Study Skills and Time Management A member of Navitas Limited
FAQ: Study Skills What are the secrets of success at university? What do lecturers really expect? How can you improve your results? How can you manage your time better? How can you keep motivated?
The Answers The good news is: There are techniques you can learn to help you in your studies It takes the right attitude as well as application Success is the result of your own efforts
Tips for Success in your Studies Get organised Get serious about your studies Take responsibility for your progress Set yourself goals Work on your motivation levels Get focused and task oriented
More Tips for Success Learn to manage your time effectively Participate in class Communicate with your lecturers, tutors and fellow students Ask questions & seek help when you need to Lead a balanced lifestyle
Lecturers Expectations Students are expected to be able to: Identify key ideas in a text Evaluate ideas and form their own opinions Think logically and construct a rational argument Take notes and summarise texts without plagiarising
Lecturers Expectations - more Write a well-structured, coherent essay Participate in class discussions and tutorials Work independently Show initiative and seek clarification and assistance when needed
Lecturers Expectations Students are also expected to: Have good research skills Acknowledge sources of information and reference work correctly Demonstrate an awareness of cultural differences in thought patterns, approaches etc
Time Management Have you ever wondered: Why lectures drag but lunchtimes and coffee breaks disappear in a flash? Why the weekend flies by while the week seems never-ending? Why there s never enough time when there are deadlines to meet?
Ten Facts About Time Your time is valuable Your time can never be recouped There will never be enough time to do everything you want in life Time is like money, easily spent with little to show for it Time is money in the business world
More Facts about Time Procrastination is the greatest thief of time Busy people are usually good time managers Planning is the first step to time management Prioritising is the second step Taking action is the final step
Practical Study Hints Learn to work smart: Get organised File all your handouts in a systematic way so that you can easily find them Do not rely 100% on your memory Use a diary to record due dates for assessments and tests
More Study Hints Listen carefully to the lecturer's instructions as this will save time later Remember that regular study helps you to keep on top of the work-load Plan ahead and avoid leaving things to the last minute
More Study Hints Prioritise: Do the most urgent and important things first This gives you time to seek help or clarification if you need it It also reduces last minute panic and stress
More Study Hints Set yourself targets to achieve and reward yourself for your efforts Be disciplined about your study Study times does not mean sitting at your desk surfing the Internet, chatting on-line, sending emails or talking on your mobile phone
The Study Plan Draw a blank timetable at the beginning of semester Write in your classes and other regular commitments, eg: work, sport Allocate set times for study & revision Allow time for regular household chores Be realistic with your times
More on the Study Plan Give careful consideration to your work commitments Remember that you cannot study effectively if you are tired or stressed Nor can you party all week and still get good grades Finally, schedule in some time for relaxation
The Study Plan Periodically assess your progress in each of your units Revise your plan as necessary You may need to allocate more time to the units you are weaker in Finally, remember that a study plan is like diet. It s hard to stick to all the time but it helps
Sample Study Plan Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun 7.30 Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Sleep in 8.30 ECONS 100 Study MATHS 100 Study LAW 100 Housework Sleep in 10.30 ECONS 100 Study MATHS 100 Study LAW 100 Shops Relax 12.30 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch 1.30 Study 3.30 Study COMM 100 COMM 100 Study Study Study Study Friends Study Study Study Study Friends 5.30 Walk Sport Walk Sport Walk Walk Shops 6.30 Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner 8.30 10.30 Study Study Study Study Relax Go out TV/ DVD
Study Environment Effective study is dependent on: Being in the right frame of mind Having a dedicated study place Working at the right time Having access to the right materials Using strategies to suit your learning style
The Right Environment Where do you study? Do you have a study at home? Do you study at a desk in your room? Do you study in the library? The real question is: Do you have a pleasant place to study where you can concentrate on your work?
Study Place A comfortable desk with clear workspace A comfortable chair Good lighting (preferably natural) Good ventilation Good temperature control Peace and quiet
Other Equipment Files and paper supplies Text books and workbooks A good supply of pens and highlighters Access to a computer Storage space for your materials
Your Own Study You will spend many hours at your place of study so it needs to be functional as well as pleasant and comfortable If you create a good place to study, you are more likely to want to spend time there
Motivation or the Lack of It Why are you enrolled in your course of study? If you have a clear sense of purpose, you are much more likely to succeed in your studies Lack of motivation is one of the major problems faced by many students
What is Motivation? Motivation is your desire to do something It is your inner drive which pushes you to do things You can maintain your motivation by keeping your goals in focus
Goals and Achievement Remember that you are the best person to motivate yourself You are better able to maintain motivation when you have clear and specific goals Reflect carefully on your personal goals as they will affect your motivation
Attitude Attitude is also very important. You need to: Set yourself realistic goals Think of difficulties as challenges and opportunities Enlist support from friends and family for the tough times
The Next Step Complete the quiz for this presentation AND Progress to the next study skills presentation