Unlocking Your Learning Potential

Studying in university is an unprecedented experience to you as you are going to adjust to a new way of learning and living. Lectures, tutorial classes, group projects, essay writings, presentations, exams; they are all becoming part of your university life. During the learning process, you may be filled with excitement, curiosity or thirst for knowledge; but you may also be overwhelmed by anxiety, confusion and frustration when encountering difficulties.

In fact, it is normal to have all these mixed feelings in your quest for knowledge and academic achievements. If you can develop positive attitudes and effective learning methods, you will find learning at university intrinsically enjoyable and rewarding.

Setting Clear Goals and Creating Specific Plans

• Setting long-term and short-term goals that go hand in hand
  • Set a long-term learning plan for your whole study period, such as “I want to graduate with an upper second-class honours. Then, I will further my postgraduate study.”
  • Set a learning goal for each year. For instance, “I want to improve my English by taking courses from ELTU and going on language exchange in summer.”
  • Set a learning goal for each semester. Short-term goals should be well-defined, realistic and concrete. Besides, they should be precise with clear priorities. For instance:
    • 3+ hours/week: revising more demanding major courses
    • 5+ hours/ week: revising minor courses that I am more skillful at
    • 2 hours/ week: practicing English and taking courses on “Duolingo” App
    • 1 hour/day: reading and watching English TV programs
• Discuss your perspectives, concerns and expectations with supportive friends and others who can offer wise counsel.
• Reward yourself when you have attained your goal. This helps to encourage and motivate you.

Working out your action plan 

Understanding your course requirements

• Read the course outline carefully. Have a thorough understanding of the specific requirements, workload, schedule and assessment methods (tutorial classes, essay writings, presentations or exams).
• Look for reference materials and prepare revision materials well in advance.

Scheduling your time

• Mark down different tasks’ deadlines (date and time) in your schedule book.
• Record your work in a monthly schedule so as to have a better idea about your tasks and engagement for the whole month. Check your weekly workload at the beginning of each week and arrange your time accordingly.
• Spare more time for group projects to coordinate group mates’ participation.
• Work out a detailed schedule to monitor your progress for each assignment from start to finish.
• Prioritize and schedule your multiple commitments systematically.
• Make good use of your breaks between classes to rest, perform minor errands, etc.

Making use of your notes

• Review your notes from the last lecture and organize questions that you are going to ask in the coming class.
• Pay attention in class and jot down key points.
• Your notes should be clear and concise. Leave some space for supplementary information.
• Go through your notes immediately after each lecture. Don’t forget to attach supplementary notes.

Reading efficiently

• Skim through the topic, introduction, illustration and summary of an essay before reading the full text. It will help you better understand the general outline.
• Turn topics into questions. For example, turn the topic “learning hints” into “what are learning hints?” This method is useful for better understanding and retention in memory.
• Summarize what you have learnt after each chapter to facilitate your subsequent revision.
• Identify connections among main points. Try to test yourself by listing them out after revising a chapter or a section.

Getting help

• Form study groups with your classmates and support each other.
• Exchange notes among classmates to check for missing content.
• Be proactive and connect with tutors and professors.
• Actively seek help and advice when you experience difficulties.

Cultivating a positive learning attitude

• Refer to resources and materials related to learning skills and time management, university adjustment, etc.
• Maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
• Seek spiritual nourishment by reading some inspiring and motivating materials for 15 minutes a day.
• Strengthen your self-confidence by appreciating your continuous efforts and improvements.
• Attain your goals through hard work and perseverance.