Elmira's Blog

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Blog 10 - Exam Preparation

Finally, I have completed semester one. Semester one has been a long run-up and a great learning experience up until now. I’ve learnt about my weaknesses, deadlines and the importance about attendance. In today's post, I'll be discussing and providing tips and ideas for preparing ourselves for January exams.

Organise study space/notes: Find what works best for you. Ensure you're comfortable and have enough space. Prepare your notes. Avoid distractions - tv, mobile phone, music etc.

Use creative ways: If students find certain subjects boring, they can use flash cards and high-lighters. Students must sit with their notes and re-write notes over and over and look over them regularly. Make funny rhymes or songs to help remember key points.

When studying: Time is important. The human brain is mostly active between 5-8 am. In afternoons between 7-11 pm. Students studying during these times are learning better because their brain is at its best function. DON'T cram.

Don't stress: Stress becomes an obstacle in students in receiving high grades. Don't pressure yourself. Exercise to avoid this. Be optimistic to boost your confidence.

Sleep/eat well: You NEED to eat and sleep well before any exam. 8 hours sleep is recommended. Avoid junk food, instead include food supplying energy to your brain for longer brain functioning. Drink plenty of water.

- "Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle" - Christian D. Larson.

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Blog 9 - Writing Personal Statements

Personal statements are all about "ME". They allow me to tell the universities and colleges I'm applying to, why they should make an offer to me on their programme.                                                                    

I am 19 year old student studying in the Dublin Institute of Technology. I am currently on the Access Foundation Programme and I'm undertaking 8 modules.

My academic experience has been beneficial to me. During secondary school, I've completed 7 subjects. I was presented as "The Student of the Year Award" in English and Business. From my excellent standard of work. I was gave grind classes to students struggling these subjects. Since taking Business at Leaving Cert, my interest grew. I’ve the ability to see many businesses rationally and make suggestions for further improvements. International Business & German is a programme I've been interested in from an early age. I enjoy broad reading and realise that it's essential in studying business. I pay attention to details and enjoy experiencing work that aids social issues in today’s world. I feel that the fundamental knowledge I have has helped me notice people's conduct and how external factors influence our thoughts. This sector of work requires confidence and flexibility in which I feel I have. In this competitive field of work, I know I can use this to my advantage to gain recognition.

I have an interest in Sport. I'm an exceptional tennis player. I get involved in tennis outside of college too. I played GAA in school and was awarded with a bronze medal on sport's day.

- “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” - Oscar Wilde.

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Blog 8 - CAO Session

As a 19 year old, deciding what I want to do after secondary school and the AFP is tough and a little daunting. I have to make long-term decisions for a better future. We're now approaching the last week of Semester one. This means it's time for Christmas, New Year and time to apply for the CAO. 

The Central Applications Office proceeds applications made by undergraduates/mature applicants and the courses they wish to do. The CAO does this in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Decisions are made by the HEI's on admissions to undergraduate/mature applicant courses. They construct CAO to make offers to applicants who succeeded in achieving high grades and enough LC points.

What are the steps I need to complete to successfully complete a CAO application?

Apply to CAO online before deadline - easier, faster, cheaper 25€ before January, 17:15.

Research courses/attend open days.

Be open minded: Consider on all options available before final decision.

Love the course/Career paths: Be passionate and choose something you love. Know where this degree will lead you and the career opportunities available.

Order of preference: List the courses on your CAO in order of preference. Fill in all blanks!

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXTMJnK7atc

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Blog 7 - Understanding Conflict

Conflict is the theme of today's blog.

When people first hear of the word conflict, they immediately assume a physical fight or struggle between two people or more. It happens at home, school, work and public areas. Although conflict is defined as a dispute or disagreement of people with different interests, conflict is neither good or bad. for example, a conflict can help raise an issues awareness. It's basically caused by the avoidance of issues affecting one person or more. The most important thing in situations where a conflict is taking place is when and how the situation is handled.

There are 4 types of conflict:

Interpersonal - conflict within the person.

Intrapersonal - conflict between two people.

Intragroup - conflict within a group.

Intergroup - conflict between two different groups.

How do I deal with conflict and what can I do to deal with it more effectively?

Be prepared: Check your behaviour.

Don't wait: The sooner the easier to solve the conflict.

Find a quiet/private place: Privacy helps eliminate tension between the people in conflict.

Share feelings & Listen: Don't blame the other. Always express your thoughts/feelings. Say "I". Listen to the other carefully.

Find problem/Solution: Give honest details and ask for ideas that are suitable to both for a better future.   

VIDEO:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY5TWVz5ZDU

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Blog 6 - Locus of Control

Today's post is about Locus Control.

Locus of control is understood as way people trait behaviour. Internal locus of control is the idea of positive/negative events as being an outcome of a person's own actions under their control. Individuals with internal locus of control think they control their own fate and convince that they have the power to determine their own fate. E.g. People with internal locus are more prepared, hard-working and motivated in exams.

External locus of control is when the environment or humans control the actions of individuals. E.g. Children tend to have locus of control at a young age because they listen to their parents orders. However, as we get older we begin to develop internal locus of control because we begin to make our own decisions and become independent.

At some extent, I personally think that I have internal locus of control. Although I like informing my parents on everyday situations and seek their advice. I decide what exactly happens in my life. I make decisions when I'm interacting with people and when I'm giving my own thoughts. I don't believe in good/bad luck. I prepare myself for exams by studying and working hard to succeed.

- “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.” - C.G. Jung

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Blog 5 - Theories of Intelligence

In today's blog, I will be discussing about intelligence and what I've learned about intelligence.

 One thing I've learnt about intelligence is that it's a process of cognition. It refers to all types of human complex mental abilities. The more a person can adapt to change, whether it's technology, advancement in time or just to the weather, the more they're seen as intelligent. In today's world people must store, retrieve, and use knowledge to be considered intelligent.

 According to science and research, there are 8 types of intelligences. They include:

Verbal-linguistic

Musical

Visual-kinaesthetic

Naturalist

Logical-mathematical

Interpersonal

Intrapersonal

Bodily-kinaesthetic.

 When I first read an article on intelligence, I had the same impression as most of the world, however as I began reading through the article I began to question this impression. I realised that we're all intelligent. It doesn't matter whether we study more or have a degree or not. Each and every one of us has something to offer in this world. We're all different and unique in some form. A poet may be intelligent through poetry, artists have the capacity to think 3 dimensional, crafts people understand how to manipulate objects, musicians have a gift of sensitivity to pitch and tone and psychologists can use their knowledge to direct people in their lives.

- "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination" - Albert Einstein.

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Blog 4 - Note Taking and Effective Reading

Reading is a pleasure. It has a joy of its own. We are brought in a world created for us by the author. Note taking and reading widens our horizon of thinking. It is one of the most beneficial and feasible activities for academic success.

In today's blog, I'll discuss about the best ways to read effectively and the best tips for taking good notes.

Effective Reading

Choose a book that is of interest to you because it will determine the strategy you'll take of reading it effectively depending on the nature of the book.

Find out if you're a morning or night time reader.

Reading regularly builds and improves your vocabulary, your communication and writing skills.

Make a table of contents before you start reading. Ask yourself what you're expecting to see in this chapter, and what questions you hope to answer by the end of every chapter.

Note Taking

Highlighting key words and taking notes helps emphasize information in your brain, and helps you to review important points later. Information is later recalled when needed e.g. in examinations.

When finished reading, write a paragraph in your own words, what you've just learned. This helps recall new information read, so that you'll retain it more effectively.

Write down words you don't understand and search the meaning of them using a dictionary.

- " A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only once." - George R.R.Martin.

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Blog 3 - How to Study Effectively.

Many students, when starting school have a list life objectives they hope to achieve. Our main goal is to succeed academically. This means attending classes, listening and getting high grades in examinations.

Students fail tests because they didn’t study for whatever reason?  Maybe their notes are inadequate, they get distracted? Or maybe they don’t know about studying effectively? I'll discuss 3 key strategies that have helped me to study effectively.

Equipment

When taking notes, have the right material. Including: a textbook of the module, copies, folders, pens, hi-lighters, a pencil case and of course an open mind.

Organising

Now that you've your equipment, organise your subjects, copies and folders, to know where they are. First, have a folder for each module. Next step, fill your pencil case with enough biros. Always keep a hi-lighter on hand for highlighting important sections. Now that you're organised, you're ready to start.

Note taking

In order for you to take good notes, listen to your lecturer. Highlight what's important for exams and ask questions regularly for better understanding. The teacher is always there.

Remain focused and always listen.

Sit near the front to avoid any disruptions.

Try not to miss lectures and if you're absent ensure to get the notes. Teacher's won't run after you for the notes.

Write dates/headings on pages, to know each covered topic. This helps find notes easier.

- " Learning is the eye of the mind."

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Blog 2 - Time Management

I've been gifted with a precious gift of time. My life is temporary, just like a small bubble waiting to explode. Managing my time effectively means managing my life effectively. I've only 24 hours to a day. Within these hours, time is wasted or managed wisely.

The honeymoon stage is over. It's time to work. I've planned out how I'll approach this academic year. I'll discuss the key principles of time management and how I’ll implement them tactically and strategically in my life to reach my objectives.

 Decide what is urgent/important: I'll be approached with a variety of complexities that’ll require attention, but I'll priorities the urgent tasks orderly by deadline dates.

 Provide time for emergencies: Unexpected situations will arise at some point. Emergencies are common issues.

 Realistic deadlines: Be realistic. Complete assignments early to avoid chunks of work near deadline dates. Completing small parts of assignments results in better work thought thoroughly.

 Eliminate distractions: My mobile phone is my number one. I'll ignore this by finding an empty and quiet place for study and turning my phone off to increase my productivity.

 Time for me: The concept of time management is to manage it well but I hope to balance my life also. Being active refreshes my mind and reduces stress levels which increases brain activity. I'll participate in basketball and tennis.

- "Either you run the day, or the day runs you" - Jim Rohn.

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Blog 1 - Healthy Mind Healthy Body

                                                  Healthy Living

Hi bloggers,

This is my first post on my blog.

In today's post I will discuss about, 'Healthy Mind Healthy Body'. It's a controversial topic that's affecting people from nearly all age groups.Healthy living means eating right and exercising. There's options we can choose to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Physical exercise such as strength training is important for  muscles/bones. As we age our bones begin to wear out, so by strength training our bones we're avoiding osteoporosis.

Increasing the intake of fruit and vegetables in our diet is key to a healthy lifestyle. Fruit like oranges are citrus. Oranges help prevent mouth, stomach and larynx cancer.

Alcohol is very unhealthy. It damages brain cells and must be consumed very little.Smoking causes lung cancer, which is increasing in teenagers

Reading is another way to keep our brain healthy. It increases brain activity by reading on a regular basis.

Communicating with people seems an excellent way of relieving stress and talking about problems affecting us daily.

Sleeping is vital for our brain to function correctly. A minimum of 8hrs is needed daily

Living a healthy lifestyle is what we make of it. It's not hard or expensive. It requires planning, motivation and participation. It's do-able if we put our mind to it.