3. What are some potential distractors that might take your focus away from studying?
4. How can you eliminate those distractors?The example given is a good reminder wherever you are there are often distractors that do actually take away a lot of time/focus.<br />Example<br />It is chilly most of the time, which helps keep me awake but I always pack a sweater and toque. Woodward seems quieter and less busy than other places on campus and the newly renovated Garden level is now open. I also sometimes study in the bottom of Koerner, but it can be hard to find a spot. I’ve just heard the Irving K. Barber Centre has 24/7 study hours during exams too!! I plan to check out http://learningcommons.ubc.ca/get-together/find-a-space/ for more possibilities.<br />I find it tough when I want to grab a coffee or a snack and I don’t want to lose my study spot. Sometimes I get distracted and don’t make it back afterward. <br /> I need to start packing a thermos/water bottle and some granola bars, etc. so I don’t end my study sessions earlier than planned. I also find I need to turn off my phone and email notifier so I’m not constantly checking these. <br />Study Prioritization<br />On p.8 of the handout, there is a chart for prioritizing your study plan.<br />Think back to that exam you’re most concerned about and list it at the top of your chart. You can fill in the rest on your own time if this is a useful exercise for you.<br />I think that recognizing the % needed to achieve goals and setting realistic expectations can be an important step. Your goal may be just to pass the course… but outlining what it’s going to take to get you there is important. The other key piece is getting an accurate estimate for how much time you need to realize your goals (accounting for all the breaks, meals and rest you’ll need to stay ahead).<br />Wedging Technique: Get Started in 5 minutes<br />The wedging technique is a strategy that involves breaking down a task into small, manageable pieces to help you stay motivated and to avoid procrastination. Sometimes the idea of committing to 5 minutes of work is enough to get you started and you may find that after committing to those 5 minutes it’s easier to take on more. Try thinking about 5 minutes of study work/summarization/notes that you can get done every time you get started (i.e. including after taking a study break). It may just be the tool you need to get going and to stay motivated.<br />What do I want the outcome of my exams to be? (i.e. could be a pass)<br />What do you need to do to achieve that outcome? <br />To Do List<br />We’ve offered some strategies and info to help you work toward that result. (i.e. Tackle that ‘To Do’ list on your handout. Plan to get at least one thing done today!)<br />What strategies will you use to achieve your desired outcome(s)?<br />2 Feedback/Learning Outcome Polls<br />Read responses out loud for the archive and to affirm learning.<br />Ask participants to complete the short 2-3 min. survey. http://www.surveyfeedback.ca/surveys/wsb.dll/s/1gaec <br />Encourage feedback? Questions? <br />Provide contact information (if desired) to invite questions later.<br />