Hold an audit of your skills:
Think about what is working well for you - and keep doing it! If something is not working well, plan to change it.
You may already recognise what it is you could do with changing, or you might realise this as the year goes on, for example through feedback on an assignment.
Here is one way to plan to change or further develop a skill.
So, how might this work?
Here is an example.
1. Decide what needs to be done e.g.
"I need to know how to cite and reference as this has always been done a bit randomly before"
2. Set goals for what it is you want to achieve and by when
3. Do the tasks and check them off the list
4. Monitor and evaluate e.g. work out what you can now do and what you need to work on a little more. Plan how you will go about actioning this.
Learning can be uncomfortable at times!
Listen to this short audio clip that suggests that, even though it can be uncomfortable, it is good to feel challenged when learning.
https://help.open.ac.uk/applying-yourself-to-the-learning-cycle#media-1
Active learning puts you in charge of your learning, rather than your lecturer or tutor. This can make it more satisfying, relevant, meaningful and memorable.
Some active learning strategies include:
Dweck's research (2006) suggested that people can have a fixed or a growth mindset.
A fixed mindset thinks that ability is 'carved in stone' and can't changed.
A growth mindset believes ability can expand and develop. With a growth mindset, challenge is welcomed and feedback is there to learn from.
As soon as you sit down to study you may find that doing something else seems much more appealing! It may be your phone, or friends or just simply doing anything other that what you have to get done.
Everyone is different, but it is good to be aware of what it is that distracts you the most and then try and mitigate against it. So, if it is your phone that distracts you, put it on silent or even on the other side of the room. If friends distract you, give them advanced warning that you are working and put a note on the door to remind them and you!
If you are doing something that is quite challenging it is easy to lose focus. Consider working in short sprints and taking regular breaks. Getting bored? Switch to a different task or a new location. Make sure any goals you set are realistic and manageable. Can you do the task in a different way, e.g. if you need to read and take some notes, take audio notes or be creative and make pattern notes.
University life can have its ups and downs. Some times of the year may be busier than others and there may be times when you feel like you are trying to manage all the different demands on your time.
Try and build in times where you can do some of the things that you enjoy doing. Take study breaks, enjoy social activities, look after your physical and mental health. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet and build some good support networks.
Successful learners usually have high levels of intrinsic motivation.
According to 'How to be Motivated: 4 New Insights From Research', what really motivates us is having:
So, if you can take charge of your learning, see yourself making progress and feel that what you are studying is worthwhile, you are more likely to stick at it.
At university, no one is there to give any structure to your day and time can so quickly run away from you.
If you have never though of developing a routine, consider using a wall planner or diary, time management app, or whatever works for you, to keep on top of lectures, assignments, work and social events. You will then see where the 'gaps' are in your schedule to build in time to develop a study routine.
Once you have set aside time for study, have a plan. Know what it is that you want to achieve in the time you have set aside and what you will the plan to do if this isn't achieved.
Don't expect too much initially, but be persistent and don't give up. Remember, routines can take a little while to establish and become routine!
Take regular breaks, set aside time to do the things that you enjoy and look after yourself.
Academic Skills Advisors offer individual support and advice on writing and study skills- ask@fxplus.ac.uk
Your Academic Liaison Librarian can help you to find suitable resources for your studies and improve your research and digital literacy skills - allibrarians@fxplus.ac.uk
For support with English language development, contact our EAP tutors - Languages@fxplus.ac.uk
And the Accessibility team support students with long-term health issues and disabilities by recommending adjustments to teaching, assessment and accommodation - accessibility@fxplus.ac.uk
Wellbeing team - wellbeing@fxplus.ac.uk
DWECK, Carol S. 2006. Mindset : The New Psychology of Success. New York: Random House.
