Being a
Successful
Student
Dr. Mark Matthews
Student Learning Development
http://student-learning.tcd.ie
It depends on what you consider success
What does success mean to you?
5
things to help
Getting the most out of college
Self
Management
Active
Learning
Academic
skills
Motivation
1. Set Goals
• Goals help us focus, stay in control
• They are motivating
1. Long term goals = dreams or aspirations
2. Medium term goals = wants
3. Short term goals = tasks, actions to help you achieve
your medium & long term goals
Step 2. Know yourself
What has worked for you in the past?
What do you find easy?
What do you find difficult?
What are your strengths/weaknesses?
SWOT Analysis
– Identify your strengths
• e.g. I am good at English
– Identify your weaknesses
• I am not so good at maths
– Identify your opportunities
• I can get help from my friend in
maths and I can help her with English
– Identify your threats
• I have a lot of exams in May
• Youtube, facebook, mobile, tv
Time Management
"If there's one thing I've learned in my first
year of college, it is that you must plan
your time wisely. Time isn't set for you like
in school; you must stay on top of things.”
Step 3. Get a system
• Places to be & Things to do
• Free your mind
• If your system works, you trust it to remind
you
Get a diary that works
• Practical
• Check daily
• Dates, meetings,
lectures, timetable
Energy Timetable
Where you work
When you work
What you do
Lists
“The best thing I did was to make lists of
things that I needed to do and prioritize
them. It helped me to become more
organized and efficient.
It really helps me to keep on top of things
and also not to procrastinate.
Procrastination is the easiest thing to do
and the hardest thing to get away from.”
To-do list
• Make a list of all upcoming
projects
• If it can be done in 2 mins
do it now
• Otherwise add it to your
list
• Order by importance
Place
“I am very particular about where
and when I study. I find it more
comforting when I am studying in
a clean and comfortable spot. I
find it best to study between late
afternoon and evening. I can't
stand much background noise so
I usually study in my bedroom
with the door closed and the
window open for a nice breeze to
come through.”
Step 4. Find your spaces
•
•
•
•
•
Where do you work best?
Space suited to job
Break your day into different tasks & spaces
Use all available time
Lists
– Things for computer
– Things for library etc.
Step 5. Learn from the past
• Find out when essays are due NOW
• Past exam papers
• Get feedback
– find out how to do better
• What has worked for you in the past
Ask for Help
Fitting in
Balancing socializing/working
Knowing when help is needed
Set up a study group
Student’s Union
5 Steps
1. Set goals
2. Know yourself
3. Get a system
4. Find your spaces
5. Learn from the past
How do I start my assignment?
I would like advice on writing an essay
/ lab report / dissertation?
I want to improve my note-taking
technique.
How do I make a revision plan?
I find myself checking facebook
all the time, I can’t focus!
I’m nervous asking questions or
giving presentations - I want to improve.
How do I set up a study group?
Student Learning Development
7-9 South Leinster Street,
http://student-learning.tcd.ie
Student Learning Development
Visit our website at:
http://student-learning.tcd.ie
Email qs to
student.learning@tcd.ie
Phone us on
01-8961407