1. How to remain an high achieving student?
Dr. Johnson Alex
College of Medicine, DAU
Learning Skills
4/24/2019

2. Objectives To understand the charecteristics of high achieving student
To understand the factors affecting high achievement
To identify the problems related to become a high achieving student
Learning Skills
4/24/2019

3. High achieving Students
are well organized
develop critical thinking abilities
are active learners
write well-structured papers
study effectively for exams
have a healthy lifestyle
know the resources that are available

4. Strengthening commitment to goal
Success Process
Goal identification
Strengthening commitment to goal
Change attitudes
Change Behavior
Learning Skills
4/24/2019

5. Goal identification Basic idea
How can you ever expect to get somewhere if you don’t know where you want to go?
Goals give you something to measure yourself against
Goals give your life direction
Write down your goals

6. Strengthening commitment to goal
Understanding the benefits (rewards and opportunities) – goal clarification
Increasing global awareness (having a strong foundation)
Having a road map (step-by-step plan)

7. Goal Clarification: Rewards and Opportunities of Medicine
Job satisfaction
Challenging Work as saving human life
Social Impact and Prestige
Financial Security
Professional Environment with high quality people
Creative Thinking and develop new innovations in medicine

8. Behaviors for Success
Time and energy devoted to studying (“time on task”
Study from class to class rather than from test to test
Group study/collaborative learning
Making effective use of professors/instructors
Preparing for lectures in advance
Utilizing resources (e.g., tutoring, advising, counseling, etc)
Preparing for and taking tests

9. Pedagogy for changing behaviors
Establish a baseline
Deliver knowledge
Build commitment to behavior
Require/assign implementation
Process outcomes

10. Change attitudes Behavior Attitude Cognitive (thoughts)
Affect (Emotional)
Behavior
Learning Skills
4/24/2019

11. Change attitudes (Cognitive)
Negative attitudes that inhibit success
Weak commitment to goal of graduating in Medicine
Unrealistic view of what’s expected (e.g., overconfidence)
Low self-confidence
Lack of self worth (I.e., tendency to sabotage their success)
External “locus-of-control” (I.e., adoption of victim role)
Negative view toward authority figures

12. Successful People
Learning Skills
4/24/2019

13. Change attitudes Affect (Emotion)
Frustrated
Feel sad and depressed due to repeated failure.
Gets angry/irritated
Worry
Anxiety
Learning Skills
4/24/2019

14. Behavior
Avoidance of areas of weakness or perceived unpleasantness (e.g., difficult classes, physics etc.)
Tendency toward procrastination (e.g., negative view toward time management)
Learned Helplessness - Hopelessness
Reluctance to work with other students (I.e., avoidance of group study)
Learning Skills
4/24/2019

15. Common Problem Areas Technology “Addiction” Too Much Socializing
Poor Sleep Habits
Motivation

16. #1 Problem

17. Technology “Addiction”
WhatsApp, FB, Instagram etc.
TV series, Video games
Use before sleep disturbs…
Waste average 24 hrs/wk
40 – 50 hrs/wk not unusual

18. Which is best for your students? For you? NO CELL POLICY or NO POLICY

19. Student Generated Strategies
Use limiters, blockers
Use different browser when studying
Turn off fb notifications especially on cell
Set an alarm when time to stop
Leave laptop at home,
Go to library; go to place with no internet
Remove distractions from home screen

20. #2 Too Much Socializing

21. Too Much Socializing Waste average 21 hrs/wk (10 – 60 hrs)
Hanging out with friends
Studying with friends
Drinking and wasting entire weekend
Can’t say no—fear losing friends
Staying out too late
Can’t say, “I have to go.”
Driving others
Talking to family

22. Student Generated Strategies to Reduce Socializing
Schedule posted at desk; shared with friends
Social time scheduled
Recognition that sacrifices are necessary
Surround self with serious students
Ask prof for help rather than friends
Shut off fb
Plan fun activity Sat morning to reduce drinking
Be designated driver

23. #3 Sleep Problems Sleeping pills, energy drinks, caffeine
Sleep with cells and laptops
Can’t get up in morning
Sleep deprived
Can’t fall asleep
Nap for hours
waste14 hrs/wk average

24. Sleep Hygiene Healthy food; not at bedtime
“Breakfast makes you smarter”
Exercise instead of napping
Go to bed and get up at regular time
Plan fun activities for weekend mornings
Follow schedule to avoid cramming and all- nighters
Shut off technology 1 hr. before bedtime
Alarm on other side of room
Wear a watch

25. Lack of Motivation & Commitment
The root of most problems.
Demands of university are a shock.
High school was easy and/or they simply did what they were told.
They aren’t equipped for the delayed gratification.
Have little idea of how their studies will lead to a rewarding life.

26. Dream board

27. Motivational Strategies
Dream board
Remember priorities
Tell friends I failed and can’t fail again
Recall look on parent’s face when told of failure
Post good marks, encouraging feedback
Compete; hang out with good students
Aim higher
Dream about my future and the life I want
Positive self talk
Talk with profs and professionals who can inspire

28. Thank You