reward yourself regularly
10. Remind Yourself
- the overwhelming feeling will go away
- take one day at a time, take one week at a time
- tick of the study schedule as you go
- the more you use online tools , the easier they will become to use
No longer do you have to think ‘where do I start?’ – you have already started. You have taken the first steps to further your education – well done!
It is the start of the New Year and many are first year University students studying via distance for the first time. Elearning is a great way to further your education and get to exactly where you want to be. Receiving all your University material at once can be quite overwhelming. It is best to take small steps and ease yourself into your new study year. Here are ten tips to kick start your new elearning year;
1. Ease yourself into the new semester
- start with navigating your way around the university site
- read through your assignments and study topics
- work out what you will need to read first
2. Organise Yourself
-De-clutter your study space
-Refill your black and colour ink cartridges
-schedule study times
- have plenty of printer paper and pens on hand
3. Order Your Textbooks
- you will need them by the first day of the teaching period.
-order second hand textbooks to reduce costs
4. Prepare your diary
-schedule in important events ie: weddings, birthdays
-write in your assignment due dates
-write in the exam period
5. Introduce yourself to your fellow students
- most of your communication will be online so introduce yourself on the online forum
- include your name, year of study, location and something interesting about yourself
-join online study groups if available
6. Eat well
- eat plenty of fruit and vegetables everyday
-get adequate sleep every night
- you need to have an alert mind
7. Exercise everyday
- even if you only have time for 15 minutes!
- try yoga and stretching
- vary your routine so you don’t get bored
- alert body = alert mind
8. Get into good habits now
- stick to your study schedule
- check your University email regularly
- log on to University forums daily
- use your diary
9. Write down your goals
- have long term and short term goals
- write down what you need to accomplish each study session ie: read article xyz
- reward yourself regularly
10. Remind Yourself
- the overwhelming feeling will go away
- take one day at a time, take one week at a time
- tick of the study schedule as you go
- the more you use online tools , the easier they will become to use
No longer do you have to think ‘where do I start?’ – you have already started. You have taken the first steps to further your education – well done!
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