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Being an OU student
Being an OU student

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1 Keeping a study journal

Throughout your studies at the OU, and especially while you’re new, you’ll be taking on lots of information, continually developing more skills and, at times, maybe facing challenges.

One way to keep on top of all of this is to keep a study journal. If you’ve been taking any notes while working through this course you’ve already got the makings of your own study journal.

A study journal is just a formal term used to describe your personal notes. Watch the following video about how a study journal works and its benefits.

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What is a study journal?
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If you haven’t already, you might like to start making some notes in this session.

You’ll find you need to take notes in some form when you start your studies, for example notes on different topics you are studying or notes when you plan an assignment, so it’s good to get in the habit now. If you find it useful you might wish to continue using a specific study journal just to reflect on your learning through your studies or you could do it as part of your other notes. There’s no right or wrong way – do what works for you.

Here are a few methods you could use to keep your journal:

  • a document on your PC or mobile device
  • a digital notebook, such as One Note
  • a blog/journal.

You can, of course, also take paper notes. Many students find that doing this helps them absorb information better. It’s also worth setting something up on your computer, however, as you might want to save useful web links you come across.

Keeping a study journal can help with making a success of distance learning. In the next section you’ll look at some more tips to guide you on your way.