Due to the impact of the epidemic this year, many institutions, UIC included, have adopted the online teaching methods, which started in February. Teachers and students across the country have been exploring the features of various e-learning platforms. Since studying at home, many students continue and maintain their efficient learning habits that implemented in college. We’ve interviewed several UIC students and asked them to share with us their good learning habits.
Set goals and keep focused
Lei Zihan, Media Arts and Design Programme, Year 2
"I am the kind of person who can stay focused on doing one thing for a long time. For example, I want to finish the assignment of the Whole Person Education course today. Once I have started, I will not be satisfied until I have finished. I find that if things are piled up and not finished, I am more anxious. Whatever tasks are scheduled, I will write it down and arrange the schedule as soon as possible.”
Lei Zihan's schedule
Find your study partners
Zheng Hao, Computer Science and Technology Programme, Year 4
"I think a good way to learn is to study with your peers. In my Programme, some students have been reading papers live on Bilibili, an online video site, during the holidays while others have shared their own insights and learning progress in certain fields. We also used document sharing platforms to exchange their notes about a class.
"At the end of the semester, some classmates will hold review sessions to help other students. Even during the epidemic, we often open online discussion rooms to exchange learning results. I believe that sharing and being selfless will ultimately help you.
"Our Programme Director also organises students who are interested in artificial intelligence to participate in seminars, and teachers often hold online meetings with us to guide us with thesis writing, which helps us make better use of our vacations.”
Screenshot of a Bilibili live sharing session held by Zheng Hao's classmate
Utilise Online resources
Zheng Hao, Computer Science and Technology Programme, Year 4
"First of all, for the students in the Division of Science and Technology, especially CST Programme, we are usually good at using search engines to find the resources that we need. A lot of classmates often watch online courses to deepen their understanding in the subject matter. At the same time, there are a lot of study notes on the internet and with the combination of online and offline resources, which we can use to gain a better understanding and can help us to achieve higher scores.”
Preview the lessons
Wang Ruoning, Finance Programme, Year 2
"The pre-class previewing materials can be mainly divided into three aspects which include; textbook, PowerPoints and other materials required by the teacher.
"I think the most important thing is to read the textbook. After you have read through the textbooks and have a basic understanding of the knowledge system you have learned, you will be able to keep up. I suggest that you read the original English textbook because it will make your thinking smoother. Don't be afraid of the obscure textbooks, use a dictionary if you need to, and the understanding will come after.
"The second is looking through the PowerPoints. If you really don't want to read the textbook, you can print the PowerPoints (eg. 4 to 6 slides on one page) before class and make some notes on it. When reviewing the PowerPoints, be sure to combine the teacher's class notes. You can't finish it just by looking at it, you must memorise it.
"The third is to finish some small exercises or watch some related video clips according to the teacher's requirements. This must be done because the teacher is likely to cite these materials in the course of the class.”
Wang Ruoning takes notes on her textbook
Use tools to assist your studies
Yang Siqi, Finance Programme, Year 3
“I'm used to using time management apps like Dida365 or a tool called 'tomato clock' to make learning plans and keep track of my time. However, Dida365 was replaced by My Planner 2019-2020, which was issued by the college. My Planner 2019-2020 will remind me of all the deadlines, and my "tomato clock" will tell me how long I have studied, which gives me a sense of accomplishment!”
"Tomato clock"
Yang Siqi marks her schedule on My Planner 2019-2020
Think Profoundly
Zhang Zixin, Public Relations and Advertising Programme, Year 4
"There are actually no standard answers to many homework assignments in the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences. If you want to complete them better, my advice is to be a deep-thinker, research more, and continue to explore new perspectives. In general, you should continue to dig deeper in the direction you are interested in by reading and thinking more.
"Learning at home requires self-control. The key to self-discipline lies in rational planning. Make good use of your time. Do not indulge yourself or let yourself do nothing. Both the brain and the body must move, for example, you can learn to cook, draw, or even exercise on a daily basis during your free time.”
Needless to say, the classroom is an integral part of learning, but the importance of autonomous learning is no less important than learning in the classroom. In addition to the ability of dialectical thinking, the goal of university training is the attitude and ability of lifelong learning.
Reporter: Lauren Richardson
Editors: Samuel Burgess, Deen He, Covee Wang
(from MPRO)
