Prepare for Success

Newsletter - week 5

Last week we gave you access to resources to help you to avoid plagiarism by properly referencing your sources of information in your academic writing. This should help you with future coursework and technical reports.

As we are at the half way point of the trimester, it is time to reflect on how the early weeks have been. What might you do differently? As you continue to ascend Ben Miannan, do you have the courage to enter the spooky cave? Can you find the elephant there and listen to her story?

“Yoga lessons from Joanna Radkowska”

Quote

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
-Maya Angelou

Interests and Support

If you have not already done so, create an account in Future Learn. You should be starting the fifth week of the free online course Technical Report Writing for Engineers.

Mindset and Self-reflection

When learners find themselves in situations where things do not go according to plan the success of their final outcome is determined by their response to any setback. After watching the introductory video this week, select the Launch Activity button and choose the growth, fixed mindset activity. In contrast to a fixed mindset approach, people who have a growth mindset believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication, practice and hard work. Adopting this approach as a student means that your current brain power and your existing talent become the floor and not the ceiling of what you can achieve at university.

Throughout your studies there will be many times when pausing to reflect and applying what you learn from that reflection will help you to remain successful. Now move to the second activity on Self-reflection. Download and complete the pdf on Self-reflection.

Do you have the right Mindset?

What is your mindset, the philosophy of your life, the guiding voice that leads you in your life’s tasks? Is this voice a good companion, expanding your horizons and helping you to grow? Or is the voice old, unrefreshed, telling you things to help you keep your dignity, you may say to yourself, “I better not try, that way I can’t fail”.
How much in this short video do you recognise? See how having a growth mindset ultimately is the way to go if you wish to realise your ambitions and move forward in life. You can visit Ben Miannan for another video on this topic.

Careers tip of the week

Interview preparation

Overview: importance of preparation.

• Highlight: key resources such as Interview 360 (Career Success) and how GCU careers advisers support students with interview preparation

Assessment Regs Week Five Spotlight

How many attempts do I have to pass a module?
Check your workbook to see in which section of the assessment regulations you will find the answer.

Quote

“With confidence, you have won before you have started.”
- Marcus Garvey