Preparing yourself for an online course,
whether it is totally online or with some classroom time,
is a matter of asking a series of questions.

Studies have shown that it takes a certain amount of self discipline and motivation
to schedule and manage yourself through such a course. 
If this is your first experience with online or distance learning,
your skill set of experiences and expectations begin with your educational goals with the course.

Concept map of elements of
an online learning experience

What purpose does this online course serve in my education?
Think the process through!
You may have to work without face-to-face contact with your teacher,
your classmates, and possibly outside academic support

How confident am I of

• Managing my time?
• Keeping your focus on the course objectives and assignments?
• Taking responsibility for accomplishing tasks?
• Meeting unexpected problems or challenges?

The course syllabus provides information about

• Prerequisites
• Course objectives and priorities
• The teacher and language of instruction
• Course schedule
  or pacing as regards timelines for completing tasks
• Procedures for submitting assignments
• Requirements for interaction
  whether live or asynchronous contributions
  whether in person or online via
  email, text messaging, chat rooms, videoconferencing
  whether discussions, feedback on projects, Q&A sessions,
  whether with the instructor, course mates, experts
• Assessment & tests
  Grading scales
• Academic support, whether online or in person
  Study guides, help lines, reference works, research librarians
• Opportunities for feedback throughout the course.

What is this course electronic learning environment like?

• What are the course technical requirements
  hardware, software, specialized applications
• What is the optimal browser, and perhaps email client
• What training is necessary for the course applications?
• What training or orientation is available for the textbook website, CD, DVD, etc.
• What training or orientation is available for the course learning system, such as Blackboard, WebCT, Moodle, etc.
• What training or orientation is available for additional communications options?
  Conference or chat rooms, discussion boards, video conferencing, email, voicemail, text messaging, etc.

What is my home learning environment like?

• What hardware and software do I have at home?
• What access to the Internet and email do I have?
  How fast is the connection and what connection is necessary?
• What technology does this course require?
  If not explicitly stated, ask the teacher
• If I should have a computer failure (disk crash or virus attack),
  what is my back up?
• Can I schedule time to complete assignments without interference?
• What alternatives outside the home are available to me?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Learning, for visual-spatial learners, takes place all at once, with large chunks of information grasped in intuitive leaps, rather than in the gradual accretion of isolated facts, small steps or habit patterns gained through practice. For example, they can learn all of the multiplication facts as a related set in a chart much easier and faster than memorizing each fact independently." ¹

Organizing:

• The visual/spatial perspective is the organizing principle
  Perfectionism for visual/spatial learners is a well-ordered and -designed space with each object in its place and appealingly so.
  They are uncomfortable, even restless, encountering incomplete or unsettled situations
• With an instinctive sense of balance and completeness
  they can tell when something is out of alignment, or not truly horizontal or vertical. 
  They are adept at working with mirror images and rotating images in their minds, and strive to bring order by constructing, arranging, color coding, or fixing things

Observing/experiencing:

• Visual/spatial learners are good at seeing the “big picture”
  of both simple and complex systems. Overviews or summaries are their specialty, often at the expense of remembering details or constructing sequences
• Personal presentation (dress, grooming, even gestures) is important
  Their own presentation/dress is as important as what they notice about others.  They establish eye contact when speaking, though can be distracted by their surroundings.  So also background sounds can disrupt their listening skills, and they often doodle during lectures, at meetings, etc.
• They prefer to read and work under subdued or natural lighting
  and in comfortable conditions, and are uncomofrtable with glare/harsh lighting, rough clothing, drafts, and temperature extremes

Learning strategies:

• Focus on the learning objectives of the class
  Meet with the teacher to understand and apply these to your situation
• Request advanced organizers
  to help you relate to new material with what you already know
• Look for opportunities to work with, manipulate and/or engage new material
  • Hands-on approach manipulating forms or objects
  • Using visual clues or landmarks rather than (verbal) sequential steps
• Look for visual/spatial dimensions in your study:
  Example: geometry has more visual components than algebra in mathematics;
  physics rather than chemistry in science;
  graphic applications in computer science and technology fields;
  studio arts in the creative arts, architecture, mechanics, aeronautics, engineering, urban planning
• Seek out independent and open-ended studies,
  problem-based learning, case studies, or ways you can be more active with the material to be learned and have alternative strategies of assessment or demonstrating learning

Study habits

• Always have the "big picture" before you
  especially when studying its parts or details
• When trying to remember things,
  close your eyes to get a “picture” or image of the information to facilitate recall or use flash cards with limited information so that you can "picture" details and concepts
• Once a concept is grasped,
  Practise applying the information to new situations or progressive stepped learning
  in place of routine drill and practice that will challenge your attention span
• Use mind or concept maps (rather than outlines)
  to organize writing assignments to visualize ideas, their connections, sequences, and conclusions
  Brainstorm using illustrations, mind maps and models
• Look for alternative sources of visual material when you study
  videos, overheads and PowerPoint demonstrations, graphs, maps, and media programs

Using technology:

• Take advantage of the visual elements
  of the computer in studying or locating information
• Take advantage of stop/start/replay
  in mediated programs
• Produce your own mediated programs
  in place of written reports
• Develop and apply graphical and/or three dimensional models
  to understand new material

For lectures

• Avoid visual distractions
  in classroom seating (windows, open doorways, etc.)
• Look for opportunities to break up lectures
  with reflective though active exercises (question-write-pair-share) and brain-storming sessions
• Illustrate your notes
  with images and graphs
• Review and organize your notes after class
  with concept maps
• Keep and organize a file of handouts
  and summary documents after lectures for review
• Request "guided notes" or blanks in handouts
  that provide you with cues for completion

Reading text books

• Look through titles, charts, graphs, and pictures
  to get an overall idea of the content before reading a chapter
• Use color highlighers
  to emphasize important material
• Write or illustrate in the margins
  to emphasize important material

Test taking/assessment

• Write out/illustrate steps in a sequence
  as a checklist to keep on task
• Think of visual cues and associations in remembering information
  (You may also see the location of an answer rather than the answer itself!)
• If you are challenged by standardized and/or timed tests,
  meet with your teacher to discuss alternatives for assessment
• Essay and/or short answer tests, or class presentations/demonstrations may be optional assessment techniques

 

Self-discipline
Self-discipline can be considered a type of selective training,
creating new habits of thought, action, and speech toward improving yourself and reaching goals. 
Self-discipline can also be task oriented and selective.
View self-discipline as positive effort, rather than one of denial.

Schedule a small task for a given time of the day;
Practice deliberate delaying.

• Schedule a particular task in the morning and once in the evening.
• The task should not take more than 15 minutes.
• Wait for the exact scheduled time.
  When the schedule time is due, start the task.
• Stick to the schedule for at least two months.

Advantages:  Scheduling helps you focus on your priorities. 
By focusing on starting tasks rather than completing them, you can avoid procrastination.

• Schedule a task and hold to its time;
  Avoid acting on impulse.
• Track your progress;
  At the end of the allotted time, keep a record of accomplishment that builds over time.

  Advantage: Building a record will help you track how much time tasks take.

• If you begin to have surplus time, fill it with small tasks, make notes to yourself, plan other tasks, etc.

Harness the power of routine.

• Instead of devoting a lot of hours one day, and none the other and then a few on an another day and so on, allocate a specific time period each day of the week for that task.
• Hold firm.
• Don't set a goal other than time allocation,
  simply set the habit of routine.
• Apply this technique to your homework or your projects, you will be on your way to getting things done

Advantage:  You are working on tasks in small increments, not all at once.  You first develop a habit, then the habit does the job for you.

Use self discipline to explore time management

Time management can become an overwhelming task.
When you do not have control over your own self, how can you control time?
Begin with task-oriented self-discipline and build from there.

Advantage: As you control tasks, you build self-discipline.
As you build self-discipline, you build time management.
As you build time management, you build self-confidence.

Maintain a self-discipline log book.

• Record the start and end times of the tasks.
• Review for feedback on your progress

Advantage:  This log book can be a valuable tool to get a better picture over your activities in order to prioritize activities, and realize what is important and not important on how you spend your time.

Schedule your work day and studies.

• When you first begin your work day, or going to work take a few minutes and write down on a piece of paper the tasks that you want to accomplish for that day.
• Prioritize the list.
• Immediately start working on the most important one.
• Try it for a few days to see if the habit works for you.
• Habits form over time:  how much time depends on you and the habit.

Advantage: When you have a clear idea as to what you want to achieve for the day at its start, the chances are very high that you will be able to proactively accomplish the tasks.  Writing or sketching out the day helps.

Discouragement:

• Do not be intimidated; do not be put off by the challenge
• If you slip, remember this is natural
• Take a break and then refresh the challenge

Tricks:

Associate a new habit with an old one:
If you drink coffee, make that first cup the time to write out and prioritize your tasks.

Advantage: Association facilitates neural connections!

Tick your progress:
On a calendar in your bathroom, on a spreadsheet at your computer, on your breakfast table:
Check off days you successfully follow up.  If you break the routine, start over!

Advantage: Visualizing is a ready reinforcement of progress

Role models:
Observe the people in your life and see to what extent self discipline and habits help them accomplish goals.
Ask them for advice on what works, what does not.

 

Concentration: the ability to direct your thinking

The art or practice of concentration,
no matter if studying biology or playing pool,
is to focus on the task at hand and eliminate distraction

We all have the ability to concentrate -- sometimes. Think of the times when you were "lost" in something you enjoy: a sport, playing music, a good game, a movie. Total concentration.

But at other times,

• Your mind wanders from one thing to another
• Your worries distract you
• Outside distractions take you away before you know it
• The material is boring, difficult, and/or not interesting to you.
• See the Flash distraction (needs high speed connection)

These tips may help: They involve

1. What you can control in your studies
2. Best practices

What you can control in your studies:

• "Here I study"
  Get a dedicated space, chair, table, lighting and environment
  Avoid your cellphone or telephone
  Put up a sign to avoid being disturbed or interrupted
  If you like music in the background, OK, but don't let it be a distraction. (Research on productivity with music versus without music is inconclusive)
• Stick to a routine, efficient study schedule
  Accommodate your day/nighttime energy levels
  See our Guide on Making a schedule and setting goals
• Focus
  Before you begin studying, take a few minutes to summarize a few objectives, gather what you will need, and think of a general strategy of accomplishment
• Incentives
  Create an incentive if necessary for successfully completing a task,
  such as calling a friend, a food treat, a walk, etc.
  For special projects such as term papers, design projects, long book reviews, set up a special incentive
• Change topics
  Changing the subject you study every one to two hours for variety
• Vary your study activities
  Alternate reading with more active learning exercises
  If you have a lot of reading, try the SQ3R method
  Ask yourself how you could increase your activity level while studying? Perhaps a group will be best? Creating study questions?
  Ask your teacher for alternative strategies for learning. The more active your learning, the better.
• Take regular, scheduled breaks that fit you
  Do something different from what you've been doing (e.g., walk around if you've been sitting), and in a different area
• Rewards
  Give yourself a reward when you've completed a task

Best Practices:

• You should notice improvement in a few days
  But like any practice, there will be ups, levels, and downs:

• It will benefit other activities you do!

Be here now | Worry time | Tally Card | Energy level | Visualize

Be Here Now
This deceptively simple strategy is probably the most effective.

When you notice your thoughts wandering astray, say to yourself

"Be here now"

and gently bring your attention back to where you want it.

For example:
You're studying and your attention strays to all the other homework you have, to a date, to the fact that you're hungry. Say to yourself

"Be here now"

Focus back on subject with questions, summarizing, outlining, mapping, etc. and maintain your attention there as long as possible.

When it wanders again, repeat

"Be here now"

and gently bring your attention back, and continue this practise, repeatedly. It will work!

Do not try to keep particular thoughts out of your mind. For example, as you sit there, close your eyes and think about anything you want to for the next three minutes except cookies. Try not to think about cookies...When you try not to think about something, it keeps coming back. ("I'm not going to think about cookies. I'm not going to think about cookies.")

You might do this hundreds of times a week. Gradually, you'll find that the period of time between your straying thoughts gets a little longer every few days. So be patient and keep at it. You'll see some improvement!

Do not constantly judge your progress. Take it easy on yourself. Good practice is enough to say that you did it, and that you are on the road. The mind is always different and the practice unfolds over time with many ups and downs.

Worry or Think Time
Research has proven that people who use a worry time find themselves worrying 35 percent less of the time within four weeks.

1. Set aside a specific time each day to think about
   the things that keep entering your mind and interfering with your concentration.

2. When you become aware of a distracting thought,
   remind yourself that you have a special time to think about them,

3. Let the thought go,
   perhaps with "Be here now,"

4. Keep your appointment
   to worry or think about those distracting issues

For example, set 4:30 to 5 p.m. as your worry/think time. When your mind is side-tracked into worrying during the day, remind yourself that you have a special time for worrying. Then, let the thought go for the present, and return your focus to your immediate activity.

Tallying your mental wanderings.

Have a 3 x 5 inch card handy. Draw two lines dividing the card into three sections. Label them "morning," "afternoon," and "evening."

Each time your mind wanders, make a tally in the appropriate section. Keep a card for each day. As your skills build, you'll see the number of tallies decrease

Maximize your energy level

When is your energy level at its highest? When are your low energy times?
Study your most difficult courses at your high energy times. Sharpest early in the evening? Study your most difficult course then. Later in the evening? Work on your easier courses or the ones you enjoy the most.

Most students put off the tough studies until later in the evening when they become tired, and it is more difficult to concentrate. Reverse that. Study hard subjects at peak energy times; easier ones later. This alone can help to improve your concentration

Visualize

As an exercise before you begin studying, think of those times when concentration is not a problem for you--no matter what situation. Now try to feel or image yourself in that situation. Recapture that experience immediately before your studies by placing yourself in that moment.. Repeat before each study session.

 

The world can be your classroom—through home or school.
Explore these options to find strategies that match your interests, strengths and challenges, whether in or out of the classroom. Using the Internet and technology as an environment can make your goal and tasks fun and interesting.

Skills include listening, speaking, memorization, reading, writing, and test taking. At the beginning memorization and repetition are important, but do not be discouraged if you seem to go too slowly.

Listening and understanding

• Practice listening!
  Infants “listen” for more than a year before they can say anything close to “mom” or “dad”.
  Watch videos and listen to music in your language, download Internet files with “speech” in the language. Try to recognize words, even sounds. Don’t bother trying to understand, just get used to the sound of the language.
• Use the language lab.
  Prepare yourself by reading exercises, then put them aside and listen.
  Only speak or write when asked to.
• When others in class speak,
  listen for what they say and mentally build images of their answers—in the language itself.
• Listen while a tutor or friend reads to you—
  maybe even something as simple as a children’s book.

Speaking

• Reading silently is not productive:
  use your voice! Read aloud: think of it as training your mouth to make the new sounds!
• Drills:
  Learn a short standard sentence, then substitute vocabulary, even words you look up for fun.
  Subject and verbs can change (I am going; you are going; etc.)
  Objects can change (I buy a car; I buy a CD; etc.)
• In class, if your “answer” does not come to mind
  repeat the question in the language, or use your new language to say that you don’t know, or need help! For this last, prepare a standard response that you can fall back on, but be prepared to respond to a question that follows your response! Stay in the mind set of the language, giving your brain time to work in the new language.

Vocabulary

• Be inventive in acquiring new words
  Post note cards around your room to learn and identify what is in the room, refrigerator, computer, car, etc. Speak the list, and if the word has gender, or is singular/plural, make sure you use the article!
• Create a visual thesaurus.
  Draw an image of a new vocabulary word
  Create a concept map of a word with synonyms, opposites, images, scenes, etc.
• Look up new words
  and their definitions in the new language’s dictionary or online, not in language pairs (for example, French-English). Write out the definition.
  Add one synonym or antonym.

• Memorizing:
  acronym, acrostic, rhymes, loci, keywords, image-naming, chaining

Reading

• Do not read word-by-word, or translate word-by-word.
  Prepare yourself for a reading:
  study its vocabulary first; review the advance questions.
  Then put aside everything and just read, even twice.
  Do not look up vocabulary while reading.
  Read a phrase or sentence as a “thought” to get its sense or meaning.
• Do not write in your text book or reading.
  Separately develop a vocabulary list as above.
• Go beyond your textbook!
  Children’s books are illustrated and easy to read!
  Websites are rich opportunities to explore your hobbies in other languages,
  and have common vocabulary that gives you a sense of what is written.
  (Google advance search will let you enter key words and choose a language for results!)
• Read/sing song lyrics of the language!
• As your skills advance, read novels,
  but read for the story, not vocabulary.
  Read a chapter, then if you see repetitive vocabulary, look it up and then read again.
  As you advance through the novel, you will forget about vocabulary for the most part.

Writing

• Some languages have unfamiliar alphabets and ways of writing.
  Practice writing these alphabets to both learn correct orthography (correct writing), and vocabulary!
• Develop writing assignments with the seven stages in your language
• Write out sentences you have practiced orally.
  Carefully construct patterns and then write out the sentences with substitute words--multiple times. If you have spell check and the “autocorrect” grammar feature in your word processing, use it!
• When you get corrections, re-write them.
  Correct what you got wrong, even repeating in order to embed it in your mind.

Technology

• Create flash cards
  whether digital or on paper
• Explore using your IPod, MP3, CD in the language
  in your car, and at moments when you are waiting or walking or biking, etc.
  Some studies have even showed results during sleep!
• Check out iPhone apps!
• Use the Internet; search for websites.
  Play games, read newspapers, look up your hobby, research for other subjects you are studying, etc.
• Watch videos and movies in your new language.
• Learn the words to popular songs and sing along!

Environment

• Immersion!
  Think of creating an environment in your room where you can be in contact with your language.
• Visit centers and organizations that cater to foreign nationals and immigrants
  International student centers, neighborhood and education centers, language  and bi-lingual associations, national halls, consular offices, library, etc.
• Study daily—develop a foreign language habit
  Think of studying as you would for a sport or music: a series of skills that need practice!
• Don’t miss a class!
  And get to know at least one other student to study with.
• Risk! Be fearless in making mistakes, and getting correction.
  Would an athlete object when his or her coach corrected certain moves?
  So also learning an instrument needs direction from a popular musician.
  This is the role of a teacher or native speaker!
• Think of building your skill set
  Basics lead to more complicated variations:
  for example, use “old” vocabulary to practice new grammar
• Study with a friend, in a group,
  involving yourself in speaking and listening. Play a game online or in the group in the language
• Relax and enjoy yourself!
  Do not worry about what you cannot remember, or cannot yet understand, or cannot yet say. You are learning and improving. The language will gradually become clearer in your brain as new connections are made, but this will happen on a schedule that you cannot control. So sit back and enjoy. Just make sure you spend enough time with the language. That is the greatest guarantee of success.

Tests

• Testing in language learning often expects you to write, speak, etc.
  Ask the teacher which skill (listening, speaking, writing, grammar, vocabulary, etc.) is tested! Prepare specifically for that skill.

Study abroad

• One of the biggest mistakes students make in study abroad programs
  is to hang out with those from their school in the new country. Don’t.
  Get the most out of your trip by living with a family (home stay), asking for a dorm with local students, meeting students in the country, exploring (shopping!) by yourself or a companion who does not speak your language.
  But be safe: ask advice about where to go and what to do.

 

Is your procrastination related to a project? or is it a habit?

To remedy procrastination:

Begin with one, modest project
Answer these basic questions
Keep the answers before you as you mark your progress:

What do you want to do?

• What is the final objective, the end result?
  It may be obvious, or not

• What are the major steps to get there?
  Don't get too detailed:  think big

• What have you done so far?
  Acknowledge that you are already part of the way, 
  even if it is through thinking!  
  The longest journey begins with a first step

Why do you want to do this?

• What is your biggest motivation?
  Do not concern yourself if your motivation is negative!
  This is honest and a good beginning.  
  However, if your motivation is negative, 
  re-phrase and re-work it until it is phrased positively

• What other positive results will flow from achieving your goal?
  Identifying these will help you uncover 
  benefits that you may be avoiding:  Dare to dream!

List out what stands in your way

• What is in your power to change?

• What resources outside yourself do you need?
  Resources are not all physical (i.e. tools and money), 
  and include time, people/professionals/elders, even attitude  

• What will happen if you don't progress?
  It won't hurt to scare yourself a little...

Create a simple "To Do" list
This simple program will help you identify a few items, the reason for doing them, a timeline for getting them done, and then printing this simple list and posting it for reminders.

Develop your plan, list

• Major, realistic steps
  A project is easier when it is built in stages;
  Start small;
  Add detail and complexity as you achieve and grow

• How much time each will take
  A schedule helps you keep a progress chart 
  and reinforce that there are way-stations on your path

• What time of day, week, etc. you dedicate yourself
  to work.  This helps you
  develop a new habit of working,
  build a good work environment, and
  distance distractions (It is much easier to enjoy your project when distractions are set aside.)

• Rewards you will have at each station
  and also what you will deny yourself until you arrive at each station

• Build in time for review
  Find a trusted friend, elder, or expert to help you 
  motivate yourself or monitor progress

Admit to:

• False starts and mistakes as learning experiences
  They can be more important than successes, 
  and give meaning to "experience"

• Distractions and escapes
  Do not deny they exist, but deny their temptation

• Emotion
  Admit to frustration when things don't seem to be going right
  Admit that you have had a problem, but also that you are doing something about it

• Fantasy
  See yourself succeeding

Finally, if procrastination is a habit of yours:
Focus on the immediate task and project, and build up from there.
Each journey begins with one step.

 

This strategy is one of many that can help you manage stress by setting realistic goals for yourself.
Try this exercise to organize, reduce and prioritize the number of events in your life.

 

Exercise text:
Organize tasks; manage your stress

1. Organize and prioritise your tasks and reduce your stress.
   Enter three tasks you need to accomplish.

2. Develop each task into three steps.

3. Organize!
   Re-arrange each of the steps from earliest due date (1 or highest priority) to those further out (12).

4. Print and post as a to do list.

 

The what, why and how of to-do lists

What:

• Listing!
  A simple presentation of three to five tasks that enables you to identify and visualize a core group of tasks in one place for easy reference

• It grows and shortens
  as you work through items

• Posted
  on a bulletin board, refrigerator or space
  readily reminds you of what you prioritize to do and when you need to do it (deadlines)

• Organize!
  It is an organizational tool that can be used for scheduling with
  electronic calendaring, strategic post-it notes, email, instant messenger, SMS and other communication services, etc.

• It can be a Not-to-do list where the time is not right, but you don't want to forget the item

• May help you develop timelines, sub-tasks, etc. to get the job done!
  (but separate from the to do list!)

Why:

• Reduce stress
  You can reduce stress by itemizing and prioritizing tasks and giving them a place in your life.
• Remind yourself
  A list displayed in a prominent place can remind you of what you consider important to do.
• Strategize completion
  When reminded, you also are thinking about the task,
  as well as what resources, strategies and options for completing the task!
• It can be fun!
  Playing with the list can encourage thinking outside of the box for solutions.
  Add images and pictures to create a more enjoyable even accurate presentation.

How:

• Use the simple exercise above to identify tasks
• Go to Prioritizing tasks to build an operational sequence
• Enter items into electronic calendaring, strategic post-it notes, email, instant messenger, SMS and other communication services
• Share
  With friends, family and colleagues for assistance and insights
  to communicate what you are working on and where you are
• Cross off items and celebrate their completion
• Apply the to do list to your daily life

 

 

As young children, we have a great ability to learn and to see past setbacks.
We try things, again and again, until we get them right.
Setbacks are only part of a successful process of learning.
Our drive, motivation, even curiosity to learn is personal, or intrinsic.

 

Developing time management skills is a journey
that may begin with this Guide, but needs practice and other guidance along the way.

One goal is to help yourself become aware of how you use your time
as one resource in organizing, prioritizing, and succeeding in your studies
in the context of competing activities of friends, work, family, etc.

First:  try our exercise in time management:  How do you spend your time each day?

Strategies on using time:
These applications of time management have proven to be effective as good study habits.
As we go through each strategy,  jot down an idea of what each will look like for you:

• Blocks of study time and breaks
  As your school term begins and your course schedule is set, develop and plan for, blocks of study time in a typical week.  Blocks ideally are around 50 minutes, but perhaps you become restless after only 30 minutes? Some difficult material may require more frequent breaks. Shorten your study blocks if necessary—but don’t forget to return to the task at hand!  What you do during your break should give you an opportunity to have a snack, relax, or otherwise refresh or re-energize yourself. For example, place blocks of time when you are most productive:  are you a morning person or a night owl? 
  • Jot down one best time block you can study.  How long is it?  What makes for a good break for you?  Can you control the activity and return to your studies?
• Dedicated study spaces
  Determine a place free from distraction (no cell phone or text messaging!) where you can maximize your concentration and be free of the distractions that friends or hobbies can bring!  You should also have a back-up space that you can escape to, like the library,  departmental study center, even a coffee shop where you can be anonymous.  A change of venue may also bring extra resources. 
  • What is the best study space you can think of?  What is another?
• Weekly reviews
  Weekly reviews and updates are also an important strategy.  Each week, like a Sunday night, review your assignments, your notes, your calendar. Be mindful that as deadlines and exams approach, your weekly routine must adapt to them! 
  • What is the best time in a week you can review?
• Prioritize your assignments
  When studying, get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task.  You’ll be fresh, and have more energy to take them on when you are at your best.  For more difficult courses of study, try to be flexible:  for example, build in “reaction time” when you can get feedback on assignments before they are due.  
  • What subject has always caused you problems?
• Achieve “stage one”--get something done!
  The Chinese adage of the longest journey starting with a single step has a couple of meanings:  First, you launch the project!  Second, by starting, you may realize that there are some things you have not planned for in your process. Details of an assignment are not always evident until you begin the assignment.  Another adage is that “perfection is the enemy of good”, especially when it prevents you from starting! Given that you build in review, roughly draft your idea and get  going!  You will have time to edit and develop later.
  • What is a first step you can identify for an assignment to get yourself started?
• Postpone unnecessary activities until the work is done!
  Postpone tasks or routines that can be put off until your school work is finished! 
  This can be the most difficult challenge of time management.  As learners we always meet unexpected opportunities that look appealing, then result in poor performance on a test, on a paper, or in preparation for a task. Distracting activities will be more enjoyable later without the pressure of the test, assignment, etc. hanging over your head.  Think in terms of pride of accomplishment. Instead of saying “no” learn to say “later”.
  • What is one distraction that causes you to stop studying?
• Identify resources to help you
  Are there tutors?  An “expert friend”? Have you tried a keyword search on the Internet to get better explanations?  Are there specialists in the library that can point you to resources?  What about professionals and professional organizations.  Using outside resources can save you time and energy, and solve problems.
  • Write down three examples for that difficult subject above? 
    Be as specific as possible.
• Use your free time wisely
  Think of times when you can study "bits" as when walking, riding the bus, etc.  Perhaps you’ve got music to listen to for your course in music appreciation, or drills in language learning?  If you are walking or biking to school, when best to listen? Perhaps you are in a line waiting?  Perfect for routine tasks like flash cards, or if you can concentrate, to read or review a chapter.  The bottom line is to put your time to good use.
  • What is one example of applying free time to your studies?
• Review notes and readings just before class
  This may prompt a question or two about something you don’t quite understand, to ask about in class, or after.  It also demonstrates to your  teacher that you are interested and have prepared.
  • How would you make time to review?
    Is there free time you can use?
• Review lecture notes just after class
  Then review lecture material immediately after class. 
  The first 24 hours are critical.  Forgetting is greatest within 24 hours without review!
  • How would you do this?
    Is there free time you can use?

Review your ten applications above.
Select one, and develop a new study habit.
Try something you have a good chance of following through and accomplishing.  Nothing succeeds like a first successful try! 

Try the University of Minnesota's Assignment Calculator

Develop criteria for adjusting your schedule
to meet both your academic and non-academic needs

Effective aids:

• Create a simple "To Do" list
  This simple program will help you identify a few items, the reason for doing them, a timeline for getting them done, and then printing this simple list and posting it for reminders.
• Daily/weekly planner
  Write down appointments, classes, and meetings on a chronological log book or chart.
  If you are more visual, sketch out your schedule
  First thing in the morning, check what's ahead for the day
  always go to sleep knowing you're prepared for tomorrow
• Long term planner
  Use a monthly chart so that you can plan ahead.
  Long term planners will also serve as a reminder to constructively plan time for yourself

 

 

Adaptive techniques for solving problems are a combination of logic and common sense, and while not precise, can produce satisfactory solutions.

If you cannot follow the complete problem solving process, use these techniques when you

• have little time for research
• don't need exhaustive analysis
• can accept the risks
• can make reversible decisions

Strategies toward adaptive decision making:

Managing by exception: exercise
Managing by exception: text
Work on matters critical to you; leave off matters that are not.  Strategizing and prioritizing

Example:  You tutor a child in math.  You become aware that the family situation is troubled, but you haven't the skills to help.  You inform the case manager for their action, but continue to focus on the supporting the child with his/her homework

Decision staggering
Make incremental decisions to achieve an objective and avoid total commitment to a decision you cannot change.

Example: Before installing air-conditioning, try screens, shades, and fans. These alone may do the job. If not, these improvements will still have helped cool the building and increase air-conditioning efficiency if later installed.

Exploration
Use information available to probe for a solution.
Exploring is a modified trial-and-error strategy to manage risk. Unlike a throw of dice, however, it requires a firm sense of purpose and direction. Use this technique to move cautiously in small steps toward a solution.

Example: Doctors avoid committing to a single, incomplete diagnosis of an illness. Through tentative but precise exploration, they determine the cause of an illness and its cure.

Hedging
Spread risk by avoiding decisions that lock you into a single choice if you are not prepared to commit.

Example:  astute investors don't "put all their eggs in one basket." They spread risks with a balanced portfolio of stocks, bonds, and cash.

Intuition
Create options based on your experience, values, and emotions (your gut feelings and your heart)! While often able to arrive at the truth through intuition, don't rely on it exclusively. It can trigger snap judgments and rash decisions. Use logic first, then your intuition to make the decision "feel" right

Delay
Go slow and/or postpone committing yourself to a course of action
if an immediate decision isn't necessary and there's time to develop options.
Sometimes doing nothing is the best decision; the problem will either go away, conditions will change, the path may become clearer as you reflect on it, or events will change the problem itself.

Delegating decision-making or action to another person or group
Sometimes we take on problems that are not ours,
or that the problem can be solved better by someone else.
One strategy towards delegation is to identify stakeholders of the problem.  A stakeholders is a person or group that interest in, or will be affected by, resolution of the problem.  (This is a good practice for all decision-making!)
Another consideration for "out-sourcing" a problem's resolution is to consider if your resources will be adequate to the task.  Resources are time, money, skills, confidence, etc.

Visioning
Focus on the future to uncover hidden opportunities and options that may resolve the problem.
With options, we make better decisions. Without them, decisions become forced choices.
By finding tomorrow's opportunities and developing options, you can make enduring, quality decisions.

Barriers to effective decision-making

Indecision
Avoiding decisions to escape the unpleasant aspects of risk, fear, and anxiety

Stalling
Refusing to face the issue; obsessive gathering of endless facts

Overreacting
Letting a situation spin out of control; letting emotions take control

Vacillating
Reversing decisions; half-heartedly committing to a course of action

Half measures
Muddling through. Making the safest decision to avoid controversy but not dealing with the whole problem

 

We solve problems and make decisions everyday/all the day:
at home, at work, at play, even at the grocery store!

Some problems and decisions are very challenging,
and require a lot of thought, emotion, and research.  The steps of this guide are designed to help you make good decisions
Good luck!

Flexibility

This procedure looks as if one moves neatly from step to step. This isn't the case.  These steps simply provide a structure for working on the problem. They overlap, and you may have to return to earlier steps or work them simultaneously as you find the best solution.

Examples of flexibility:

• Information gathering occurs in all steps—from recognition of the problem to implementation of its solution
• New information may force you to redefine the problem
• Alternatives may be unworkable, and you'll have to find new ones
• Some steps may be combined or abbreviated

Step 2:  Defining the problem & gathering information

Adapted with permission from
Beckno, John, Action Officer, Chapter 3, Army's Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia

 

A:  Approach/attitude/arrange

• Approach your studies with a positive attitude
• Arrange your schedule to eliminate distractions

S: Select/survey/study!

• Select a reasonable chunk of material to study
• Survey the headings, graphics, pre- and post questions
  to get an overview
• Study marking any information you don’t understand

P: Put aside/piece together:

• Put aside your books and notes
• Piece together what you've studied, either alone, with a study pal or group, and summarize what you understand.

I: Inspect/Investigate/inquire/:

• Inspect what you did not understand.
• Investigate alternative sources of information you can refer to:
  other text books, websites, experts, tutors, etc.
• Inquire from support professionals (academic support, librarians, tutors, teachers, experts,) for assistance

R: Reconsider/reflect/relay

• Reconsider the content:
  If I could speak to the author, what questions would I ask or what criticism would I offer?
• Reflect on the material:
  How can I apply this material to what I am interested in?
• Relay understanding:
  How would I make this information interesting and understandable to other students?

E: Evaluate/examine/explore:

• Evaluate your grades on tests and tasks
  look for a pattern
• Examine your process
  toward improving it
• Explore options
  with a teacher, support professional, tutor, etc.

Revised, thanks to
Dwayne Ross; Edward R Wilkens, Stern Center for Language and Learning; Phyllis Utley, Greenville Technical College

 

You can prepare yourself to succeed in your studies.
Try to develop and appreciate the following habits:

• Take responsibility for yourself
  Recognize that in order to succeed you need to make decisions about your priorities,
  your time, and your resources

• Center yourself around your values and principles
  Don't let friends and acquaintances dictate what you consider important

• Put first things first
  Follow up on the priorities you have set for yourself, and don't let others, or other interests, distract you from your goals

• Discover your key productivity periods and places
  Morning, afternoon, or evening?
  Find spaces where you can be the most focused and productive.
  Prioritize these for your most difficult study challenges

• Consider yourself in a win-win situation
  When you contribute your best to a class, you, your fellow students,
  and even your teacher will benefit.
  Your grade can then be one additional check on your performance

• First understand others, then attempt to be understood
  When you have an issue with an instructor (a questionable grade, an assignment deadline, etc.) put yourself in the instructor's place.
  Now ask yourself how you can best make your argument given his/her situation

• Look for better solutions to problems
  For example, if you don't understand the course material, don't just re-read it.
  Try something else! Consult with the professor, a tutor, an academic advisor, a classmate, a study group, or your school's study skills center

• Look to continually challenge yourself

 

Whether you're getting ready to apply for admission to college or are seeking a professional certification, preparing to take a standardized exam can be very stressful. Not only do you need to possess a solid understanding of the material covered by the exam, you also have to know how to read questions that sometimes seem to be worded in a deliberately tricky manner.

To compound the issue, you also have to cope with the added variable of dealing with completing your exam with an allotted amount of time in a controlled testing environment. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to take some of the stress out of the standardized test taking process.

Test Taking Techniques

If it's been a while since your last standardized exam, you'll probably need to spend some time brushing up on your test taking skills before you actually take your test. Most standardized exams consist of multiple choice or true/false items, or a combination of the two types of questions.

For multiple choice questions, be sure to read the question very carefully. Try to pick out the key words so you can be confident that you clearly understand what is being asked. The next step is to read each possible carefully and eliminate the ones that are obviously wrong. This process of elimination will help you narrow down your choices for each item, increasing the odds that you will chose the correct answer.

For true/false test items, reading the question carefully is essential. Watch very carefully for absolute words such as "all" and "always". The fact that a particular occurrence is usually true does not mean that it is always true. Remember that if any one part of a statement is not correct, then the answer has to be false.

Test Preparation

During the weeks prior to your scheduled exam date, it's a good idea to complete one or more practice tests specific to the exam you are going to take. Score your practice test questions, and look closely at the items you missed. By making sure you understand the reasons the answers you selected were incorrect, you'll be in a better position to interpret the questions correctly the next time.

While you are preparing for the exam, learn what you can about the manner in which the test will be scored. It is very important to find out if wrong answers count against your score. If they do, you should avoid guessing if you aren't fairly certain which answer is correct. If there is no penalty for wrong answers, however, make sure that you don't leave any questions blank. If a wrong answer can't hurt your score, it only makes sense to attempt to answer every question. Doing so might actually have a positive impact on the outcome of the exam.

On Exam Day

Make sure to eat a healthy meal before you take your exam. Don't go overboard with caffeine or sugar. The last thing you want to deal with is an energy crash while you are in the middle of your test. Leave your house in plenty of time to arrive at the testing center with plenty of time to spare so that you don't incur additional stress related to running late.

The biggest issue you are likely to have to deal with on exam day is stress. Most people find it counterproductive to study or work through practice test items the same day they are scheduled to test. If you have thoroughly prepared for the exam ahead of time, there is no reason to exhaust yourself by cramming immediately before the exam. You should try to be as fresh and rested as possible when you begin the exam. Do your best to relax and focus prior to beginning your test.

Put Forth Your Best Effort

During the exam, make sure to reach each question carefully and think through your responses. Pay attention to the amount of time that has elapsed and the amount of time that is remaining throughout your testing experience. If you have used the proper exam preparation strategies, you'll be in a great position to earn an outstanding score on your next standardized test.

 

How to prepare effectively for an exam

1. Make sure you will collect all lecture notes and related material at least 2 weeks before the exam. After that this task will be almost impossible to complete.
2. You DEFINITELY need to get some past papers for this exam. Usually you can get them from the library, university web site or from your own tutor. In some cases past papers may be accompanied with answers.
3. 1-2 weeks before the exam talk to your tutor and ask him or her what kind of questions there will be on exam. In 70% of cases you will receive very valuable information which will significantly help you to prepare. Another important aspect is the number and worth of questions.
4. Carefully plan your time for exam preparation. You should give yourself at least 2 full days to prepare. If you are working – take several days off work – it worth it.
5. Start preparation from an early morning. Switch off mobile phone, TV, don’t check your emails and avoid any other disturbances. Make sure you have enough high-calories food (like chocolate).
6. Firstly read all your lecture notes. Vast majority of exams is based on the lecture notes (only or mainly) therefore you don’t need to read all course-recommended books. If you don’t understand something – talk to your classmates, read books, search Internet. Make sure you understand everything.
7. Secondly, answer ALL past exam papers and check your answers. It is useful to collaborate with your classmates because in this case group work may help you to avoid some mistakes.
8. Thirdly, analyse all previous exam papers and information received from your tutor. Try to estimate what kind of exams there will be. Then, assess your capabilities. For example, if you are good with numbers and calculations and KNOW that there will be some questions of such kind on exam, it is advisable for you to concentrate on reviewing techniques related to such questions. Try to plan the questions which you are going to answer (if you are more or less sure they will appear). On 99% of exams students have choice to answer 4 questions from 6 for example), therefore you SHOULD NOT know everything! It is sometimes better to leave some areas and to concentrate on others.
9. If you have a chance – talk to someone from previous year who took this exam. Quite often you can receive some valuable information for them.
10. Make sure you get good sleep before the exam. Many students are much stressed and can’t sleep. Try to use your own tricks to avoid it, for example go to bed earlier, read something, don’t watch TV and etc.
11. Wake up at least 2 hours before you need to leave the house. If you want – do some reading and reviewing, but not much. Eat well. Don’t forget to take all of your lecture notes with you to the university, because you may wish to look at them to clarify something at the last minutes.
12. Take your own stationary: several good pens, calculator and etc.
13. And lastly, when the exam has started – DON’T PANIC even if you seem not to know anything. Relax and write everything you know. Watch the time carefully, so that you have approximately equal amount of time for each questions.
14. GOOD LUCK!

       

 

Exam Preparation Tips

For many people, exam time is the most stressful part of the school year. With so much riding on the outcome, there can be a high degree of pressure to perform well. Here are some exam preparation tips to help you excel in school.

Getting Started

The earlier you start, the more time you will have to prepare for the exam. You don't have to wait until exam time approaches; try to set the stage from the beginning of the course by reviewing the material after each class. By starting early and studying on a regular basis, you will have a better opportunity to absorb the information and life will be a lot easier when it's time to put it all together for the exam.

Make sure all of your course material is well organized so you can find and fill any gaps. If you miss any classes, get the notes from your friends right away instead of scrambling at the last minute. Proper organization will help you to get a better picture of the material that has to be covered and improve the flow of the study process.

Creating a Study Plan

As the exam nears, you will need to create a plan to help you study effectively and minimize stress. The first step is to figure out how much time and effort you must dedicate to studying for the exam by asking the following questions:

• How much material do you need to cover?
• How difficult is the material?
• How much time is available?
• Do you have any other priorities during the study period?
• What is the format of the exam?
• How important is the exam?
• What is your performance target for the exam?

To prepare the study plan, map out all of the material that has to be covered and make a schedule showing what, when and how much you will study each day. If you have kept up with the course work, studying will involve revision of the material that you have already covered. If you are behind in the course, you will have to finish the readings and other uncompleted work before starting the revision (if there isn't enough time to go over everything, you must decide what is most important for the exam).

Here are some tips to follow in creating your study plan:

• budget your time realistically;
• allocate the study time into several manageable study sessions;
• divide the course material into small segments and assign them to the study sessions;
• set clear and specific goals for the study sessions;
• prioritize to ensure that material weighted more heavily in the exam gets sufficient study time;
• take into account your familiarity with the material and the difficulty level;
• don't make the study sessions too long;
• study sessions should have enough variety in terms of topics and activities to prevent boredom and loss of effectiveness;
• avoid cramming before the exam; and
• don't forget to include regular breaks.

Studying for the Exam

You are now armed with a plan and ready to start studying for the exam. Try to study in a location where you can concentrate and won't be interrupted. You can work with others or join a study group if you find it helpful, but be careful to keep it from turning into an inefficient use of your time. Some proven study tools and techniques are listed below - people respond to different learning styles, so use what works for you.

Revising with Summary Notes

Make a condensed version of your readings and class notes by creating summary notes. Pinpoint the key terms and concepts and make sure that you understand them. You can identify key terms and concepts by paying attention to what has been emphasized in your classes, textbooks and course syllabus. For example, if a particular topic has taken up a lot of time in the classroom, it is more likely to be on the exam and you should have a good understanding of it.

The process of making summary notes can help you to retain more information. By writing the information thoughtfully instead of just seeing it, you can develop a greater perception of the material. To take this further, activate your other senses: you can recite the summary notes aloud, and even record and listen to them.

Memorizing with Flashcards

Flashcards (or "index cards") are a good memorization tool. Reduce your summary notes into bullet points, keywords, lists, formulas and diagrams and place them onto a card for each topic. (Some people like to use flashcards to prepare their summary notes in the first place, while others find that it leads to information overload.)

The items on the flashcards act as memory triggers. By memorizing the flashcards you can enhance your ability to recall larger bits of information referenced by the triggers. You can carry the cards with you and review them even when you have only short bursts of time available.

Practicing under Exam Conditions

Knowing the course material is necessary but not sufficient to guarantee success on the exam - you also need to be able to communicate the answers effectively under exam conditions. Practice using sample questions in the same format as the exam and answer them in a simulated test environment. The sample questions can be sourced from old exams and assignments, which are often similar from year to year with small changes. Even though you are only practicing, it is better to write full answers to the questions so you can work through the entire thought process.

The practice session should serve as a feedback loop. Check the answers to the practice questions to diagnose your strengths and weaknesses. If you are weak in an area, go back and study it further to address any gaps.

Taking Care of Yourself

Don't forget to take care of yourself during the exam preparation. It is very important to be in good mental and physical condition for the exam. A small amount of stress can get you psyched, but too much mental or physical strain can be detrimental to your performance. The last thing you want to do is to sabotage your efforts by ignoring your well-being.

After you finish studying, take some time to relax. Don't stay up too late if you can help it and try to get a good night's sleep. Eat before the exam to build your energy, but avoid heavy foods that can make you drowsy.

Keep a positive attitude about the exam. Think of it as a way to demonstrate your knowledge and not as some imposing challenge. Go to the exam focused and relaxed - you have done the work, now it's time to reap the rewards.

        

If you have procrastinated until the very last moment to study, then there are several things you can do to help "soak up" more information in a short amount of time.

First, you should study several sections of material at a time, taking breaks in between sections (several minutes) and skipping around instead of following the order. This will commit the various topics to memory much more effectively than reading through them again and again nonstop.

The Pearl
The person that I would like to emulate in “The Pearl” written by John Steinbeck is Juana. I find that Juana is a good and dutiful wife, a loving and a devoted woman and a very strong courageous woman.
First, as a wife, she gets up before Kino and prepares corn cakes for him. She only eats when Kino has eaten. She speaks only when she is spoken to. She does so because she respects him. She values what Kino has done for her. She is happy with her decent life. She is grateful to have a responsible husband and a healthy son.
Next, as a mother, Juana loves her baby, Coyotito. When Coyotito is stung by the scorpion, she quickly sucks the poison out and asks for a doctor to treat his son. She sucks out the poison without thinking of the risk. When the doctor refuses to treat Coyotito, she does not give up hope. She tries an alternative treatment that she knows. She applies a poultice of seaweed on Coyotito’s wound. She also chants and pray to God to save her son.
Juana also shows her devotion to both her husband and son. When Coyotito is stung by the scorpion, she asks for a doctor. Even though she knows that they cannot afford to pay him, she insists on getting treatment for her son. Similarly, when Kino decides to leave La Paz, she follows him without much arguement. She devotes herself to her husband even after Kino hits her for trying to throw away the pearl back into the sea.
Moreover, I admire Juana for her strength and courage. She is not a greedy person. When she senses that the pearl is evil, she asks Kino to throw it back into the sea. When Kino refuses, she takes matter in her own hands. She tries to throw it into the sea but is prevented by Kino. Then, when her husband accidentally killed an attacker, she gives her full support. She follows hiM to another city . When Kino asks her to leave first with Coyotito so that he can fight the trackers who are following them, Juana refuses him. She insists on staying by his side.
Again Juana shows her strength and courage when her son is killed by the trackers. Instead of giving up and living in regrets, she carries Coyotito’s dead body on her back and asks Kino to throw the pearl back into the sea. Returning the pearl to where it belongs implies that Kino is throwing away the evil that has ripped off their happiness. She hopes without the evil pearl, she will be able to begin a new life.
So, it is clear that Juana is a person I should emulate. Even though she is only a woman from low class background, she has so many wonderful values and great qualities that many women do not possess.

I might not be the top student in my class. But hey, I have done last minute study for several years now, and it worked! I never fail any of my papers. Well, I am just an average joe like you guys, I party a lot, I have a job, I spend most of my time with my friends and yes, girlfriends... you should imagine how much time that I have in a day... and how much time left for my study? NONE!

The first principle for effective last minute study is to leave everything behind and set your study as your only priority. You can leave your problems with your girl, family and even forget about you don't even have a penny in your pocket. Bear in mind, all the time left until you sit for the exam is crucial, and you have to effectively use all the time left for your study. By the way, you have spent the whole year for other things, why don't just sacrifice this little time for your future good? It won't hurt.

Next principle is you have to gear yourself with essential tools, accessories, equipments or anything else that relevance for your study before you start. These may include a cup of dark coffee, a Mentos and even a tooth paste (this is a practice by a friend; she puts a little of it near to her eyes to stay focus). It depends on you. You should know what you need. As for me, I am fine with my iPod to start reading.

Besides that, you can also get a study buddy, and study together. Preferably someone from your class who sits the same exam paper as you do. Work together. Study together. It will save loads of time when you ask him if you find any problem in your study than just read it again and again.

Lastly, stay calm. Do not stress yourself to turn over to next page every 10 seconds in order to finish reading that whole 1000 pages book. You should understand what you are reading. It is ok for you to forget what you are reading in previous page while you are still reading, because you will eventually remember them during exam. Trust me.

Now, what are you waiting for? Start study, my friend! No more time to waste!