Era Of The ‘Selfie’

January 6, 2015

toy_story_original_cineIt might seem a bit irrelevant on this blog, but I don’t think so!

The ‘selfie‘ fever across the world has definitely hit students and broadly education as well. In my institute, where I used to see people usually walking and talking, now I find them in groups taking selfies. Pictures, pictures, pictures everywhere. Whether it’s notes or a date sheet on the noticeboard, you will see students taking their picture and saving them inside their complex world of cellphone. Read the rest of this entry »


A New Academic Year: Some New Ways, Some New Hopes!

October 15, 2014

Do not give up, the beginning is always the hardest.A new academic year has begun. It has been a month for me now since I began classes at my institution and it has been great getting back to my studies after a somewhat boring summer.

The results of the past year and the first experience have taught me a lot. I have registered for four modules and this time around I have two modules which need to be studied on my own: Sociological theory and analysis, and Population and society. I cannot take regular classes for these at my teaching institution, however I will be provided with guidance by my teacher. I am taking classes for Elements of social and applied psychology and Social research methods. I have plans to study in a very organised manner – hopefully preventing the procrastination monster from dragging me down with it. And I believe I have learnt this art already by finishing up with four chapters per module. Especially considering these chapters are quite lengthy!

Since the results 2013/2014, I have realized what it takes to produce excellent grades. Putting in a little extra effort can take one to another level. Dedicating a lot of time to research and preparing answers allowed me to perform well. And therefore I aim to brush up on those techniques and use them wisely. Studying two modules without a proper supervision or regular tests and reinforcement will be a whole new experience. (Though I hope I don’t take of advantage of that). I believe this will allow me to set up my study patterns more effectively. Having no regular classes at college will actually leave me with more time to devote to reading and research.

This time I will experience the true essence of studying through this programme – self studying. I hope to achieve better!

Best wishes to everyone around the globe for 2014/2015.

Sundus

Sundus is studying for the BSc Sociology in Pakistan with support from Roots College International. The BSc Sociology is not available to new students from 2014, however you can still study for a Diploma for Graduates in Sociology.


Tackling the serial killer of academic life – procrastination!

August 23, 2014

Procrastination is the thief of timeProcrastination itself is such a long word for lazy people that it is not even read rather just understood in the mind. But it is truly the serial killer of academic life. From postponing important assignments until the deadline, to leaving notes completion and research work until ‘tomorrow’, all such activities contribute to becoming a major procrastinator.

All students, no matter which field they belong to, or are part-time workers or are part-time studying, rely on delaying their study work, for instance, assignments, research, reading, writing etc. Although everything and many things are sometimes more important than your studies, it really helps if you manage time effectively and avoid wasting it.

Read the rest of this entry »


Staying productive over summer with ‘Understanding Research Methods’, a UoL MOOC on Coursera

July 4, 2014

Keep calm its summer timeIn an attempt to make the summer vacations productive, I got a chance to enroll for the Understanding Research Methods course offered by University of London via Coursera. In case you have not heard of it, Coursera is a very famous website that offers massive open online courses or MOOCs for short, from universities around the world. The world’s best courses are offered free all year round which include topics and subjects ranging from computing and information technology, health and medicine, to social sciences, development, and even music and film.

Being a global leader in distance learning and flexible study, the University of London also offers courses designed and taught by professors of its lead colleges and institutes through Coursera. Some of them include Creative Programming for Digital Media & Mobile Apps, English Common Law: Structure and Principles, The Camera Never Lies, What future for education?, Enhance Your Career and Employability Skills, and more.

Read the rest of this entry »


Keeping To My Revision Schedule

March 18, 2014

It always seems impossible until it is done posterWeek one of my preparations for exams is complete and my anxiety about Victorian literature has reduced considerably.  I did not accomplish as much as I wanted to but I am not exactly behind schedule, and the work I accomplished is high quality and satisfying. Today, while reviewing my week’s work and remembering last year’s exam prep, I realized one week per course is probably not realistic. But if I switch to a two-weeks per course timetable it will take my revision right up to my first exam, which feels a little risky. Here is the first time and material management puzzle to solve on the way to exams.

Read the rest of this entry »


10 Ways To Manage Exam Stress

March 11, 2014

Keep calm and study for exams posterAnd the countdown begins!

With almost about two months to the final exams of the University of London International Programmes’ EMFSS programmes, I’m sure we all are experiencing panic and stress. However, these are NOT conducive to the exam atmosphere. It not only hinders the capacity to memorize and comprehend, but also causes depression and anxiety leading to health issues. And I don’t think these are affordable at this point and time.

So here are some ways to manage your preparation and reduce the amount of stress you have on your mind before the exams:

  1. Follow a timetable. Use the timetable designed in the Strategies for Success booklet that you receive with your study pack. It is the best way to organize yourself and your study patterns even in the last two months. Also, look through the tips given in the booklet on how to write in the exams.
  2. Divide your days into tasks between the different subjects you have. This way, you will be study every bit of a subject each day without losing the information by both retaining and comprehending it.
  3. Make room for something creative and fun every day. Go for a walk, read a novel, cook your favorite food, paint, or whatever it is that you do in your free time. It will relax your brain from the pressure, pulling you out of the strict environment for a while. Read the rest of this entry »

The Home Stretch!

March 10, 2014

Glinda the Good Witch meme - "I got this"It is almost exactly eight weeks until my first exam.  The schedule is printed and framed on my desk so there is no mistaking the timeline.  Since the last few weeks have been so busy professionally, I have had to adjust my study plan.  An hour each morning and an hour at night have been all the time available. I do not feel too far behind, but I also feel that I am a bit behind. This weekend I made some notes about how to manage the next four weeks then begin to revise in April.

Read the rest of this entry »


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 34,557 other followers

%d bloggers like this: