Article : Learn how to succeed in Open University

Article : Learn how to succeed in Open University

 Author:  Ms. Kritsuli Thongniam

Doctorate Student of Sukhothai Thammathirat University # 5

ID Code 4561500051

Abstract

Currently, people all level in everywhere can be accessed to the educational system. By the fully support of government, the remote education via online system have been established as an open university such as Sukhothai Thamathirat university. Because of the unfamiliar of this type of education in open system, not a face-to-face environment, students have to adapt and change their behavior and attitude. The student should emphasized on preparation of mind & body, time management, knowledge and expertise in the field of the related subjects, foreign language, skill of listening - reading - writing - speaking and communication technology. Furthermore, the practice during class also need to be prepared such as learning methedology, communicating with the Instructor and the students, a good study habits, knowing Educational Resources and Enhancing Unity among the Faculty.  The mentioned preparation should be useful for students in distance learning system of Open University and online learning to use as preparation guidelines before and during classes to proudly complete education.

Introduction     

    

Government has put a lot of efforts to expand the coverage of educational opportunities to the general public by providing educational institute with no limitation on number of students, nor class attendance. The kind of education that allows distance learning and self-studying on the university's teaching materials is required from students, but also different method of knowledge assessment from "closed university" with similar standard of quality.

Such educational institute is called “Open University” or also known as “Education Market”. Currently, there is only one open university in Thailand called Sukhothai Thammathirat University (2521 B.E.) who offers distance learning. Several private universities also provide online education, for example, Pitsanulok University, Rangsit University, Ratchapak Institute, etc. Also, there is a collaborative project among universities in Thailand for distance learning via online system under the name "Cyber Thai University" (source: wikipedia.org).

Distance learning system is taught in open system without class attendance and no enrollment to individual subject. Students and teachers are far apart but could have interactive activities through mixed Medias, for example, on-line, postal, broadcasting radio and television. As necessary, there still are opportunities to meet, for example, special classes, academic seminars, etc at the educational institute. Students would mostly engage in self learning according to the curriculum of each department.

In the past, learning and teaching in Thailand was carried out in "closed system" where students and teachers had direct and simultaneous communication which is different from the open system. The difference caused Thai students to be quite unfamiliar with the teaching and learning styles. Hence, students who have become part of distance learning have to put a lot of effort on their adjustment both physically and mentally - behavior, attitude, and readiness in all aspects. The author has the following suggestions for successful distance learning in Open University:

PREPARATION BEFORE CLASS

1) Prepare yourself

     To begin doing something, the first thing to do is …

Preparation of mind : to prepare yourself to be ready to cope with things especially with the learning.  Students must have vivid learning goals, passionate about what you are learning, committed and relentless to obstacles and problems, patient and tolerant for the awaiting success.

Preparation of body : Healthcare is necessary for learning continuity and strength both physically and mentally. Over-studying would jeopardize mental health and damage physical health. Regular exercise would not only lead to strong physical health but also reduce stress.

2 ) Prepare Funding

     This is also a very important matter. Students must prepare sufficient source of fund for the completion of all courses on the syllabus; either personal funding or sponsorship/ scholarship at different education levels so that the learning would not be interrupted or cancelled halfway due to lack of fund causing learning period to be prolonged into several years.

3 ) Prepare Time Management

Learning in Open University system would mostly involve in self-study which would require time for researching additional information. Appropriate time management for all other activities is necessary to balance studying, working, family, and personal time. Importantly, understanding from all relevant parties is necessary to avoid the adverse aftermaths.

4 ) Prepare Knowledge and Expertise

Upon deciding to study in any field of your interest, knowledge and expertise must be sufficiently prepared avoid learning obstacles from ignorance in that field. Therefore, students need to create foundation in your field of study and acquire the following knowledge:

•   Basic Knowledge in the field of your study and related subjects

This is essential. If you have no basic knowledge in your field of study, then you have to research and acquire more knowledge.

•   Basic Knowledge in Foreign Language; i.e. English

Nowadays, learning is closely related to researching from foreign countries; i.e., textbooks or research from abroad. If you have no knowledge in English language, you will miss the opportunity to access information and the use of media technologies.

•   Skill Enhancements: Listening - Reading - Writing - Speaking

Graduate study requires reading and listening skills on course materials so that data could be processed and produced into report, research and academic article, etc. In addition, speaking skill would also be necessary to present your ideas/works to instructors, friends or the public.

5 ) Prepare  Communication Technology

Today society is in digital age where technologies are applied to aspects of everyday life, businesses including learning and teaching. For speed and flexibility in communication and data researching, all systems require communication technologies; i.e., computer, mobile phone, smart phone, etc.  Students are then required to not only have communication devices, but also learn and use the technologies to help with their studies. 

DURING CLASS

1) Know how to learn

Consistently pay attention in learning and follow news/information from the university and lecturers so not to miss out information/changes. Students must be disciplined by appropriately scheduling, setting up priorities and be responsible in learning; i.e., working according to academic principles, completing assignments and submitting on-time.

2 ) Communicate with the Instructor

For distance learning, students and instructor will communicate on-line or by phone. Students must try not to lose communication and participate in activities otherwise students will not receive important knowledge/information which would be useful for their studies.

3 ) Communicate with Other Students

Similarly, students who learn in the open system need to form a network of students. Communication technologies may be used for discussion, passing, exchanging and sharing information or comments among students for group works. Nobody could study successfully by themselves. Extracurricular or recreational activities with friends are recommended. Genuine achiever is the one whose both IQ and EQ are high. 

4) Create Good Study Habits

Schedules are set up as guidelines for studying. Notes from readings and researching are orderly recorded in steps, no procrastination that would pile up pending assignments and eventually causing delayed submission, missing deadlines, or producing low quality work.

5) Find Educational Resources

Another important thing is to know educational source(s) for academic research. Students in distance learning system need to study by themselves. Educational resource is therefore important to know and access; either via university library, networks and online medias.

6) Enhance Unity among the Faculty

Graduate study is not about competing but helping one another. It is about supporting and encouraging one another for unity among faculty members.

The above suggestions should be, more or less, useful for students in distance learning system of Open University and online learning to use as preparation guidelines before and during classes to proudly complete education. Most importantly, students must frequently encourage yourself, motivate yourself to achieve your endeavors because there is no one who could help you. Success is exclusively subjective. Different level of devotion gives different outcome. As the old saying said "Success is where your effort lies"