Embracing a strategic approach to learning may be a key to balancing academic success and wellbeing.
Yesterday, I attended the HERGA 2024 conference (https://herga.com.au/conference-2024/), where the primary theme was AI in teaching.
The consensus at the conference seemed to be that AI in education is inevitable. The challenge now is finding ethical and effective ways to integrate it, ensuring it enhances learning and prepares students for a future where AI is embedded in daily life
While AI dominated the conversation, some of the most intriguing presentations for me weren’t about AI at all. Instead, they focused on how topic coordinators are using learning analytics and surveys to optimize academic performance and student wellbeing
In one study “The Relationships Between Students’ Expectations, Approaches to Learning, Academic Performance, and Wellbeing in an Online Undergraduate Program” they surveyed undergraduate psychology students doing 1st, 2nd and 3rd year online topics, measuring their expectations of their undergraduate studies, learning approaches, university-related stress, anxiety, and burnout, and academic achievement (measured as GPA).
In a second study “I’ll do it later: Understanding learning strategies and procrastination behaviours in a blended first-year quantitative methods course for health sciences students” they used a combination of questionnaires and trace data collected from the learning management system (e.g. time to access materials, submission dates relative to due dates) to create learner profiles and use those profiles to predict differences in academic performance.
—–
Despite focusing on different student groups, both studies revealed similar patterns in how students’ approaches to learning affected their academic performance and wellbeing.
The ‘perfect‘ student who accesses all the course content, tends to do so early, dives deep into the content, spends more time studying and submits on-time often early, not surprisingly, does well in terms of academic performance and self-efficacy (confidence in ability to study well) but does take a bit of hit in terms of burnout and cynicism (maybe overworking themselves?).
The ‘strategic’ student who is very organised, surveys their total study demand and sets clear goals, starts tasks early but uses the full available time, manages their time tightly, and adapts how much effort they put into any given task based on assessing its importance and the other demands in their life, tended to do the best in terms of balancing academic achievement and sustaining wellbeing.
The ‘procrastinators‘ who start tasks late and submit at the last minute show a bit of a mixed profile, some do OK, whilst others struggle in both academic and wellbeing outcomes.
The ‘surface level‘ learners, who are basically in survival mode and are doing the bare minimum (and sometimes less) seemed to do the worst of all in both academic performance (i.e. high failure rates) and wellbeing.
—–
I came away from the presentations with a shift in my thinking.
I am (very fortunately I believe), at a stage in my life where I can be deeply engaged with my learning. I can learn what I want to learn and dive as deeply as I like. This is very rewarding and I find myself wanting the same experience for students.
But this potentially sets up an expectation that students aim for the ‘perfect’ profile, which the studies suggest might not actually be optimal.
In a modern world where many students are juggling other demands in their life, a more ‘strategic’ approach might actually be better for many.
So what does that look like?
Well, we can turn to AI for that question! See if any of the tips or suggestions below help you refine your study strategy.
Set Clear, Specific Goals 🎯
Identify the most important objectives for each course or module. Focus on understanding what assessments require and set clear, manageable goals around them.
Prioritize Tasks 📝
Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance, focusing on those that have the greatest impact on academic outcomes (e.g., assignments, exams).
Organize Study Time ⏰
Plan study sessions using a calendar or planner, allotting time for each task. Avoid cramming by spreading study sessions across the week.
Use a method like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes study, 5-minute break) to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
Be Selective with Learning Material 📚
Focus on the core readings and key resources that align with the assessment requirements. Don’t try to memorize everything—identify the most relevant content that directly applies to the learning objectives and assessments.
Use Active Learning Techniques 🧠
Instead of passively reading, engage in techniques like summarizing, self-testing, or creating mind maps to help retain information effectively. This allows for a more structured understanding that directly ties to assessments.
Seek Feedback Early 🗣️
Check your understanding early on by discussing concepts with peers or asking for feedback from tutors. This can help refine your focus on areas of improvement and identify knowledge gaps.
Engage with Past Exams or Quizzes 🧐
Practice using past assessments to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions asked. This also helps develop time management skills during exams or assignments.
Leverage Study Groups 👥
Join study groups where you can share resources and ideas. Peers can provide different perspectives on prioritizing tasks or managing study time more effectively.
Self-Monitor and Adjust 🔄
Regularly reflect on your learning progress and adjust strategies as needed. For example, if a particular method isn’t working, tweak it to be more efficient or focus on another technique.
Here are some mindset shifts that could accompany the strategic learner’s journey:
✅ From Passion to Practicality:
Shift from “I need to be passionate about every subject” to “I need to focus on gaining the skills and knowledge required for my goals.” Not all subjects will ignite passion, but they can still provide valuable skills.
✅ From Perfectionism to Progress:
Shift from “I need to get everything right” to “I’m here to learn and make progress.” Focusing on continuous improvement rather than perfection can reduce anxiety and encourage better time management.
✅ From Overwhelm to Focus:
Shift from “I have to do everything” to “I need to focus on what’s essential.” Learning to prioritize key tasks and outcomes helps students manage their workload and avoid burnout.
✅ From Fixed Mindset to Growth Mindset:
Shift from “I’m not good at this subject” to “I can develop the skills needed.” Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth can foster resilience and keep students engaged even when the material is tough.
✅ From Seeking Purpose to Building Skills:
As you noted, shifting from “I’m at uni to find my purpose” to “I’m here to develop career-relevant skills” can create more tangible, realistic goals. Purpose may evolve, but career skills are the foundation for future opportunities.