Study Skills & Study Skills & TMA TMA

PreparationPreparation

2

Now that you have Now that you have decided …decided …

the next question:the next question:““How?”How?”

3

Outline of Presentation

• WOU’s Study Model and You

• Self-Study: how to do it successfully

• Time Requirement and Management

• Tutors and Tutorial Support

• Assignments and Examinations

4

OtherLearners

WawasanLearn

Tutorials

Assessments Assessments & Exams& ExamsRegional

Centre Support

Digital Library

YOUDistance Learner

The WOU’s ODL Model

Course Materials

5

Implications to You

• A Different Approach to Learning

• You Take Control of Your Own Learning

• Acquire a New Set of Study Skills

• Change in Life-Style

6

Self-Study Learning takes place through: • Interactive Course Materials:

– exercises & activities– further readings– self-test (Quizzes, CMAs)– audio & video materials

• Study/Discussion groups with peers• Online via WawasanLearn (LMS)• WOU Digital Library• Preparation of Assignments (TMAs), feedback

7

To Undertake Self-Study Successfully

• Set Realistic and Achievable Goals• Adopt Effective Learning Styles &

Strategies* • Practice Effective Time Management –

balance between study and work, family and other obligations

some sacrifices may have to be made.

8

Effective Learning Styles & Strategies---know yourself!

Learning Styles Strategies1. Visual learners-prefer to see what is being learnt.

Concept maps, colour coding, creating diagrams.

4. Reflective learners-like to think about and digest new information.

Review new work, write summaries, create own overview of topics.

2. Auditory/verbal learners-enjoy oral discussion.

Explain concepts to peers, use mnemonics, create own audio tapes by reading notes

3. Active learners-like to engage themselves with the material

Take notes, fill in sheets and work with models.

9

Effective Learning Styles Effective Learning Styles & Strategies& Strategies

Learning Styles Strategies5. Sensory learners-like to learn facts, details and solve problems

Memorise facts, work on projects and anything hands on.

8. Global learners-like to see the big picture before learning details.

Concept maps, diagrams, flow charts. Make connections between texts, notes and tutorials.

6. Intuitive learners-like to discover new relationships but dislike repetition.

Create own tables, write summaries and answer practice questions.

7. Sequential learners-like the step by step approach.

Go through a problem methodically, fill in sheets, do error analysis.

10

Motivating Yourself to Motivating Yourself to StudyStudy

1. Have a conducive environment to study.

2. Break down the bigger tasks into smaller achievable bits.

3. Set realistic learning targets & goals

4. Have incentives – reward yourself upon completion of a task.

5. Be positive.

11

Motivating Yourself to Motivating Yourself to StudyStudy

6. Learn actively.

7. Relax and exercise regularly.

8. Form study group.

9. Negotiate the support and understanding of your loved ones in this endeavour. You need their moral & physical support!

12

Time Required to Study a Time Required to Study a Typical WOU 5-credit CourseTypical WOU 5-credit Course

Self-Study* (hrs)

Tutorial & TMA (hrs) Total

Unit 1 32 Tutorial 2 34

Unit 2 32 Tutorial, TMA1 2+10 44

Unit 3 32 Tutorial, TMA2 2+10 44

Unit 4 32 Tutorial, TMA3 2+10 44

Unit 5 32 Tutorial 2 34

Total 160 40 200

Time Allocated forTime Allocated for

Self-study * (including Self-study * (including WawasanLearn & e-LibraryWawasanLearn & e-Library):): 160/200 160/200 80% 80%

Tutorial : 10/200 5%

TMA Preparation : 30/200 15%

13

How much time do you How much time do you need this Semester?need this Semester?• For one 5-credit course, you will require to

devote ± 200 hours for self-study 200hr/19weeks = ± 10.5 hours per week

• For 2 courses, ± 21 hours per week• For 3 courses, ± 31.5 hours per week

this works out to be ± 6.3 hours per day!!!(or ± 4.5 /day including Saturday &

Sunday)

Remember: You have a FULL-TIME job as well

14

How are you going How are you going to find the time?to find the time?

15

Work

Entertainment

Study

Family

Social

Juggling various responsibilities and Juggling various responsibilities and commitmentscommitments

You will have to prioritizeYou will have to prioritize

Some of the ‘less important’ activities may have to be sacrificed

Time ManagementTime Management

16

Time Management TipsTime Management Tips

• Set Targets – Know what you want to achieve in a day, week or

month – Scheduling– Make a schedule for your study, social activities,

exercises, dates etc (birthdays, anniversaries!!)

• Prioritise– Identify which tasks are most important and need to

be done first and which ones can be done later

17

Time Management TipsTime Management Tips• Avoid Procrastination

– Stick to your schedule, try not to postpone– Spend about 1-2 hours per day (5 days) per

course for self-study

• Know when you are most effective– Use the times when you feel most energetic to

do tasks that are more demanding, e.g. study the difficult components!

• Use spare minutes– Use your waiting time for making and reading

short notes

18

Tutors and Tutorial SupportTutors and Tutorial Support

Tutors’ role:

• Conduct Tutorials (F2F)(Facilitator NOT Lecturer)

• Conduct Telephone Tutoring• Moderate “WawasanLearn” • Marking and grading of assignments• Provide academic counseling

19

WOU Student Support: WOU Student Support: TutorialsTutorials

During Tutorials …• Exchange ideas with tutors and fellow students• Clarify concepts/assignment questions …• In-depth discussions on issues and applications• Get feedback on previous assignments

Reminder:• Facilitation & discussion, NOT lecture• Limited hours: Not all queries/doubts can be clarified

use WawasanLearn , e-Library & other learning support services

20

Assessment StrategyAssessment Strategy

ASSESSMENTLevel 100 & 200

courses

Level 300, SST Project Courses,

CEMBA & CEMPA courses

Continuous Assessment

50% 40%

Final Examinations 50% 60%

21

Assignments (TMAs)

• Assignments = Course work to demonstrate your understanding of the course content.

Thus, it is your own work.

• Types: essays, problem solving, case studies, projects or laboratory reports

• Adhere strictly to deadline for submission plan and manage your time

seek prior approval for late submission to avoid mark deduction!!!

22

Preparing for Preparing for Final ExaminationFinal Examination

Before exam:

• Study regularly throughout the semester

• Stick to a revision time table

• Apply proven review/revision techniques

• Practice using specimen and past exam papers

• Look after your health

23

Some proven revision Some proven revision techniquestechniques• Practice jotting down answers and making essay

plans.• Practice writing against the allocated time using

past year questions.• Use good quality notes, refine them further into

lists, mind maps, diagrams and transfer them onto revision cards.

• Create and plan a topic list and study schedule.

Thank You