Managing your own Learning Studying in a Tertiary Environment

Managing your own Learning

Studying in a Tertiary

Environment

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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)

© Central institute of Technology 2013

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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)© Central institute of Technology 2013

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• 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.

Work, Study, Life Balance


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Set Yourself GoalsStart by thinking about your long-term goals, then develop short-term and medium-term goals to help you achieve them.Remember, goals should be:

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

• 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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- 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.

Ask if you don’t understand


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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 networksFind 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 ManagementWhen 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


Sample Study Timetable (On-campus, full time student)

12© Central institute of Technology 2013

Day/Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

8 - 9 am GYM TRAVEL GYM TRAVEL

9 - 10am FOOD

10 - 11am CLASS CLASS STUDY CLASS WORK WORK SHOPPING

11 - 12 noon CHORES

12 - 1pm LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH

1 - 2pm LUNCH LUNCH LUNCH

2 - 3pm TRAVEL STUDY

3 - 4pm CLASS CLASS CLASS WORK LEISURE LEISURE

4 - 5pm

5 - 6pm TRAVEL TRAVEL DINNER

6 - 7pm CHORES DINNER DINNER DINNER

7 - 8pm DINNER WORK DINNER DINNER

8 - 9pm STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY

9 - 10pm LEISURE LEISURE

10 - 11pm STUDY

11 - 12pm

Study Hours 1 2 4 3 0 0 2

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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• 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


Group work gives you

the opportunity

to:

Gain experience

in collaboration

Develop skills relevant to

employment

Learn more effectively by

exchanging ideas with

others

Participate in a larger project

Looks great on your resumeShares the

workload

Opportunity for multiple viewpoints

Enhances social skills and interactions

Develops teamwork skills

Develops planning skills

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Summing up…

• 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)


Take responsibility for your own learning by:

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Andrea’s role is 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, your career prospects or just want a bit of a chat, please feel free to contact her.

Andrea Redknap, Academic Advisor

T: 9427 1369

E: [email protected]

Who can I talk to if I want advice?


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ReferencesCottrell, 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 -

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Managing your own Learning Studying in a Tertiary Environment