This lesson covers the art of Note Taking. It builds on the reading module, which teaches you how to get important information out of the text you are learning.
Once you know how to extract the important information, you need a good method to record it.
By having a good note taking system, you will be able to structure your notes so that you can recall it easily.
We go over a case study based on Janet’s notes. Janet always took detailed meticulous notes. She was often praised for her neat and detailed …

Mind Map of Time Management Outcomes

Everyone is equal when it comes to time
Time is the one resource that every human has received in exactly the same quantity. It does not matter whether you are rich or poor, you will still have 24 hours in a day.
How you use these hours are up to you!
Learn the Principles
We cover time management principles in our Learning Management Programme in great detail.
We provide a framework for managing yourself more than managing your time. We use the principles of Importance and Urgency as popularised by …

Now that you know the importance of motivation, you are able to go on to the next step, goal setting.
Goal setting is based more on the near future than the distant future.
Our module on Goal Setting in the Learning Management Programme uses the SMART method of Goal Setting. There are numerous books and websites on the subject. We’ve adapted the method for learning.
Setting AND achieving your Goals

The SMART method not only gets you to set goals, it also gives you the methods to achieve them. ‘Setting goals’ is not the …

Mind Map of Motivation Outcomes

Motivation is one of the most important, if not THE most important aspect of learning.
In our Learning Management Programme, we give you an evaluation sheet to check your current levels of motivation, as well as a case study.
The case study goes through a typical study session of John. It also highlights the problems that John has with focusing and staying motivated.
You could do this yourself. Take some time and go through your typical study session. Make a note of how long you sit, what you do, …

This step could be lots of fun and you can be as creative as you like.
The first module in our Learning Management Programme covers motivation and goal setting, but before you get to that I would like you to take a step back.
If you are not getting the results you want, the chances are great that you are not motivated to put in the effort to get the results you actually want.
This is often because you don’t know what is in it for you.
Write a short essay
I gave my son …

While I don’t want you to rush out and buy lots of material, I highly recommend that you get some material that can make your learning process more colourful and fun.
You will be learning note taking methods, both in linear and Mind Map form throughout the course.
You can either do this by hand, or by using software.
Hand Drawn Notes
I recommend that you start with hand drawn notes. While this may seem more difficult than using software, it has a few advantages.
You will most likely write you exams by hand, if …

What’s in it for me?
Have you ever sat in front of a pile of textbooks, boring scribbled notes and tons of work to complete? Have you ever wondered ‘why am I doing this?’
Don’t fear! You are in the same boat as millions of other learners all over the world, both young and old. In order to become motivated, you first need to ask the question, ‘What’s in it for me?’
This week you will learn how to define this and how to manage your expectations.
You will build up a vision board …

What must I do?
In Week 1, you learned what’s in it for you. This week, you will learn what skills you must acquire to get what you want.
By following our programme, you will gain the necessary skills to learn faster and easier while still having time to play.
To be good at anything, you have to acquire the skills first. Have you seen how easily and effortlessly a professional sports person performs. It seems as if they are not even thinking about their actions.
They have acquired the skills necessary to perform …

How do I apply my new found skills?
Having the skills that can make you a world class sportsperson does not help, if you don’t get out on the field and apply it. Simply learning the skills and talking about it, won’t win any matches.
You have to go out there and do it!
Many learners fail to apply the learning skills that they have acquired over the years because they don’t know how. It’s like playing a soccer game on your computer. You learn everything there is to know about playing soccer. …

Sharpen the saw
Stephen R. Covey, in his book ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’ relays the following story:
 Suppose you were to come upon someone in the woods working feverishly to saw down a tree.
“What are you doing?” you ask.
“Can’t you see?” comes the impatient reply. “I’m sawing down this tree.”
“You look exhausted!” you exclaim. “How long have you been at it?”
“Over five hours,” he returns, “and I’m beat! This is hard work.”
‘Well, why don’t you take a break for a few minutes and sharpen that saw?” you inquire. “I’m …