A strategy for study

What does studying have in common with pastimes, such as gardening, or work-related activities? It might not seem obvious, but to get the most out of experiences, and to reap the best results, they all require some form of strategy. When you first receive your course materials and look at the study schedule, you may feel overwhelmed by the quantity and variety of different tasks. In order to manage your time and maintain your motivation, it’s important to take stock of what you need to do. Devising a strategy can help you to plan ahead. This involves

• clarifying specific goals – deciding what you want to do, when and how
• completing study tasks (e.g. making use of print and electronic resources, meeting deadlines for assignments)
• thinking about what you’re doing effectively and monitoring your progress
• reflecting on how you are learning as well as what you are learning.