sitting for continuous assessment
tests. This is not my observation alone
but also the observation of several
other lecturers and tutors.
It seems that times have changed and
probably students have a different
perspective to learning. Perhaps this
is simply the beginning of signs and
symptoms of a need for a new way
of learning. Students have different
expectations, wanting knowledge
in the fastest way possible with
a different (probably less boring)
approach.
Being a successful student
Some things still haven’t changed
and here are some tips for being
a successful
student:
doors for you in the event you need
to use an actual organisation in your
assignment or project.
Identify a mentor: A mentor is
someone who has walked on in the
path ahead of you and is usually a
subject matter expert. A mentor is
a great go to person and can help
you distil the subject matter from a
practical perspective.
Focus: Put aside time every single
day to either read, or write notes
giving you the discipline to focus on
your studies.
Google is your friend: D on’t
understand something? Discussion
was not clear? Google it. There
Burning the
proverbial
midnight oil:
This has been
a factor of
success. Anyone
will tell you that
hard work does
not go wasted
and in the case
of students,
putting in the
time to read
on your own
makes a huge
difference.
Ask questions:
Participate
in group
discussions or
in class sessions,
getting clarity
and a deeper
understanding
of the subject matter.
Join a professional body (where
available): This can singlehandedly
put you in the position to network
with industry experts and expose you
to great expertise. It will also open
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Plan your assignments and project
submissions with plenty of time for
revisions and pace yourself so that
you do not get overwhelmed by all
the work.
Back up: Always have back up for
your work. I cannot overemphasize
this. You do not want to be in the
position where your flash disc is lost
and you have no back up files.
Tips for Lecturers
What about the lecturers? Do they
also need to adjust their expectations
and style? Here are some tips for
those who love teaching.
Read widely: Share your wide
reading with
the students,
allowing them
time to digest
the material and
probably engage in
a discussion.
Digital options:
Use advances in
technology and
current trends to
tap into discussion
opportunities.
Whatsapp for
instance is a very
useful tool for
group discussions
which are tutor
led. Group skype
calls are also an
option.
are plenty of reputable sites that
can give you lots of examples and
explanations, and if your learning
style is oriented to listening rather
than reading, there are videos
available too on You Tube.
Use examples:
Use practical
examples from the
industry to make
the theory come alive. For example
talking about a SWOT analysis is
better understood when one uses an
organisation that has applied the tool
practically.