After spending a few months in tertiary studies, many
students are either struggling to keep up with their coursework or fighting off
boredom. Students in this position either think about changing their field of
study or dropping out completely, believing they are not cut out for either the
specific course they are doing or furthering their studies in general. But if
you are in this situation, try to follow these five tips to get more out of
your course before you make any changes to your course.
Get perspective
If you’re having difficulties with the material you’re
working on, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Remind yourself
what you want to achieve and what you want to end up doing once you have
qualified.
If you’re not enjoying your coursework right now, it doesn't necessarily mean that you won’t enjoy the application of what you’re
learning now in the next module you study. Try not to make any major decisions
until you get the opinion of an academic adviser – it may be that a little
patience and perseverance is all that’s needed before you start to enjoy what
you are doing.
Get an attitude
You may have heard the phrase “your attitude determines
your altitude” - whatever you are doing, your frame of mind goes a long way to
either turning it into a success or turning it into a disaster. Remind yourself
that you are the master of your own destiny and don’t allow other people or
things to get the better of you.
Get competitive
If you are competitive by nature, you can have a lot
of fun with your studies. Instead of thinking that you’re at a disadvantage in
comparison to other students, you can turn things around by getting competitive
and turning it into a game.
Think of every project as a challenge and set out to
do your assignments better than anybody else. Try to surprise everyone by doing
outstanding work. You can also select a few fellow students and compete against
each other – with a prize set for the highest marks!
Keep your eyes
on the prize
Whatever you do, don’t ever forget that you have a
long-term goal in your tertiary education. Even if the goal-posts shift, try to
bear in mind that your career goals can only be achieved by staying the course
and working hard.
Get support
It’s unfortunate but true that some students don’t
receive much encouragement or support when it comes to studying. Some students
don’t have any encouragement from family or don’t even have any family at all,
but that doesn’t mean nobody cares.
There are lots of people who care very much that you
succeed in your studies. For instance, people who work at the institution where
you study have a big stake in your success. They are judged on your performance,
so if you don’t do well, they don’t do well either.
People from all walks of life are concerned about
education and the issues students just like you have to face. If you feel like
you’re not getting the support you need at home, then try to find an organisation
that deals with student affairs and talk to them. You might find that there are
plenty of people who are willing to cheer you on and would like to see you
succeed.
If you are seriously thinking of changing your field
of study or major, ask yourself the following questions before going to speak
to the relevant people at the institution where you are studying:
- How did your interest in
this field of study begin?
- How much research have
you done to find out more about the type of job you aim to get after your
studies?
- Can you see yourself
doing this work? Is it a realistic and practical vocation?
- Where did this idea come
from? Did it stem from a passion? Was it a suggestion from family or
friends? Social/cultural influences? Recommendation of a teacher or
mentor? Was it out of a desire for money, power, prestige or success?
- Is it a good fit for your
academic ability and strengths? Is it a good fit for your personality?
Write down the answers, and if you think you have a
solid reason, go ahead and make the change. Whatever you decide to do, good
luck and work hard!
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