COM501 Communication Literacy

Week 1 Tutorial Solutions: Study Skills & Time Management

1. What are the best methods and techniques of studying and learning that you use?

 Active Learning - Engage actively with the material you are studying. This
can include summarizing concepts in your own words, asking questions, and
discussing the subject with others. Active learning helps you better
understand and retain information.
 Spaced Repetition - Reviewing information at spaced intervals over time
enhances long-term retention. Tools like flashcards and spaced repetition
software (SRS) can be useful for this purpose.
 Chunking - Break down complex information into smaller, manageable
chunks. This approach makes it easier to remember and understand larger
concepts.
 Visualization - Create mental images or use diagrams, charts, and mind
maps to represent information visually. Visualization aids memory and
comprehension.
 Teach Others - The Feynman Technique involves explaining a concept to
someone else as if you were teaching it. This helps solidify your
understanding and identify areas where you need further clarification.
 Interleaving - Mix up different topics or subjects while studying. This
method prevents over-reliance on recognition and forces your brain to work
harder to retrieve information, leading to better long-term retention.
 Practice, Practice, Practice - Whether it's solving problems, practicing skills,
or applying knowledge, regular practice is crucial for mastering a subject.
 Setting Goals - Define clear and achievable goals for your learning journey.
This provides direction and motivation to keep moving forward.
 Eliminate Distractions - Find a quiet and conducive study environment to
maintain focus and improve productivity.
 Utilize Various Resources - Explore different learning resources such as
textbooks, online courses, video lectures, and educational websites to gain
diverse perspectives on a subject.
 Take Breaks - Allow your brain time to rest and consolidate information by
taking regular breaks during study sessions.
 Reflect and Review - Periodically review your notes and revisit previously
learned concepts to reinforce your memory.
 Sleep Well - Ensure you get enough sleep, as it plays a vital role in memory
consolidation and overall cognitive function.
 Stay Curious and Engaged - Cultivate a genuine interest in the subject
matter. Curiosity fuels motivation and makes learning more enjoyable.
 Be Patient and Persistent - Learning takes time, and it's normal to encounter
challenges. Stay patient and persist in your efforts to overcome obstacles.
 2. List some of your time traps [activities you spend too much time on]. Mention ways of
reducing or eliminating them?

3. How is a timetable useful? Give 2 reasons.

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4. What are mnemonics? Give some examples.

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5. What are the suitable times of study for you?

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6. What are some of the things that you need to keep in mind when choosing a suitable place to
study?
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7. STUDY ENVIRONMENT
Choosing a good place to study that is free of distractions.

a. Where do you prefer to study?

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b. Do people with whom you live with help or hinder your studies?
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c. Is there a problem with your study environment – what can you do to improve this?
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d. Distractions
Describe any noise/ activities/ that can disturb your studies.
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8. How often and when should you go over your lecture notes? Give reasons for your answer.
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9. How should you prepare for your tutorials?

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11. TIME MANAGEMENT EXERCISE

There are 24 hours in a day, and 168 hours in a week. How do you spend your hours? How many
hours do you spend at these every week?

Activity Hours Remarks

SLEEP

EATING

SOCIAL
NETWORKING
SITES

LECTURES/
TUTORIALS
WORK/ JOB

STUDY

RECREATION/
SPORTS
TRAVEL

SOCIALISING

RELIGIOUS
ACTIVITIES
SHOPPING

HOBBY

COOKING

HOUSEWORK
WATCHING TV/
FILMS
ANY OTHER [List
the activities]
TOTAL HOURS