9.5 Focus on your study goals

Part of your learning strategy should be to identify your long-term goals relating to your studies and then plan accordingly. But even on a short-term basis you can plan effective study. Ask yourself the following:

• What shall I do with the study time I’ve put aside today?
• What is important today for this week’s goals?
• Would I be better off if I studied a section of my course, or worked out the tasks I need to do to complete my assignment?

Think about your short-term goals, such as completing an assignment. Try to divide your work for an assignment into manageable chunks that you can schedule into the study sessions you have available. Breaking up a large task like this also helps your motivation, so you can get started on a particular task. By setting goals and getting used to working to a plan you’ll find it easier to stick to your study schedule.