Managing and Caring for the Self PDF

GE2405 MANAGING AND CARING FOR THE SELF Understanding how to manage and care for yourself is essential. This module helps you become a better student, understand changes in your brain and behavior, and develop strategies for self-regulated learning. By the end, you will be...

GE2405 MANAGING AND CARING FOR THE SELF Understanding how to manage and care for yourself is essential. This module helps you become a better student, understand changes in your brain and behavior, and develop strategies for self-regulated learning. By the end, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage different aspects of yourself. Learning to Be a Better Student Being a better student is beneficial for both academic success and personal growth. Being a better student involves more than just attending classes and completing assignments. It requires self-awareness, organization, and motivation. Strong study habits make learning easier and help you remember what you have learned, improving your grades and improving your confidence. These skills also prepare you for lifelong learning, making it easier to cope with new challenges as the world changes. Brain and Behavior Changes Understanding how your brain functions can help you navigate the challenges of being a student. During adolescence, your brain undergoes significant changes that affect behavior and learning: 1. Neurological Changes – The prefrontal cortex, which controls decision-making and impulse control, is still developing in teens, making it harder to focus or resist distractions. As the brain matures, critical thinking and problem-solving improve. You can use these growing skills to tackle challenging problems in school. 2. Emotional Regulation – Hormonal changes can impact your emotions, causing mood swings and increased stress. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and journaling can help you manage these emotions. The emotional part of the brain develops faster than the decision-making area, which can lead to stronger feelings and impulsive actions. Metacognition and Study Strategies Metacognition refers to awareness of one's own learning processes. It is often thought of as “thinking about thinking” or, in education, “learning to learn.” By developing metacognitive skills, one can enhance one's study strategies. 1. Self-assessment – To improve retention, regularly assess your understanding of the material. Consider asking yourself questions such as: “What do I already know about this topic?”, “Which concepts are challenging for me?” and “What steps can I take to deepen my understanding?” 2. Active Learning Techniques – Engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing information in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or creating visual aids like mind maps. These methods can deepen your understanding and retention of the material. 3. Practice Testing – Self-test regularly to assess your understanding. Use flashcards or take practice quizzes. 4. Reflect on Your Learning – After completing a study session, take a moment to reflect. Determine what strategies worked well and what didn’t. Adjust your approach based on these reflections to improve future learning sessions. 09 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 1 of 2  GE2405 Managing Your Own Learning: Self-Regulated Learning Self-regulated learning (SRL) is a way for you to take control of your own learning. It involves knowing your strengths and weaknesses, which helps you set personal goals. While SRL may look different depending on your age, it generally means making intelligent choices about learning and managing your time. Students who practice self-regulation become more independent and can finish tasks without needing constant help. The three phases in the cycle of Self-Regulated Learning are: 1. Forethought Phase – This is referred to as the planning stage. To stay on track with your tasks, start by setting clear goals, choosing your strategies, anticipating potential challenges, and creating a schedule. Use tools like a calendar or planner app to help you stay organized and focused. Example: For a math project due next week, decide to research for two days, write for three days, and review on the last day. You may use a calendar app to mark these days. 2. Performance Phase – During this stage, you put your plans into action, actively track your progress, and evaluate how well your chosen methods are working for you. It involves staying focused and adjusting as needed. Example: While studying for a math test, check if solving practice problems is helping you. If you keep getting the same questions wrong, think about changing your study method. 3. Self-Reflection Phase – In this final phase, you evaluate your performance, reflect on what went well and what didn’t, and identify areas for improvement. You can try new study methods, such as group study sessions or online resources. Example: After getting your grades back, think about how you studied. If you haven’t succeeded, try studying with friends next time or using flashcards to help you remember more. In conclusion, managing and caring for yourself as a student is essential for your success now and in the future. By setting clear goals, understanding how you learn, developing metacognitive strategies, and practicing self-regulated learning, you can significantly enhance your educational experience. Remember that this journey is about continuous improvement; even small steps can lead to major changes. Embrace the process, invest in yourself, and you’ll pave the way for a brighter future. References: Ackerman, C. (2024, September 20). What is Self-Regulation? Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/self-regulation/. Learning Hive. (n.d.). Promoting metacognition and self-regulated learning. https://www.learninghive.co.uk/blog/metacognition-and-self-regulated-learning. MSEd, K. C. (2023, December 5). The brain and behavior in Psychology. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/lesson-three-brain-and-behavior-2795291. 09 Handout 1A *Property of STI Page 2 of 2