All entries for Monday 03 December 2012

First entry on Effective learning strategies

Workshop Tutor: Han-Na Cha

Introduction

My intention to sign up for this workshop was to learn about effective learning, I have always had problems in this particular area.

One of the real benefits of this workshop was that the tutor let us talk about our problems with learning, and would help us see what the real problem is. I mentioned that I plan absolutely everything, but I find it hard to start or to stick to the plan. This pattern was actually shown when I participated in a memorising activity in the workshop! I was suggested a method to solve this- create a more realistic plan and set deadlines to start tasks instead of deadlines to finish tasks.

We were asked to brain storm on particular subjects, and discuss our ideas with the tutor. This allowed us to actively think about a subject/ matter, one of the subjects was on factors that hinder or help learning. It came as no surprise that we all know what hinder and help learning, but often we neglect the factors, i.e., let whatever that hinders us go on hindering us. We then learn about the strategies that helps to avoid the hindering factors.

I also learnt about the type of learner that I am by doing the VARK questionnaire, and I am an aural learner which I expected.

Actions

1. Setting deadlines for starting a tasks.

   Action: whatever deadlines I have, I will plan a deadline to start instead of just writing down the deadline to finish. I am applying to 30 law firms for vacation schemes, at the mean time, I have 2 essays and an internship this christmas, so I have set up deadlines to do certain tasks.

2. Be realistic about the plans.

   Action: In the past, I would set up unrealistic plans like reading 2 chapters (around 80 pages), participating in 3 hour long dance practices and revising all in one day. I have recently however set up more realistic plans, reading 1 chapter per day with the intention to really understand what the chapter is about.

3. learn and study like an aural learner should.

   Action: Reading out the notes instead of just writing. Purchase a recorder when I go back to Hong Kong this christmas, for recording in lectures and also to record myself reading out the notes to boost memories.

4. Getting myself ready to study.

   Action: It is always hard to go straight to work after getting out of bed or finishing a sporting activity for me, therefore, I will start off by doing something that would set me into the 'focusing-mood'. Today, I realised that working on this blog set me into the 'focusing-mood', and hopefully, this will help me focus on revising for a test.

To write a follow up, go to http://go.warwick.ac.uk/skills//blog

Yuen Lo : 03 Dec 2012 22:11 |  Tags: A4 Portfolio Actions Wspa |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem