The road to independent learningSimon AhernAccess Office

NUI Maynooth

Better Options November 28TH 2012Dublin City University

1. Common concerns or anxieties faced by learners approaching higher education

2. Academic skills that you need3. How institutions provide help along

the way4. Modern teaching approaches5. Personal skills to succeed in higher

education

Presentation Outline

Common concerns or anxieties faced by learners in higher education –The course might be too

difficult.–Everyone else will be smarter

than me.–Everyone else will be more

technical.–The learning environment will

be scary. – I might not have the skills to

succeed in higher education.– I won’t know anyone there.– I have a fear of failure.

What can I do? Start planning now!•Your course may take 3-4 years so choose subjects you like!

• Investigate courses and locations - visit campuses

•Ask questions and visit

websites:•www.cao.ie•www.qualifax.ie•www.accesscollege.ie

Academic skills you need to succeed in higher education• Critical Thinking• Study Skills

Become a Critical Thinker

– not so much about facts but how you use them.

– learn how ideas are linked and interconnected.

– structure your ideas and knowledge to make a convincing argument.

http://austhink.com/critical/

Time Management, Organisation and Study Skills

•Plan your day, set and meet deadlines

•Sort your priorities and stay motivated•Learn note taking and memory techniques

•Find resources in library and online

•Develop a revision and exam strategy

Reading, Writing & Research• Read not to memorise but to

understand.• Evaluate the evidence, read

between the lines and reflect on issues to have an informed opinion.

• Present your point of view, informed by evidence.

• Develop academic writing strategies and understand plagiarism, referencing, structure and content.

How Institutions provide you with help along the way• Orientation sessions• Study and technology skills training• Library information• Supports for students with disabilities• Academic Advisors• Writing/ Maths Support Centre• Student Services• Clubs and Societies

Modern Teaching Approaches

• Lectures and Tutorials• Online learning environment (slides,

forums, assignments, webinars)• Blended learning (class polls, twitter)• Mainstreamed learning supports• Peer learning (study groups, wikis)• Collaboration (Google, Facebook,

presenting tools)

Tips for getting started• Email - investigate best account for you• Calendar - paper or online• Storage - get a memory stick/ dropbox• Courses - visit qualifax.ie, uni websites• Typing - google “ztype”• Research – use twitter• Technology - ECDL,

office.microsoft.com/training• Finances - studentfinance.ie

Conclusion: Personal Skills to succeed in higher education•3rd level is up to you. Be determined and stay motivated.•Aim to survive the first few weeks.•Have a good work/ study/ life balance.•Access supports/ build relationships.•Develop relevant critical thinking and study skills.•Prepare for your Leaving Certificate then figure out college as you go.

Relax and enjoy the experience!