1. EFFECTIVE NOTE TAKING

Note taking is extremely important towards achieving the best results in your exams, however boring and pointless it may seem developing a system that is suited to you and sticking to it will result in excellent grades.

There are 4 techniques which can be used in note taking, decide which technique suits you and implement it into your note taking. I am a visual learner so I use the mind mapping technique which I find really helps me to learn. 

To discover what type of learner you are you can take the quiz on my effective revision blog. :)

The 4 techniques are;

THE CORNELL FORMAT

• Divide your page into 2 columns.
• Key points/memory triggers are wrote on the left hand side.
• More in depth notes about the key points are written on the right hand side.
• Summarise at the bottom of the page.

THE OUTLINE FORMAT

• The traditional way for note-taking.
• Use a bullet point format.
• First bullet point should be the main subject (subject 1).
• Using indentation and bullet points have additional points about the main subject.
• Continue indentation until next subject (subject 2). 

 THE SENTENCE FORMAT

• Note each new fact, point, topic on a separate line.
• If required number the pages/books you obtained the information from.
• Rewrite the notes into full sentences/paragraphs after your lecture.

MIND MAPPING;

• Place the main subject into the middle of your mind map. 
• Link any key words, symbols or pictures that are relevant to the main subject using arrows and smaller circles.
• Grow your mind map by branching off from the smaller key words.

 When you have developed a system best suited for you, use it to;

REVIEW RECITE & REFLECT

Sticking to this pattern will have many long term benefits and ultimately make studying a whole lot easier. :)

4. EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS

WHAT IS IT ABOUT PRESENTATIONS THAT MAKES US SO SCARED?

 

Recently, as part of my communications module I delivered a power-point presentation to my class on 911, the initial thought of this made me feel terrified, anxious and extremely nervous however, once I was up there my nerves settled and I questioned why I was so fearful?

For most people delivering a presentation can be a very daunting task, but rest assured, by following these simple steps your presentation will go without a hitch.

Step 1

REHEARSE, REHEARSE, REHEARSE! Preparation and practice is paramount in order for your presentation to be successfully delivered, and will provide you with the confidence and reassurance needed to deliver a presentation.

Step 2

Try to keep the information to the point, include pictures/videos to entice your audience, don't waffle, and choose a subject that will engage your audience. I chose 911 as I knew it was a topic everybody knows about and a part of history that most individuals find interesting.

Step 3

A phrase to remember is;

"Tell'em what your going to tell them"

"Tell'em"

"Tell'em what you told them"

Include an introduction which tells the audience what you will discuss in your presentation, a main body which tells them, and a conclusion which rounds everything up. 

By following these simple steps you will deliver a presentation that will be both pleasing to the audience and to yourself.

To avail of further information on presentation tips click here.

If you still have an element of fear about having to deliver the presentation there are many strategies which can be used in order to keep calm, I found a useful website which may help so click here to reduce the fear! :)

5. PLAGIARISM

Completing this blog took me quite a long time, changing and adding different pieces meant that a lot of effort and dedication went into creating it. Now that my blog is completed I feel proud at what I have accomplished and my hard work has finally paid off, so if an individual used this as their own work without giving me credit or recognition I would feel very frustrated and annoyed this would be wrong and is classed as cheating, the correct term to use is plagiarism.

To plagiarise means; 

• Submitting work that's not yours as your own.
• Copying another person's work without a quotation.
• Providing incorrect information about the quotation.
• Paraphrasing without quoting.
  PLAGIARISM IS A SERIOUS OFFENCE!

As a student I worry that my work could come back as plagiarism for simple mistakes that I've made but fortunately to date that hasn't happened. :) 

Always remember to recheck your work and never use another person's work without referencing it, initially referencing can be quite difficult to get your head around so I have attached a link which will instruct and guide you through your referencing. 

A system has been set up called "write check" by turn it in, the turn it in system is used by lecturers to assess if any work assigned has been plagiarised however "write check" can be used by students before submitting an assignment giving them the opportunity to recheck work.

Click to check any assignments you are concerned about.

All students especially first year students will find assignments daunting because of the fear of plagiarism, but rest assured, by using the tips provided and "write check" your work will be your own! :)

References: http://www.plagiarism.org/plag_article_what_is_plagiarism.html

9. TIME MANAGEMENT

 EVER WISH YOU COULD TURN BACK TIME?

It can be very difficult and extremely stressful for students that are trying to organise their time to keep up-to-date with daily routines, social activities and most importantly college work.

I went back to college this year having been out of college for a few years and I found it very difficult adjusting to the new routine of making time to spend on assignments, prioritising what needed to be done first whilst also maintaining my prior activities before I started college.

However, there is a solution......................

The most important key to effective time management is being your own boss, instructing yourself to deliver the work at the pace that's suitable for you whilst also making sure it's completed for the date assigned. A useful phrase to remember is, "If it is to be, it is up to me"!

"Time Management Help.Com" is a website I found which provides useful tips for students on time management. I will outline these tips below but for more detailed information click the website link.

1) Keep your long term goals insight.

2) Schedule everything you know about.

3) Start tomorrow at the end of today.

4) Work your plan.

5) Do the tough stuff first.

6) Break things down to the ridiculous.

7) Rules were made to be bent.

8) There's always tomorrow. :)

I found a useful video on time management which provides step by step instructions, why don't you check it out.

 

By using these tips as guidelines you should find that a structured routine will develop, consequently your work load shouldn't feel as stressful and most importantly your college work will be completed on TIME ! :)

10. EFFECTIVE REVISION/EXAM TECHNIQUES

SIMPLE 
STUDY 
SOLUTIONS

Studying for exams can be very stressful requiring time, effort and no social life.

Being a student I can relate to the stress factors incurred when an exam is approaching, I usually leave it till the last minute, drink twenty cups of coffee to stay awake and take a MASSIVE panic attack!

Please DON'T go by my technique :) I have found beneficial tips to use when studying which I will outline below.

Firstly, I would recommend taking the "what kind of learner are you?" quiz as it provides each individual with the best study technique for them.

I took the quiz and discovered that I am a visual learner and I have found that putting notes into pictures/illustrations/mind maps etc. really helps me to learn at a quicker and easier pace. 
For effective note-taking tips check out my blog. :)

Revision Tips:

1. After taking the quiz use that style of learning, as it will hugely benefit you.

2. Study in short but frequent intervals.

3. Have a time-out :) enjoy yourself on days off, de-stress and don't feel bad that your not studying.

4. If your emotionally off balance, don't study it's a complete waste of time.

5. Learn and review on the same day.

6. Prepare for study time.

7. Create a routine.

8. Set goals.

By following the above tips studying should no longer feel as stressful, monotonous or difficult. Click for more useful tips and information on the points provided.

I hope this has helped, get studying and best of luck :)........