Managing your learning

1. Managing your learning

2. Learning Outcomes • Select 10 strategies for managing stress; • Set a goal based on 9 characteristics of effective goals; • Apply 7 motivational strategies for successful learning; • Practise 3 aspects of time management; • Identify 8 causes of poor concentration and strategies to improve concentration.

3. Being independent • Planning and managing the smart way • Applying smart time management • Motivating yourself

4. Managing stress • Goal setting • Motivational strategies • Time management • Concentration Coping with Learning

5. a) Managing stress Symptoms of stress are: • Outburst of anger • Loss of efficiency in your studies • Restlessness and / or uneasiness at being alone • Withdrawal from friends and social situations • A lack of joy, spontaneity, happiness or enthusiasm • Preoccupation with certain thoughts, especially negative ones • Difficulty in concentrating and / or making minor decisions • Intolerance of people, and irritability, especially during discussions or disagreements

6. Strategies for managing stress • Take action to organise yourself • Control your environment by controlling who and what is surrounding you • Give yourself positive feedback • Reward yourself • Exercise your body • Relax • Rest as regularly as possible • Be aware of yourself • Eat a balance diet • Learn to enjoy yourself

7. Coping with everyday study problems • Recognise your own resources • You do not have to cope alone • Be realistic • You cannot achieve absolute control • Learn to accept failure

8. Anxiety • Anticipatory anxiety – The distress that you feel while studying or preparing for quizzes/tests and assignment and thinking of what might happen. How to overcome anticipatory anxiety? • Relax; • Be focused; • Think positive; • Study in a group; • Have a specific study time; • Get a set of complete notes; • Get comfortable with your study place; and • Know where you stand and where you are heading.

9. Anxiety • Situational anxiety – Anxiety that occurs during an examination and before an assignment is due. How to overcome situational anxiety? • Be punctual; • Organise your work schedule; • Avoid highly anxious friends; • Read and understand the instructions; • Work at a comfortable pace; • Ask for clarification; • Keep moving; and • Relax.

10. b) Goal setting • Set a goal based on 9 characteristics of effective goals: • Self-chosen • Relevant (R) • Challenging • Realistic and attainable (A) • Specific (S) • Measurable (M) • Time bounded (T) • Positive • Written

11. c) Motivational strategies • Apply 7 motivational strategies for successful learning; • Set challenging but realistic learning goals • Break down the bigger task at hand • Maintain a positive attitude • Aim for higher peaks • Use active learning strategies • Learn from mistakes • Monitor your learning

12. d) Time management • Practise 3 aspects of time management: • Analyse your use of time • Set your priorities • Plan a schedule

13. e) Concentration strategies • Identify 8 causes of poor concentration: • Environmental distractions • Noise • Physical distractions • Boredom, dislike, disinterest • Anxiety about studies • Intimidating study tasks • Daydreaming • Personal worries

14. e) Concentration strategies • Strategies to improve it: • Identify the causes • Take steps to control • Make your control habitual