Study skills > Module
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Independent learning - taking
control:
Extract from Cottrell (13)
There is a different approach to learning and teaching in higher education
than at school
- you are expected to work on your own for longer periods, without
a tutor in the room to guide you
- you are given a great deal more responsibility for your own success
- it can feel as if your study lacks structure. However, it can also
be very liberating – you have more freedom to study in ways
that suit you
- take advantage of this and gain an understanding of your own learning
pattern, so that you can study effectively
Making choices
It is your responsibility to make sensible choices of options within
your programme, as well as to plan extracurricular activity.
Your choices will affect your programme and your future careers. This
can feel daunting. However, it can also feel exciting to be more in
charge of your own life.
Finding resources and support
At school you may have received a great deal of guidance on what pages
to read in books, how to interpret assignment titles, how to interpret
what you read, what information to include in an assignment, and how
to structure your answers. At university, you will be expected to work
out most of this on your own.
Although you will receive recommendations for books, equipment and
sources of support, these recommendations (often in book format and
supplied by your department) are only part of what you need to know.
You will also need to:
- find out what additional reading is needed
- what resources and supports are available and when to use each of
these. The student Union Office or Access Office should be able to
offer advice in this area
- set aside time to think through these sorts of issues
Time management and motivation
- you will spend only small amounts of time at scheduled lectures
- you will be responsible for organising the rest of your time so
that you meet deadlines. This may seem hard at first but these skills
develop over time
- when working alone, it is important to stay focused
- it is normal for your levels of motivation to change. Plan ahead
so that you use your time in the best way possible
- study groups can help you to maintain your focus when working towards
a deadline
