Being a Successful Student

Dr. Mark Matthews

Student Learning Development

http://student-learning.tcd.ie

It depends on what you consider success

What does success mean to you?

5 things to help

Getting the most out of college

Self Management

Academic

skillsMotivation

Active Learning

1. Set Goals

• Goals help us focus, stay in control • They are motivating

1. Long term goals = dreams or aspirations

2. Medium term goals = wants

3. Short term goals = tasks, actions to help you achieve your medium & long term goals

Step 2. Know yourself

What has worked for you in the past?

What do you find easy?

What do you find difficult?

What are your strengths/weaknesses?

– Identify your strengths• e.g. I am good at English

– Identify your weaknesses • I am not so good at maths

– Identify your opportunities • I can get help from my friend in maths and I can help her with English

– Identify your threats• I have a lot of exams in May• Youtube, facebook, mobile, tv

SWOT Analysis

"If there's one thing I've learned in my first year of college, it is that you must plan your time wisely. Time isn't set for you like in school; you must stay on top of things.”

Time Management

Step 3. Get a system

• Places to be & Things to do

• Free your mind

• If your system works, you trust it to remind you

Get a diary that works

• Practical

• Check daily

• Dates, meetings,

lectures, timetable

Where you work

When you work

What you do

Energy Timetable

“The best thing I did was to make lists of things that I needed to do and prioritize them. It helped me to become more organized and efficient.

It really helps me to keep on top of things and also not to procrastinate.

Procrastination is the easiest thing to do and the hardest thing to get away from.”

Lists

To-do list

• Make a list of all upcoming

projects• If it can be done in 2 mins

do it now• Otherwise add it to your

list• Order by importance

“I am very particular about where and when I study. I find it more comforting when I am studying in a clean and comfortable spot. I find it best to study between late afternoon and evening. I can't stand much background noise so I usually study in my bedroom with the door closed and the window open for a nice breeze to come through.”

Place

Step 4. Find your spaces

• Where do you work best?• Space suited to job• Break your day into different tasks & spaces• Use all available time• Lists

– Things for computer– Things for library etc.

Step 5. Learn from the past

• Find out when essays are due NOW

• Past exam papers

• Get feedback – find out how to do better

• What has worked for you in the past

Ask for Help

Fitting in

Balancing socializing/working

Knowing when help is needed

Set up a study group

Student’s Union

5 Steps1. Set goals

2. Know yourself

3. Get a system

4. Find your spaces

5. Learn from the past

How do I start my assignment?

I would like advice on writing an essay / lab report / dissertation?

I want to improve my note-takingtechnique.

How do I make a revision plan?

I find myself checking facebook all the time, I can’t focus!

I’m nervous asking questions or giving presentations - I want to improve.

How do I set up a study group?

Student Learning Development

7-9 South Leinster Street,

http://student-learning.tcd.ie

Student Learning Development

Visit our website at: http://student-learning.tcd.ie

Email qs tostudent.learning@tcd.ie

Phone us on 01-8961407