Posts

Maintaining Motivation: Module 7

As a student who will graduate in a week, motivation is something that is hard for me to come by lately. This module definitely gave me pointers on how to hold on just a little bit longer. Studying is something I really do not like to do, but having planned breaks and using progress as a motivator are two things from this module that I found helpful. I have always been one to justify study breaks when I haven’t done much work at all. But setting goals and having timed breaks is something that I tried and that helped me actually get somewhere in the studying process. One of the helpful sites for practicing healthy and smart study breaks can be found here: https://www.brainscape.com/blog/2011/06/how-to-take-a-study-break/

One thing that this module mentions is having some kind of music or background noise while you work. I already do this and I like to listen to the “Chill Ambient” radio on Apple Music; I don’t really know the words to those songs (if they have lyrics) and so I don’t find them distracting. “White Noise” is another great app for background noise that doesn’t keep you from focusing.

Bringing home good grades for Christmas break is another motivator, as well as finishing your semester strongly. Happy studying and stay motivated!

Searching and Researching: Module 6

Research can be a thrilling thing to do if it is a topic that piques your own interest-but how do you know that you are actually getting quality information?

In this module, we learned the difference between ‘searching,’ and ‘researching,’ as well as how to deduce if something is a worthy source.  The latter of these two is what I found most useful and relatable; finding sources that I know are credible is something I have always had trouble with, especially if it is a website.

First of all, it is important to note that most libraries have some kind of a database search engine or list, and OSU is not exempt. Their Research Databases List can be found here: https://library.ohio-state.edu/screens/databases.html

This will search hundreds of thousands of scholarly or academic articles with dates, author information, volume, edition, other resources, the list goes on. This is a sure-fire way to know you have a reliable source instead of your friend’s blog you found from a Facebook link.

If you are one to use a website, a helpful tip might be to look for sites that end in “.gov” or “.org” rather than “.com” so that they are more legitimate and are associated with government or local organizations.

Happy researching!

Web-Enhanced Listening and Viewing Strategies: Module 5

Studying for tests is an activity that I personally loathe; I find it tedious and somewhat annoying. However, I do not find it difficult because I take good notes. Taking good notes is something that all students must learn how to do. In this module, we learned several tips on how to do this which include active listening and avoiding distractions.

To both actively listen and avoid distractions, I find taking notes on paper rather than on my computer is a much better approach (at least for me.) Even though this is a personal preference, there is a video comparing technology to paper. Here is the link for that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoRl9uL1J0w&feature=emb_title

Additionally included in this module was a video on note taking techniques, meaning how to actually organize your notes when writing or typing. There were definitely some helpful tricks in this video, although I found it best for me to stick to how I know how to write down notes. During the “mock-lecture,” I found myself focusing on how I was writing, or the loudness or gestures of the professor, rather than the actual information I should have been absorbing. From this, my advice would be to evaluate your note taking and how you approach studying. If you find studying difficult and like you have to teach yourself things right before an exam, you may want to rethink how you’re listening and taking notes in class. With that in mind, change little variables at a time; if you change your entire approach at once, that may simply be a distraction, as it was in my case.

Happy note-taking!

Web-Enhanced Reading and Study Strategies: Module 4

For me, studying is the hardest part of school. I find it tedious to look at a book or notes for hours, and often find it difficult to really absorb anything. However, there are tactics and websites that can help with these issues; everyone gets stuck sometimes, but this module helped me understand better ways to stay motivated while studying.

One important thing to keep in mind is that you should always be keeping up with the readings in classes. Whether they are online readings or textbook chapters, staying up to date on those will make studying more of a refresher of the information rather than just an introduction to new information you have to cram in. Tips on successfully reading to learn can be found here: https://open.lib.umn.edu/collegesuccess/chapter/5-2-how-do-you-read-to-learn/

Something in this module that really helped me was actually my own idea that branched from the slides. While annotating online readings can be helpful, I also find having physical paper and a writing utensil to make notes as I go to be very helpful. It keeps me from singularly looking at a screen, and I can periodically jot down a note, or outline what I am reading. This keeps me awake and focused, as well as deters me from trying to do something else. Avoiding multitasking was also highlighted in this module, and a resourceful video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKaWJ72x1rI&feature=youtu.be

Happy reading!

Efficiency in the Digital Age: Module 3

Procrastination is something that looms near just about everyone, myself included. This can be dangerous when dealing with handfuls of due dates that seem to creep up from each corner of an academic calendar.It becomes especially hard with the era we live in; how many pieces of technology do we have to distract us from our work? (Too many…) However, in this module, we came across some helpful tips to keep procrastination at bay. One of these tips is to turn off distractions. I actually find that I do this already; I put my phone on do not disturb and try not to check it until I have done a good amount of work. When I do, I only spend about two minutes on it, and then I get back to work. It is also helpful to tell friends or family that you’re working on homework; they probably will offer support and encouragement, and stop blowing up your phone.

The most helpful thing I learned this week were basic tips on how to stop procrastinating. I have major issues with putting off assignments and keeping the mentality that I can just do things later. However, sometimes when I know I have something fun planned I do try to get my work done a few days early, which always works out for the best and I am happy I thought ahead.

The best resource for me this week can be found here: https://hbr.org/2017/10/5-research-based-strategies-for-overcoming-procrastination

The tip that worked best for me was to highlight the costs of procrastination! If I really thought about when I put things off until the last minute and remind myself of the stress I am heaping on, I would do my assignments in a more timely manner. I know the feeling of last-minute stress all too well, and keeping that in the back of my mind when doing tedious tasks would help me stay on track.

 

Communicating and Collaborating: Module 2

School is hard enough when blundering through on your own, but add others to the mix and it gets that much more difficult. Even though this might be the case, communication is absolutely necessary to succeed in your academic career. Whether it be talking with a professor or working with a group, having the right tips and tools to navigate these are essential.

We have just learned about communicating and collaborating in Module 2 and I found the information to be quite helpful. For me, the most important thing that I learned is how to deal with “lazy” group members. I like to be in complete control of my school work, but while collaborating for group projects, this cannot always be so. A helpful tip was to assume the role of group leader and make sure everyone is working together to the best of their abilities. “Mini-deadlines” are also something that can help progress be measured and keep everyone on track. The entire video discussing all these helpful tips can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZRyDgDlvqA

In addition to working with peers, we learned how to appropriately communicate with instructors. I was comforted when reading about how to professionally Email professors; I have never had an issue with this, but was happy to see that the steps I already take are ones that we were taught in the module. Based on this, I will stress the importance of addressing professors with respect, professionalism, and correct grammar. Even though it may seem like a little thing, you could stand out from peers who clearly do not take the time to communicate with them in an appropriate manner. You should always feel comfortable reaching out to instructors, so perfecting Email structure is a great place to start!