Index IntroductionMotivation and FocusDeveloping Study SkillsWorking with Others: Group StudyWorks CitedIntroductionThe purpose of this assignment is to reflect on how I manage my learning skills in college; both in individual and group contexts. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay It's been 10 years since I graduated high school. When I joined NCI, I didn't know what to expect; I just hoped it was different from high school, where I was sitting in a chair, listening to teachers read from a big book and trying to get us to memorize things that so far haven't been helpful in life. Going to college is very challenging for me, especially since I also have to go to work full time. The big step came with a lot of pressure. The main difficulty I am facing is allocating time between studying, going to class, work, home life, extracurricular activities, and meeting physiological needs such as food and sleep. And since I am a foreign student, the worries are even greater because I also have to adapt to a different culture and get used to the more complicated terms used in college. After my freshman year of college, I realized that a rigorous daily schedule of how to better manage my time is the key to successfully achieving my college goals. The plan must have clear goals and be driven by motivation, self-discipline, self-confidence, good study habits and a positive attitude. Below I will list how I set up my plan and how it helped me successfully get through it for my first year of college: Even though I didn't have the best study plan this year it was harder to get used to the idea of ​​going back to school and study, from next year I intend to have a more well organized plan. A well-organized study plan will give me an overview of my tasks and allow me to spread out my tasks over the semester and prepare for everything early; thus ensuring that you are not overwhelmed by unwritten essays and unread texts at the end of the semester. “The important thing is to divide and prioritize your daily tasks, thus ensuring that there is enough time for everyone – both for studying assignments and your other chores. (Harboe and Müllen, 2007)Motivation and concentrationAfter the first few weeks at college, I realized that motivation, determination and self-discipline are indispensable tools and fundamental prerequisites when it comes to study technique. Especially self-discipline as college is so different from high school where you are checked regularly by your teachers and parents to make sure you are studying and doing your homework. In college you are responsible for your own course of study. No one makes sure you study enough, whether you attend class or turn in your essays or homework. It is your responsibility to learn something and it is a heavy responsibility to take on alone. Understanding my needs and what motivates me to study has helped me improve my study skills. When students are concerned about certain needs, their behavior is centered on meeting those needs. Other concerns will then take precedence over learning and achievement. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs was proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 article “A Theory of Human Motivation” in Psychological Review. (Maslow, 1943) The theory is represented as a hierarchical triangle that shows how basic needs must be satisfied before we can “climb” the hierarchy, to address more complex needs (Figure 1). Maslow believed that humans are fueled by the desire toachieve objectives and act in such a way as to satisfy basic needs first, before moving on to satisfy other, so-called higher level, needs. Every person has a strong desire to realize their full potential, to reach a level of "self-realization". Before higher order needs can be achieved, lower needs must be satisfied. Behaviors will focus on satisfying the lowest order needs, then progressing to higher orders as the needs are satisfied. For example, if you are thirsty or hungry, you will not be able to concentrate on studying until you have drunk water or eaten; if you feel insecure, such as losing your job, your ability to study will be lower. Furthermore, if you feel lonely, if you feel that no one likes or loves you, you will have to satisfy this need first before thinking about studying. The motivation to go to college and study lies at the top of the pyramid, between self-focus, esteem and self-actualization. Self-esteem includes confidence, achievement, respect for others, and the need to be a unique individual. (Thoron, 2018) In my case, the motivation to go to college and work hard to get good grades gives me more confidence in myself. Getting a good job after graduation will bring me prestige, recognition, appreciation and importance. However, getting a lower grade or failing an exam or assignment makes me feel inferior and weak. Self-actualization represents the desire for self-fulfillment. This is the individual's desire to become all that he is capable of becoming. This need is not motivated by a deficiency but rather by a desire for personal growth. Maslow indicates that few people will ever fully reach this level. Self-actualized individuals are spontaneous, problem-focused, have a greater perception of reality, and are autonomous. (Thoron, 2018) Understanding Maslow's hierarchy of needs has helped me a lot in improving my ability to learn. Now, before I start studying, I make sure I have some food and have a bottle of water with me. Also, I have to get enough sleep and put my prone position in silence so that my girlfriend, family or friends can't disturb me. Concentration is about avoiding thinking about other things when you study; and keeping noise and unnecessary interruptions to a minimum. In this regard, before I start studying, I try to identify and avoid disturbing elements in my environment, especially when I am writing a research paper or studying for an exam. For example, when I'm sitting at my PC, I try not to open my web browser or mailbox. For most people, it's also a bad idea to have the television on while they study. In short, telephones, television, Internet, magazines, etc. they are all potential elements of waste of time and annoyance. Before I start writing for the exam or for an assignment, I always try to: read and write with a question and purpose; underline the main points of what I read; take notes as I read; evary my tasks throughout the day. Concentration can fail me for many reasons. TV noise in the background or loud music is direct and the easiest way to distract me. There are also indirect sources that can bother me: sometimes my teacher's illustrations bother me because they are not complex and the writing is too small; or I can't understand the teacher's strong accent; or sometimes I think about work rather than paying attention to lessons. “Whatever the source, it is important that you offer yourself the best conditions to be able to concentrate.” (Harboe and Müllen, 2007) An objective is a target or objective that wewe strive to achieve. Accordingly, goal setting theory is the process by which we set goals for ourselves. By regularly setting personal goals, you will aim to achieve them and therefore continue to do your best consistently. For the new academic year, I plan to set a goal that is SMART: specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-based. My goal will be Specific because clear goals are more likely to be achieved. For example, I will answer all questions on chapter 8 by 6pm this evening. Measurable because if progress in achieving a goal is not measurable, I will easily lose interest in it. For example, all questions in chapter 8 will be answered chapter. Action: I will analyze the series of steps or actions needed to achieve the goal. For example, read chapter 8 first, summarize the main points, answer the questions. Realistic: My study goals will be realistic and achievable. For example, I only do one chapter a night. And time-based: I will try to deadline my goals to give urgency to their completion. For example, finish the chapter by 6pm. (Bull, Albinson & Shambrook, 1996) Developing Study Skills College offers students an excellent opportunity to develop not only study skills, but also many other life skills. These skills will help us overcome challenging tasks we may face at work or even in daily life after graduation. To be successful in college, it is very important to know how we study best; what are your pros and cons when it comes to studying.By answering the following questions, I was able to improve my grades and study faster and with more pleasure:Learning style refers to the way you prefer to acquire new information, seeing, by listening or through some other channel. For more information, see the section on learning styles. Most people have one channel that works best for them when it comes to acquiring new information. Knowing yours can help you develop strategies for studying, time management, and note-taking that work especially well for you. While reading “Learning Styles: A Review of Theory, Application, and Best Practices” by Romanelli, Frank; Bird, Eleanora and Ryan, Melody I have found that I am a visual learner: I understand ideas better when they are presented in a visual format, such as a flowchart, diagram, or text with clear titles and lots of photos or illustrations. In my case, after trying to study in both the morning and evening, I realized that energy doesn't peak early in the morning and that I'm more productive at night. My best hours to study or write are between 11pm and 1am because the house is quiet and no one bothers me. Some people work well at a messy desk and know exactly where to find what they need in their pile of papers; however, most people benefit from maintaining a tidy and organized space. In my case, I love keeping everything organized and tidy. I concentrate better when all my notes and materials are organized in folders and by modules. If you can study at home without being tempted to turn on the television, check email, make yourself a snack, etc., you could make home your workspace. However, if you need a less distracting environment to stay focused, you may be able to find one on your college campus or in your community. I like to eat snacks while studying and listening to piano music, but I don't get distracted by television or social media. I feel more productive (2018)., 82(1), 33-40.