Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Everyone has a different way of going about their study and assignments and workload.
Just thought perhaps everyone can share what works for them so that other people can read it and maybe pick up some good study tips. I have found it good to tell people what and how I study as some people, esp those new to formal study or returning to it after a big gap feel very apprehensive.

I always set myself clear goals eg. will finish assignment 1 task 1 within 2-3 days etc .... be realistic about how much time u need for your assignments, rushing yourself will just leave you stressed and frazzled and your assignment will not be the best if you rush through to just get it done.

If you are busy again realistically assign time to your study even if it is just 1/2hr a day & study away from distractions, phone, tv, kids etc ... make sure that people around you know u r studying and do not disturb u for that time period

Having the recommended texts I say is always a must, even if you hardly use them they are a good resource and will be with you forever.

Hi fefe76,

A very good topic!!

I will share what I learnt from my good old days of studying. Many times I have noticed that in the beginning, when starting to do an assignment, it appears sooooo hard and sometimes it doesnt make any sense what so ever!! I straight away start to think - OMG, how am I gonna do this? This is so hard, I dont understand this! etc..etc..But after awhile I understood that "Research" is the key to everything. A subject is ONLY hard when we dont know anything about it. But once you start researching to understand the question and ways to answer it, you begin to learn more along the process and the question all of a sudden begins to make sense. This is always the case..it is only hard in the beginning, but once you start learning it will be a lot easier. So people who give up as soon as they read an assignment question, A TIP - 'Dont panic! Just start your research and you will gain the knowledge'.

I have never come across an assignment that was impossible to complete. All the assignments are doable. Make sure you give 2-3 days for each (atleast) and try NOT to finish it in haste. Your hard work will be reflected on your grades...and it is worth end of the day.

With a lot of the scenario-type questions you find you have to do, its always good to imagine yourself in the scene rather than the 3rd person ... put yourself in that position and then ask yourself what you would do, it makes those questions much easier when you do it that way.

Like catchmeifucan said Don't Panic! yes a lot of the assignments you will look at and go "huh, what theu hell are they asking me" but just read through it slowly.
The unit heading will be a big clue of what the assignment is, and you can usually find a lot of resources by searching key words eg toddler development, rural childcare etc

No study can be done without collecting relevent background info first, unless you have a lot of experience and can just do the assignments without anything!

Post-its can be your new best friend! ... When I study I have heaps.... I use little ones to stick on pages of text that are important....big ones to make notes....huge ones for reminding myself of stuff!!! or jotting down bullet points as I read thru ref material or text books
you can colour code them too...eg all green ones are assignment 1, red assignment 2

One thing again that I seem to notice on here, people studying without the recommended textbooks
If books are recommended, it is so for a reason ....they help you understand what you are meant to learn and help you with assignments.
How can one study a Cert III or Diploma without the books??? Nothing will make sense.
Books can be costly but if bought online or second hand they are very affordable.
Personally I always get the books, I got mine for my Diploma, never needed to use them but I got them regardless because you never know what book may come in useful during your career.
I have a big collection of Montessori books and am building a collection of other books and resources helpful to me as a GL.
In short GET THE BOOKS

One thing I heard which is really good : Write things as if the person reading it ( teacher etc ) has no clue about the topic . That way you can make it simple yet informative . And one thing I need to learn: read the questions !

I always try to get the recommended books from the uni library. I study externally so I make an effort to borrow the books. You need to fully understand the question then you can start it. I also find find helpful is writing the question on my white board. I use a different colour for each question and I mark or tick each question that i have completed. It really has helped me to break up the assignment and work on the question that is easy to answer. Another tip is do more research and you will learn more. When i get assignments, i have no idea how to answer it. But when I start researching I can answer it. Also with referencing, I use the Harvard Style. So I make it a habit to do it straight away, such as date it, website etc. I used to do it last but would become frustrated trying to remember the websites. If you do it at very end it takes longer.

all good tips, I have to have a tidy study space to be able to have a tidy mind when studying: uncluttered desk with file folders, organising racks and a big cork notice board with sleeves for assignments in progress. Good luck everybody, the world needs more great Childcare Educators!

The biggest tip I could give anyone would be 'read the rubric'!!! I studied so much better at Uni when I looked at the rubric to see exactly what it was the lecturer was looking for, what areas of the assignment were afforded the most marks, and the types of things that could move me from a pass to a distinction. So I would very much recommend checking out the rubric (I assume most TAFES/Unis have them for their assignments)
Cathie

So glad I have read these tips, I have some great idea's now and hopefully won't stress myself with studying this year

Kaz wrote:So glad I have read these tips, I have some great idea's now and hopefully won't stress myself with studying this year

All the best with your studies this year Kaz! We're always here if you need extra support!

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Lorina

What a fantastic topic. For someone like me who is feeling so daunted by the thought of study, the tips here are awesome! Thank you all for sharing them!

Karen

Hi all, I like these strategies. I am just trying to figure out a way it would work for me. I am currently studying Diploma of Early Childhood and Education and Care and in need of some help. I am currently doing my first assessment even though I started 2 months ago. I have just found it hard to study as this is my first actual course. My assignment is based on a little boy who is being neglected. While his mother is on weekends away with her partner his older brother is home looking after him and having wild parties which include alcohol and cigarettes being involved , his clothes are unwashed, he is withdrawn, uninterested in usual activities, seems to be hungry so what would be the ethical dilemma on this situation, how can I deal with it?

hope I said this in a way for you all to understand

Tam27 wrote:Hi all, I like these strategies. I am just trying to figure out a way it would work for me. I am currently studying Diploma of Early Childhood and Education and Care and in need of some help. I am currently doing my first assessment even though I started 2 months ago. I have just found it hard to study as this is my first actual course. My assignment is based on a little boy who is being neglected. While his mother is on weekends away with her partner his older brother is home looking after him and having wild parties which include alcohol and cigarettes being involved , his clothes are unwashed, he is withdrawn, uninterested in usual activities, seems to be hungry so what would be the ethical dilemma on this situation, how can I deal with it?

hope I said this in a way for you all to understand

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Lorina

This is a good post and I find most valuable tips on this topic. Music is the fashion for a kid. I think it uses as enjoyable.

This makes me feel better. I am so worried that I have fallen behind in my study! I find it really hard to focus on studying and get tired very quickly, and with all the housework, and to-do lists....study just seems to get pushed to the side a lot! There are some great tips here and I think I just need to be harder on myself and others about making time for study!


I have found it easier to use the Assessment questions as a guide for the resources we were given, since there doesn't seem to be any structure to it and it requires you to go research the Frameworks and Regulations yourself. It took me almost 6 weeks just to figure that bit out! Since then it has been smoother sailing. I've learned to talk to the trainers more too. I have a call booked with them tomorrow to discuss my feeling I am so behind, and also to discuss the trials of getting a first aid certificate and a adequate placement when I love so remotely.