Module 7: Motivation

Hey y’all!!

After going through module 7, the thing I found most useful was the tip to use two separate accounts when doing homework online. I know that when I eliminate all distractions around me but still use my laptop, I am tempted to get on Twitter or Netflix. I can use a separate account on my laptop and create a parental lock on the sites that I know will tempt me. Something that I already use as a sense of motivation is taking breaks. I know some may think this takes away from either studying or doing homework but it really does make working a lot more productive for me. By using the Focus Keeper app, I plan to work for 25 minutes and then have a 5 minute break afterward. This gives me something to look forward to. It also gives me the thought in the back of my head that I really only need to work hard for 25 minutes and then I can give myself a break. Advice I would have for you guys is to remember you are essentially your only sense of motivation so figure out what truly matters to you. Also, take breaks. Hard work is great but don’t burn yourself out.

Module 6: Searching and Researching

Hey, what’s up guys?

After reviewing module six over writing and researching in college, I found the most useful thing I learned was about Boolean operators. Boolean operators can produce more relevant results when searching online for resources. In a CSE class I took in the spring, we had Boolean functions that consisted of “and” or “or” functions so it is similar to that but only with research. A specific thing I already use from this module is creating an outline for both my research and writing. When I research, I create an outline of questions that I would like to find answers to. When creating an outline for my writing, I like to structure my paper by what questions will get answered and in which order. This overall helps with organization and assuring that I include all parts required for the paper I am writing.  In the future however, I would love to start using Google Scholar to search for articles for a research paper. Advice I would have for you guys is to definitely take your time when creating an outline or researching for a paper. It is the foundation for a good paper which can go a long way!!

 

Module 5: Viewing Strategies

Hi guys!!

After reading through module 5, the thing I found most useful was the video of the different methods to take notes. I typically use the lazy man’s method to take notes if the professor provides the slides in advance. I will write small comments on the slides to create cues that will remind me of the information on the slide. Although this method isn’t very effective for me, I haven’t found one to replace it with so I have continued to use it. A method I would like to use in the near future is the outline method. I like to see things in list form which by creating a hierarchy for my notes, mocks the idea of a list. I have also used the method of typing out my notes for lecture. I think this method is effective if it is not your only form of notes or way of studying. I would take notes in a google doc and from that, make flashcards that went along with study guides or with what I believed was most important from each lecture. Advice I would have for you guys on note taking is to definitely find what works for you. I could go on and on about what works for me but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for everyone else. You should try out different note taking methods and keep the ones that work well for you.

 

Module 4: Study Strategies

Hey guys!

After reviewing module 4, the thing I found most useful was learning about the Leitner System study method! Normally when I study I try to use flashcards so this method is definitely one I would like to try. The method includes five boxes or five piles that represent a specific study interval. The first box gets studied every day, the second gets studied every three days, and so on. If when studying you answer a flashcard incorrectly, no matter what box it’s on, it gets moved back to the first box to be studied every day. I think this method would be kind of fun as well to see how long it takes you for all of the cards to get to the fifth box. Something from this module that I have already used and continue to use is working out in between studying. After a certain amount of time studying I become unfocused and irritated. Going to the gym for a break gives me time to both get a workout in and also regain my attention span. When it comes to studying: Space. It. Out. You put way less stress on yourself chunking your studying out over trying to cram a semester’s worth of studying into one night. I also find it way easier to be more efficient studying when I am not cramming because then I have time to take breaks.