Learning OutcomesLearning Outcomes

1. Select 10 strategies for managing stress;

2. Set a goal based on 9 characteristics of effective goals;

3. Apply 7 motivational strategies for successful learning;

4. Practise 3 aspects of time management;

5. Identify 8 causes of poor concentration and strategies to improve concentration.

Being independentBeing independent

Planning and managing the smart way Applying smart time management Motivating yourself

a) Managing stressa) Managing stressSymptoms 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

Strategies for managing stressStrategies for managing stress

Take action to organise yourselfControl your environment by controlling who and what is

surrounding youGive yourself positive feedbackReward yourselfExercise your bodyRelaxRest as regularly as possibleBe aware of yourselfEat a balance diet Learn to enjoy yourself

Coping with everyday study Coping with everyday study problemsproblems

Recognise your own resourcesYou do not have to cope aloneBe realisticYou cannot achieve absolute control Learn to accept failure

AnxietyAnxiety 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.

AnxietyAnxiety 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.

b) Goal settingb) Goal setting Set a goal based on 9 characteristics of effective

goals:Self-chosenRelevant (R)ChallengingRealistic and attainable (A)Specific (S)Measurable (M)Time bounded (T)PositiveWritten

c) Motivational strategiesc) Motivational strategies Apply 7 motivational strategies for successful

learning;Set challenging but realistic learning goalsBreak down the bigger task at handMaintain a positive attitudeAim for higher peaksUse active learning strategiesLearn from mistakesMonitor your learning

d) Time managementd) Time management Practise 3 aspects of time management:

Analyse your use of timeSet your prioritiesPlan a schedule

e) Concentration strategiese) Concentration strategies Identify 8 causes of poor concentration:

Environmental distractionsNoisePhysical distractionsBoredom, dislike, disinterestAnxiety about studiesIntimidating study tasksDaydreamingPersonal worries

e) Concentration strategiese) Concentration strategies Strategies to improve it:

Identify the causes Take steps to control Make your control habitual

Learning Skills: Managing Your Learning by Open University Malaysia is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License.

Based on a work at http://oer.oum.edu.my.

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