I go about my studies in an orderly fashion every week to make sure I am on top of every bit of my work such as written assignments, exams and presentations.
On my laptop, I use the canvas ARU website to find all the material for each module, including taking notes and watching the pre-recorded lectures in order to gather important information about the module. I also have a handy app called “Brain-in-Hand” which helps me plan my day of either studying or taking a break.
Because I have learning disabilities, I have two types of tutor – a specialist skills tutor and a study skills tutor.
How do they work?
- Specialist skills tutor – The specialist skills tutor helps me with my routine and experience at university.
- Study skills tutor – The study skills tutor helps me develop skills for handling my work and exams.
Every week, I make my revision notes for each part of module (making sure that they are all set in a way that I can read and understand them) and print them off from the library printer, then staple them to make them into little paper booklets laid-out with words, numbers and diagram.
What do I do for two different types of study work?
- Written coursework: This piece of work contains 60% of the module – which contains the most marks. To get from start to end on this particular piece of work, I have to start work from the very beginning of term to show that I have put a great deal of time and effort into my studies. Because I am autistic, I have a learning disability and sometimes I have trouble understanding the text and structure of the work which is why I use a study skills tutor to help me structure my essay properly in order to avoid any academic misconduct which means accidentally plagiarizing and losing marks at 0%.
- Exam: As well as the written coursework, I also have an exam which is worth 40% of the module. On an online exam, there are multiple choice questions and every single one of them must be answered (otherwise the mark will be lowered to 0% and no-one wants that to happen).
Once both assignments (exam and written coursework) have been submitted, I have to wait until after the holidays (Christmas and Easter) for my results to come out. Once they do come through, both assignments are added to the total and final result of the module.
Brain-in-hand:
Brain-in-hand is divided into seven days a week for 24 hours per day. Each week, I add in something new for each day of the week such as a lecture, exam, study time or important or special event.
Because (like many other students across the UK) I am building up my life for good opportunities in the future to get a good job, I work hard with my studies every single week throughout the entire trimester (whole term).
How to get support:
Do use all the help available to ARU students
Study skills: Develop your academic skills - ARU
Disability services: Disability support - ARU