Master of Applied Finance

Student Learning

MASTER PROGRAM COURSES

Staying focused can be a challenge for many students, especially in a world full of distractions. This guide offers practical strategies and tools to help you enhance your concentration and maximize your study sessions. Whether you’re looking for quick tips or long-term techniques, you’ll find something here that works for you!

Tips for Immediate Focus

• Drink a glass of water (200ml).
  • Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function.
  • Keeping a BPA-free reusable water bottle.
• Take three deep breaths in a comfortable position. Inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold for four counts, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six.
  • Deep breathing increases the oxygen flow to the brain.
• Stand up and stretch for one minute. Hold each stretch for about 10-15 seconds: reach your arms overhead, stretch your sides, and roll your shoulders back
  • Stretching increases blood circulation.
• Change your environment moving to a different room or going outside for a different scenery.
  • A change of environment can break monotony.
• Listen to an uplifting song that energizes you.
  • Music can elevate mood.
• Vizualize a peaceful scene like a beach or forest focusing on the details like sounds, colors, scents.
  • Vizualization reduces distractions.
• Write a list for the next 3-5 tasks you need to complete.
  • A To-Do list helps organize your thoughts and priorities.

Learning Methods

Source: https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn

• Chunking Information: Break down complex information into smaller, manageable pieces (chunks).
• Spaced Repetition: Instead of cramming, spread out your study sessions over time. Use flashcards to revisit material at increasing intervals.
• Active Recall: Test yourself frequently on the material you’re learning instead of passively reviewing it. After studying a topic, close your notes and try to write down everything you remember.
• The Feynman Technique: Explain concepts in simple terms as if teaching them to a child. After studying a topic, try to explain it out loud without looking at your notes.
• Interleaved Practice: Mix different subjects or types of problems in a single study session instead of focusing on one thing at a time (blocked practice).
• Use Metaphors and Analogies: When learning new material, create analogies to familiar concepts or experiences.
• Mind Mapping: Visualize connections between ideas using mind maps.
• Focus on Understanding: Ask yourself questions that dive deeper into the material, why things work the way they do.
• Sleep: Create a consistent sleep schedule and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, especially before exams.
• Set Specific Goals: Establish clear and achievable goals for each study session.
• Eliminate Distractions: Identify what distracts you the most (social media, noise, websites).

Environment Optimization

Source: “Deep Work” Cal Newport

• Remove unnecessary items from your desk and surrounding area, keeping only the essentials for your study session. Take 10 minutes at the end of each day to tidy up your workspace, ensuring it’s ready for your next study session. A clutter-free space helps clear your mind.
• Use organizers, folders, or digital tools to keep your study materials sorted and group similar items together (e.g., notes, textbooks, stationery). Color-code your materials or use labels to quickly identify what you need, minimizing distractions and saving time.
  • Having a well-organized space minimizes distractions and saves time, allowing you to focus
• Adjust lighting to suit your needs, using soft, warm lighting for a calm atmosphere or bright lighting for alertness. If studying late, opt for warmer light to create a cozy environment conducive to concentration, reducing eye strain and fatigue.
  • Proper lighting reduces eye strain and fatigue, helping you stay focused longer.
• Use a pair of noise-canceling headphones and play instrumental music or white noise to help drown out distractions. Experiment with different soundscapes (like nature sounds or classical music) to find what enhances your concentration the most.
  • Noise-canceling headphones create a barrier between you and environmental distractions.
• Keep your phone out of reach or turn it on “Do Not Disturb” mode during study sessions. Use apps that block distracting websites and set specific times to check your phone or social media, limiting interruptions during study time.
  • Digital distractions can severely impact your ability to focus.
• Add a few personal touches to your workspace, such as plants, motivational quotes, or art, while keeping these minimal to avoid distractions. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or air plants for a touch of nature without added stress.
  • Personalizing your environment can create a sense of ownership and comfort, making it more inviting.
• Dedicate a specific area of your home solely for studying, ensuring this space is equipped with everything you need—comfort, supplies, and minimal distractions. This helps train your brain to associate that space with focused work. You can also use the university library.
• Use a timer to work in focused intervals (25 minutes), followed short breaks (5 minutes). After four cycles, take a longer break (15-30 minutes) and find a quiet place to set your timer, stepping away from your workspace during breaks to refresh your mind.
  • This method helps maintain sustained attention and reduces burnout.
• Experiment with essential oils in your workspace to promote alertness, using a diffuser or scented candles to create a pleasant study environment.
  • Certain scents like peppermint or rosemary have been shown to enhance cognitive performance and boost mood.

Learning Resources

• https://www.freecodecamp.org/learn – Coding
• https://www.khanacademy.org – Science
• https://www.duolingo.com – Language
• https://www.canva.com/designschool/ – Design
• https://oyc.yale.edu/ – Courses

Types of Learners

• Visual Learners
  • Use charts, graphs, and mind maps to represent information visually.
  • Incorporate color-coding and highlighting in notes.
  • Watch videos or slideshows to reinforce learning.
• Auditory Learners:
  • Engage in discussions to talk through the material.
  • Record lectures to listen to later.
  • Teach concepts to others aloud
• Kinesthetic Learners
  • Incorporate role-playing or simulations into learning.
  • Use models or physical objects to demonstrate concepts.
  • Take frequent breaks to move around during study sessions.
• Reading/Writing Learners
  • Utilize textbooks, articles, and written assignments to absorb information.
  • Summarize notes in writing or create essays to clarify understanding.
  • Engage in reflective writing about what you have learned.
• Logical Learners
  • Use logical frameworks and step--step methods to understand complex concepts.
  • Engage in puzzles, games, and problem-solving activities.
  • Create flowcharts and diagrams to map out ideas and processes.
• Rhythmic Learners
  • Create songs or rhymes to memorize information.
  • Listen to background music that helps with concentration while studying.
  • Use rhythm to enhance memory retention.