Some of the most useful strategies I have learnt in the course of my study about college success

at the UoPeople are critical thinking, mapping techniques for studying and taking notes, time
management, the ladder of inference, how to engage in a learning process as I need to generate
my own connections such as joining study groups or forums where peer interaction and
evaluation happens. (Self-Directed Learning: A Four-Step Process | Centre for Teaching, n.d.).
How not to plagiarize which is very important as this is considered a criminal offence, how to be
a self directed learner, taking the initiative to learn and understanding why considering that we
are always learning either consciously or unconsciously, but the “directed” aspect of self-
directed learning suggests a sense of why, a motivation, a purpose, (Cobb, n.d.). How to set and
identify my learning goals as a self-directed learner, cultivating intrinsic motivation, identifying
stress-causing situations and pressures and how to effectively manage stress.

I intend to apply all these strategies to my study here at the UoPeople by strictly adhering to
them and working on myself especially regarding time management and stress management as
these are my two major weaknesses as well as my note taking skills.

One of the most surprising things I learnt in the course was time management. Time is a choice
and we don't build the lives we want by saving time (TED, 2017). I never knew how easily and
efficiently one can manage their time by simply creating a to-do list and prioritizing it but “good
time management enables an individual to complete more in a shorter period of time, lowers
stress, and leads to career success.” (Time Management, n.d.). Now I have come to the
realization that I need to make time for things that are a priority and choosing not to is my choice
and it's just because it wasn't a priority. (It’s Not That You Don’t Have Time. It’s Just Not a
Priority., 2018).

Starting up I wondered how difficult I would be to peer assess other students and I was so afraid
I might always under or over grade the but as time passed by, I learnt how to properly grade my
peers based on the content of their submission and also give appropriate feedback while
observing proper netiquette. My feelings have completely changed compared to when I started
this course because I never knew peer assessment could really help me to better understand the
course materials especially while seeing it from different individual angles. It has helped me so
much and I really would love to access more of my peer submissions.

Reference

It’s not that you don’t have time. It’s just not a priority. (2018, July 24). OMD Ventures.
https://omdventures.com/essays/its-not-that-you-dont-have-time-its-just-not-a-priority
Cobb, J. (n.d.). What’s involved in successful self-directed learning? Mission to Learn - Lifelong
Learning Blog. Retrieved June 04, 2021, from https://www.missiontolearn.com/self-directed-
learning-2/

Self-Directed Learning: A Four-Step Process | Centre for Teaching. (n.d.). Centre for Teaching
Excellence. Retrieved June 04, 2021, from
https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/tips-
students/self-directed-learning/self-directed-learning-four-step-process

TED. (2017, February 7). How to gain control of your free time | Laura Vanderkam[Video].
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3kNlFMXslo

Time Management. (n.d.). Corporate Finance Institute. Retrieved June 4, 2021, from
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/careers/soft-skills/time-management-list-tips/