IMPROVE YOUR STUDY SKILLS THE LEARNING CENTRE Mature

IMPROVE YOUR STUDY SKILLS @ THE LEARNING CENTRE “ Mature Age Follow Up THE LEARNING CENTRE @ THE LIBRARY The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 1

Re-learning to Study “It’s true that we start life with the gift of our genes, but it’s also true that we become capable through the learning and development of mental models that enable us to reason, solve, and create” (Brown, Roediger and Mc. Daniel, 2014, 3). Extract from “How to learn better at any age” adapted from Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. Mc. Daniel (2014). The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 2

Who’s here today? Faculty The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J HS Hum CBS Sc & Eng 3

Today’s program • 10 am Introduction Study Skills Reflective Practice via Self Diagnostic Brainstorming – why & how Mindmapping – organising ideas & self • 11. 00 am Library – ask away ( Michele – Library technician) • 11. 15 am Focusing – assignment process Question time – sharing tips for survival & success Refreshments • 12 pm Concludes The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 4

Study Skills Reflective Practice via Self Diagnostic Feel OK about Feel good about Don’t think about Freaking out about The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 5

Brainstorming – why & how The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 6

Brainstorming – why & how 1. You have a chance to see what you already know. 2. You get to generate ideas. 3. You have the opportunity to expand your mind. 4. You get to explore new ideas. 5. You can see things from a different perspective. 6. You can achieve clarity & a deeper understanding. 7. It’s easier to cluster your ideas when you have them written/illustrated in front of you. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 7

Brainstorming – the messier the better! • Works best when it has no structure • Is messy • Is fast • Is continuous • Is brief • Can be repeated at different times during your assignment. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 8

How to Brainstorm • 1. Define your topic Write it in the middle of a large (A 3) page • 2. Set a time limit (depends on individual or group brainstorm, but keep it short) • 3. Do NOT be judgemental of yourself or other put down EVERY idea that comes to mind constantly focusing to and fro the TOPIC and what you have just written. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 9

Have a go! Italian carbs pasta taste food access job celebration exercise stress 3 meals per day hereditary cultural Power struggle night vegan energy learnt types Children/adult The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J environment rituals breakfast behavioural snacks psychological cost disorders nutrition protein morning Sleep habits reward Individual or group afternoon diet experience 2 meals per day beliefs Lunch & dinner 10

Why Mind map and Concept map? • To generate new ideas and new ways of seeing the world. • To organise a lot of data – gives you an overview on a topic. • To see how difficult concepts develop. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 11

How to Map? • After brainstorming: • Start again with a topic / idea in the centre of the page. • Select main ideas from your brainstorm • Start to place in a pattern that shows the main ideas radiating out from the main topic • Group related ideas with the main ideas • Think about and develop connecting lines and other words to describe the relationships among the words on the page. • You do not have to use all the ideas from your brainstorming. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 12

Sample Mind Map Provisional Thesis Statement: Eating habits are influenced by… disorders ENVIRONMENT BEHAVIOURAL access planning PSYCHOLOGICAL Eating habits CULTURAL disorders predisposition HEREDITARY • • • GENETIC CULTURAL BEHAVIOURAL GENETIC The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 13

Keep track as you go! Italian carbs pasta taste food access job celebration exercise stress 3 meals per day disorders nutrition hereditary protein cultural morning Sleep habits reward Individual or group afternoon diet experience 2 meals per day Power struggle night vegan energy learnt types Children/adult The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J cost environment rituals breakfast behavioural snacks psychological beliefs Lunch & dinner 14

Concept map exemplar From Mind mapping Software Blog The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 15

Mind map your Week Source How to Focus in the Age of Distraction The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 16

Fishbone works well for Cause – Effect Problem solving Source Fishbone diagrams to solve Manufacturing Problems The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 17

Fishbone works well for “Time Management” Self Reflection too! Source Squawk. Point Service Improvement: Fish bone diagrams – Helpful or not The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 18

Assignment Writing Process – keeping focused Source The Learning Centre Online Programs Curtin University: Essays Writing from Sources The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 19

Essay Writing Structure Start at thesis statement Source The Learning Centre Online Programs Curtin University: Essays Writing from Sources The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301 J 20

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