1. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
IMPROVE YOUR STUDY
THE LEARNING CENTRE “
Mature Age Follow Up
THE LEARNING THE LIBRARY
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

2. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
Re-learning to Study
“It’s true that we start life with the gift of our genes, but it’s also true that we become capable through the learning and development of mental models that enable us to reason, solve, and create”
(Brown, Roediger and McDaniel, 2014, 3).
Remember this?
Extract from “How to learn better at any age”
adapted from Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning
by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. McDaniel (2014).
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

3. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
Who’s here today?
Mostly Bachelor level; 1 grad dip & 1 grad cert.
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

4. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
Today’s program
10am Introduction
Study Skills Reflective Practice via Self Diagnostic
Brainstorming – why & how
Mindmapping – organising ideas & self
11.00am Library – ask away ( Michele – Library technician)
11.15am Focusing – assignment process
Question time – sharing tips for survival & success
Refreshments
12pm Concludes
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

5. Study Skills Reflective Practice via Self Diagnostic
Feel OK about
Feel good about
Don’t think
about
Freaking out
about
H/O Study Skills Self Diagnostic
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

6. Brainstorming – why & how
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

7. Brainstorming – why & how
You have a chance to see what you already know.
You get to generate ideas.
You have the opportunity to expand your mind.
You get to explore new ideas.
You can see things from a different perspective.
You can achieve clarity & a deeper understanding.
It’s easier to cluster your ideas when you have them written/illustrated in front of you.
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

8. Brainstorming – the messier the better!
Works best when it has no structure
Is messy
Is fast
Is continuous
Is brief
Can be repeated at different times during your assignment.
Not many texts explain Brainstorming – most focus on mind mapping and some even call mind mapping brainstorming!
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

9. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
How to Brainstorm
1. Define your topic
Write it in the middle of a large (A3) page
2. Set a time limit
(depends on individual or group brainstorm, but keep it short)
3. Do NOT be judgemental of yourself or other
put down EVERY idea that comes to mind constantly focusing to and fro the TOPIC and what you have just written.
Do 1 before reading
Do another one after reading when you get stuck… but these ideas can be added to mind map more than to brainstorm.
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

10. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
Have a go!
celebration
experience
pasta
taste
exercise
Italian
2 meals per day
diet
stress
food
job
psychological
carbs
Sleep
habits
3 meals per day
access
reward
cost
disorders
nutrition
Individual or group
environment
hereditary
protein
vegan
Randomly placed on page. No ordering or organising. Look for space around the page and fill in gaps
cultural
rituals
energy
types
morning
Power
struggle
breakfast
learnt
behavioural
Lunch & dinner
Children/adult
beliefs
afternoon
night
snacks
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

11. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
Why Mind map and Concept map?
To generate new ideas and new ways of seeing the world.
To organise a lot of data – gives you an overview on a topic.
To see how difficult concepts develop.
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

12. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
How to Map?
After brainstorming:
Start again with a topic / idea in the centre of the page.
Select main ideas from your brainstorm
Start to place in a pattern that shows the main ideas radiating out from the main topic
Group related ideas with the main ideas
Think about and develop connecting lines and other words to describe the relationships among the words on the page.
You do not have to use all the ideas from your brainstorming.
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

13. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
Sample Mind Map
Provisional Thesis Statement: Eating habits are influenced by…
disorders
ENVIRONMENT
BEHAVIOURAL
planning
access
Eating habits
PSYCHOLOGICAL
HEREDITARY
GENETIC
CULTURAL
BEHAVIOURAL
CULTURAL
disorders
Concept mapping is not just about the topic, but about what you want to state/prove about the topic.
Start by mapping the stand outs. Always go to and fro Thesis Statement – keep word length in mind
predisposition
GENETIC
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14. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
Keep track as you go!
celebration
experience
pasta
taste
exercise
Italian
2 meals per day
diet
stress
food
job
psychological
carbs
Sleep
habits
3 meals per day
access
reward
cost
disorders
nutrition
Individual or group
environment
hereditary
protein
vegan
Cross words/ideas out as you use them – but don’t discard any brainstorm, mind maps, notes until you receive the assignment back. Remember it’s a process.
cultural
rituals
energy
types
morning
Power
struggle
breakfast
learnt
behavioural
Lunch & dinner
Children/adult
beliefs
afternoon
night
snacks
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

15. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
Concept map exemplar
From Mind mapping Software Blog
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

16. The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J
Mind map your Week
H/O Time Planning. Scribble your day’s agenda – can make it all less daunting and Mind mapping week can make it fun!
Source How to Focus in the Age of Distraction
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

17. Fishbone works well for Cause – Effect Problem solving
Scribble your day’s agenda – can make it all less daunting and mind mapping week can make it fun!
Source Fishbone diagrams to solve Manufacturing Problems
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

18. Fishbone works well for “Time Management” Self Reflection too!
Remember to Brainstorm before mind mapping
Source SquawkPoint Service Improvement: Fish bone diagrams – Helpful or not
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19. Assignment Writing Process – keeping focused
Source The Learning Centre Online Programs Curtin University: Essays Writing from Sources
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

20. Essay Writing Structure Start at the thesis statement
Source The Learning Centre Online Programs Curtin University: Essays Writing from Sources
The Learning Centre Library Curtin University 00301J

21. Have you found your PEACEFUL PLACE?
Eye porpoising – Sandy MacGregor Students Steps to Success p.22