Congratulations!
You made it to the Bed program, and you have made it through a busy two months!
You have probably got a sense of the weekly tasks and potential study routine(s).
Since the start of the BEd. program, we (peer mentors) have had several discussions with teacher candidates about study tips for the Bed program, so we thought of sharing these.
1. Plan ahead of time
It is easy to get caught up in overthinking about a “big” assignment that is due in two weeks, getting ready for tomorrow’s class, thinking of housekeeping tasks, and at the same time, feeling I am just tired, I wish I could have a break.
Planning ahead helps keep our busy minds calm and focused on the current task in hand:
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- Look at your current class schedule, and highlight ‘free time slots’ that you could dedicate to do ‘deep work‘ such as doing class readings or working on an assignment.
Take into account other tasks such as lunch breaks, commute time, family/social time, and free time to unwind.
These time slots could be in the early mornings, between classes, or after classes on weekdays, or on the weekend. - Look at each course and consider its ‘weekly workload‘, that is the nature of its readings and assignments. Have an estimate guess when you could possibly work on it. This could be the day before class, on a weekend, or on a weekday that has late classes or few number of classes. Jot down on your schedule the task for each ‘deep work’ time slot.
- Consider the ‘deadlines‘ of big projects/assignments, and think of the time needed to prepare for them. This could be a long time slot on a weekend, or a dedicated weekly time slot.
- Look at your current class schedule, and highlight ‘free time slots’ that you could dedicate to do ‘deep work‘ such as doing class readings or working on an assignment.
2. Stay focused on the task at hand!
Now that you have an outline of working hours throughout the week and month, don’t overthink about upcoming deadlines, since you have these scheduled in your plan. Instead, only think and work on that task during its dedicated time slot. Make sure not be distracted by social media when working on a particular task.
3. Know your peak learning/productivity time
Some of us are early birds waking up early, others are night owls staying up late at night. Some of us prefer to have an unwinding routine before working, others would like to start with the big tasks and relax in the afternoon. Whatever it is, know you preferred work style, and stay attuned to it.
4. Find your ‘preferred’ working spot
Find your preferred spot where you could focus the best, that could be at a certain library on campus, a certain café, or at home. (For example, I have found that I tend to focus the best when I am at the Chapmans Learning Commons, at IKB, where students from different disciplines work quietly for long hours)
5. Take breaks
Take breaks whenever you feel are needed and make the most of the time in between. Beyond class times, there are many moments of walking and socializing that could be rejuvenating and refreshing. Enjoy these moments!
6. Allow for Flexibility and Spontaneity
It feels nice to be in control of your schedule, yet this is not always the case. We all have bad days or days when we feel drained. I tend to listen to my body, if I need a rest or feel like doing something else, I could skip that task, do something entertaining and schedule another slot for the task I missed. I know that this break will actually refresh me and help me do better.
7. Use Audio-to-text apps to help with readings
If you would like to listen to some of your class readings on your commute or during a walk, try these audio-to-text option, for example, Natural Reader.
We hope these tips are helpful! Please share with us any other tips that you have been doing in the past and have found useful!
Guest Post: Nashwa Khedr, EDCP graduate student, peer mentor 2023
