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Effective Study Tips for Online Learners

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Online learning is an excellent way for students to study and we believe that with the right mindset, tools, and strategy, all students can thrive and accomplish their academic goals. Read our top 10 online study tips below to get the best success with your online learning!

1. Set Goals

Setting goals is the best way to keep yourself feeling motivated. If you’re able to maintain a clear perspective of what you’re doing and where you’re going, then moving forward will be much easier. Because distance learning is self-paced, students need to set up their own schedule to follow and work towards their own due dates. Our best goal setting tips include:

Study Do’s

  1. Set long-term goals and have clear learning objectives that matter to you.
  2. Create a schedule and set daily goals for studying.
  3. Create to-do lists – you can keep track of the work you do, and satisfyingly check off the work you complete!
  4. Write down due dates in a calendar and put it on a wall where you can see it regularly.
  5. Make your own deadlines for assignments and set them a few days before the actual assignment is due. This will mean you won’t be kicking yourself the night before the assignment is due, stress-mashing the keyboard! Give yourself time to deal with unexpected circumstances and time to edit your work or finish other assignments.

Study Don’t

 

  1. Don’t try to pace yourself against the expectations of someone else’s plan. If their strategy doesn’t work with your learning style it will feel unnecessarily frustrating trying to follow. Make a personal plan that works for you and stick to it.

 

2. Optimise Your Study Space!

How effectively and efficiently we study can be very much influenced by the location we study in. Of course, a study space that works for one person might not work for another. Some people love working in a café with the bustle and chatter taking place in the background, or listening to ambient sounds, while others prefer complete quiet for a clear head. When learning from home, key aspects to consider for your study space include:

 

  1. Setting up a dedicated study space where you can work in daily. Environment is key, so it’s a lot easier to get things done if you complete your studies in one space associated with getting work done. This is true for all things, from working out to relaxing and studying. If you try to study from the comfort of your own bed, there’s a high chance you’ll fall to sleep!
  2. Choose the ambience that works for you. Do you prefer working with music in the background, ambient sound, or no sound at all?
  3. Have a decluttered workspace for maximum concentration.
  4. Consider studying in a private area of the house if you can, where other people won’t interrupt or distract you.
  5. Make sure you have access to a reliable internet connection as classes and materials will be online.

3. Get Familiar with Your Course

Get familiar with your online course before it begins so if you have any questions, you can have them answered before the course kicks off. It is also a good idea to check if there are any technical requirements or materials you need to get access to, so you can be ready to go when classes start.

4. Know Your Learning Style

Everyone’s learning style is different, and what works best for one, might not be efficient for another. Again, figure out what ways work best for you, whether that involves using visual material, reading, writing, listening or activity doing, that depends on which strategy works best for you. Usually, strategies include a few different learning styles. The main types of learning styles include:

 

  1. Visual – using material like pictures, diagrams, charts, cue cards, and brainstorm maps.
  2. Auditory – for those who learn best when material is spoken out loud. These learners will prefer learning through lectures and discussions.
  3. Reading and Writing – for those who prefer assignments that involve reading and writing.
  4. Kinesthetic – For those who learn best through doing and applying new information.

5. Join the Discussion

Listen to and participate in class discussions via online forums and keep an eye out for any updates. Participating in discussions is a great way to apply the knowledge you are learning by discussing it, asking questions and figuring out concepts together. Joining class discussions can also help you feel more connected and make it easier for you to reach out and make friends.

6. Do One Thing at a Time

By focussing on one thing at a time you can maximise your concentration and work efficiently. This means you won’t feel unnecessarily overwhelmed trying to complete everything at once.

7. Set Time Limits & Take Regular Breaks

If you set specific time frames in which you will be studying, you can increase your productivity within that time because you know you will get to relax later. While you study, it’s also important to take regular breaks to stretch and give your mind a rest. Studying is hard work and looking after yourself and taking breaks when you need them will decrease overall stress and improve concentration.

8. Take Care of Your Body & Mind

Being a student is hard work and how efficient you are at studying is affected by the daily habits and routine you create for yourself. From how much we sleep and how much water we drink, to what type of food we eat and how much exercise we do, all these things have a big impact on our energy levels and our ability to concentrate throughout the day. So make sure to implement a healthy routine!

9. Ask for Help When You Need It

Remember: you’re not alone. Your classmates are probably wondering the same things you are wondering, and your teachers are practically on the edge of their seats waiting to answer your questions! So talk things through in forums, ask your classmates and teachers, and use the resources you are provided with, they are there to help you.

10. Be Prepared & Stay motivated

Motivation is very much dependent on how much you prepare and apply yourself to the tasks at hand. Often, you can’t rely on motivation alone to get you started, but once you do start, you gain momentum and can get into a good rhythm. Some days willpower is hard to muster, while others, it’s a piece of cake, so be kind and pace yourself.

 

Bonus tip: Acknowledge Your Accomplishments!

Your hard work deserves recognition! Reward yourself with things you like after completing your work. Whether that’s a refreshing walk, time with your friends, a date night, watching a movie or eating your favourite food, just make sure that you recognise and value your own efforts.

 

Where to Apply for Online Courses in Business & Hospitality

 

Crown Institute of Studies is presently accepting online enrolments for our hospitality and business courses as well as travel and tourism courses! Come explore our website and find out if a career in business and hospitality is right for you!

 

enrol now here and current situation concerning COVID-19Read more information on the Crown Institute of Studies’

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5 Ways Your Brain Can Stay Fit Over the Holidays

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It’s important to take a break and allow yourself some well-deserved rest especially after a gruelling semester of studying for your courses in Auckland. But as tempting as it is to lay in bed 24/7 and binge-watch that new Netflix show, you don’t want to be doing nothing all-holiday-long. Here are five ways you can be productive and still have fun over the break to ensure you’ll be fresh and ready to get back into learning when you start school again.

Find a New Hobby or Interest

It’s the perfect time to find a new hobby. From learning how to cook to knitting, there’s something different out there for everyone. Not only would a new hobby allow you to express your creativity in a bunch of different ways, they’re also a great method for exploring what you’re good at.

An incredible means to occupy your time during the holidays, hobbies are also great for relieving stress even when you’re back in school. Furthermore, these skills can be carried throughout your life, so the next time it’s someone’s birthday you know you’ll able to gift them a beautiful, handmade scarf.

Lend a Hand

Make a difference in the world by volunteering your time. Not only does this help you become a more fulfilled person, it’ll also increase your happiness and the happiness of those on the receiving end. Volunteering is also a great way to meet people and help develop your social skills no matter which sector you choose to dedicate your time to.

In addition to bettering the lives of others, this sense of purpose can give meaning to your life and keep you mentally stimulated, meaning that both you and the persons involved can benefit greatly from this selfless act.

Educate Yourself

It’s always helpful to have a bit of general knowledge, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to know more about the way the world works. Continuous learning ensures your brain is kept stimulated and your critical thinking skills are put to the test.

Learning isn’t just limited to the classroom. Keep yourself occupied with an educational YouTube video or documentary online and you just might have some additional facts that will be useful on trivia night.

Learn a New Language

Being multilingual has been associated with plenty of added benefits such as better decision making, improved memory and an increased attention span. With helpful applications and websites such as Duolingo and Babbel, it has never been easier to pick up another language, especially if you have plans to travel somewhere new!

Explore!

Travelling to new places is proven to not only help you feel better physically by keeping you and your brain active, but also emotionally by keeping stress levels low and making you happier.

Can’t afford to travel far? A new street or area close to you that you haven’t been to before works just as well too. Get your walking shoes on as you prepare to make the trek to better physical and mental health!

Interested in studying this year?

Are you interested in travel? Do you want to make a difference in New Zealand’s tourism industry? Contact us today and we can help you get started in <span;”>travel and tourism courses at Auckland’s longest established private tertiary institute.

 

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The Most Exciting Business Pathways Available In New Zealand

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For anyone who has an eager mind and a determined attitude, New Zealand has an ample amount of business opportunities. Whether you’ve just graduated from a course such as our Level 3 Business Certificate, or just have that entrepreneurial spirit, here is a summary of the career paths available in New Zealand to help get you on your feet and into the workforce.

Where to start in business?

This question in everyone’s minds. If you took any business courses in Auckland, you would have learned the skills needed to start a business, but where do you direct your knowledge? Along with the rest of the world, each day New Zealand progresses with technology and ideas. This leaves for plentiful business opportunities just waiting to be executed successfully. Take a ponder at a few of the business ideas, which may help inspire you to find a route of your own:

Recycling Opportunities

New Zealand stands proud in calling itself a green, healthy environment, with most of its residents wanting to be tidy kiwis. However, waste is inevitable—from general rubbish and sewage waste to non-biodegradable wastes such as plastic and glass. Luckily, a country’s need opens an opportunity for you. New Zealand is in dire need of more waste recycling facilities and a greater introduction to green products, leaving you with countless directions to approach this issue through business.

Agriculture Opportunities

A sector of business that has always been a money magnet in New Zealand. With increasing awareness and demand for organic farming, there is a huge need for organically produced products. A steady call and market demand for this commodity increase the chance of success with your business.

Tourism Opportunities

Annually, New Zealand has around 3.82 million visitors step onto its shores, with analysts predicting that this number will only increase in the coming years. Use this enormous potential by starting a business that caters to tourists.

Other opportunities that might serve interest

Health care equipment, retail, tech devices, online marketing, processed foods, maintenance services and an endless list of others.

Job Searching: What if starting a business isn’t for me?

Perhaps starting something on your own was never your intention. But worry not! With a business degree, there are plenty of job opportunities and career paths into already established businesses. How do you choose what job you go into?

Each job entails a slightly different set of skills. Apart from the skills, you must ask the most important question, where do your interests lie? Perhaps you have an interest in numbers and proficiency in IT, then accountancy could be the route for you. Maybe your interests completely differ to this and you are more creative and have great people skills, than a path into advertising might suit you better.

Below is a small list of suitable pathways you could look into. Research a little deeper into the ones that strike an interest and look into their requirements. The next step is to convince someone why you would be perfect for the job. You may be knocked down a few times, but never lose courage. With persistence, you are sure to find the perfect job for you.

A small list of great job pathways for a business graduate:

  • Accountancy
  • Advertising
  • Investment and financial services
  • General management
  • Public relations
  • Sales and marketing

Jump back to school

For those who feel that they haven’t learned enough or want to dig deeper into a knowledge related around business, there are many further schooling opportunities.

Right here at New Zealand Crown Institute of Studies, we help students to excel in the business sector. Once you have been certified with a New Zealand Certificate (Introduction to Small Business) at Level 3, you can choose to go straight to the workforce or study further.

If you still aren’t satisfied and want to learn more, you can then consider studying business at a Diploma or Degree level. It is never too late to start, and you can never learn too much. With hard work and determination, you will find much success in the exciting business pathways available in New Zealand.

Improve Your Business Skills with Crown Institute

Crown Institute of Studies offers a huge range of business courses in Auckland for students of every level. To find out what course could be right for you or to discuss enrolments, get in touch today!

 

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Hospitality and tourism serving more jobs on SEEK

Ellerslie Racecourse

Hospitality and tourism are consistently growing industries in New Zealand. As the current construction boom makes way for more commercial buildings, and as more and more people from all over the world arrive on New Zealand shores, it only makes sense that these two sectors are offering more opportunities for work.

SEEK, one of New Zealand’s top destinations for job opportunities online, publishes monthly reports on the growth of different job sectors. These reports frequently mention significant sector growth for hospitality and tourism across the country. Let’s break down the numbers and charts, and take a detailed look at the job opportunities offered by these industries in New Zealand.

Hospitality and tourism jobs in 2017

In August of 2017, SEEK reported that over the previous three months, job ads for the industry grew 9 per cent when compared to the same period in the previous year. These jobs opportunities were focussed on food service roles, including: Chefs/Cooks, Management, Bar & Beverage Staff, and Front Office & Guest Services. To finish off 2017, SEEK released a year-end report detailing the positive advertising growth of 24 out of 29 industries on SEEK in November.

The hospitality and tourism sector saw the 4th largest growth for the month of November as compared to the previous year (2016). There were 32 per cent more job listings advertised on the website – a considerably steep number that may have been spiked by the coming holidays.

Consistent job ad growth in 2018

Hospitality and Tourism job opportunities have consistently increased this year as compared to last year, with the numbers staying over 10 per cent each month. A spike in April, especially, was recorded by SEEK job ad data. The hospitality and tourism sector experienced the largest growth, spiking up 32 per cent alongside the legal sector (34 per cent). Much of this result was due to seasonal factors as the country moved into winter, while the Western hemisphere moved into summer, giving rise to both domestic and international visitors all over New Zealand.

An overview of hospitality and tourism jobs in NZ

According to New Zealand Now, hospitality and tourism is our second largest export earner, providing nearly 17.1 per cent of total export revenues. In 2016, visitors spent NZ$10 billion for the year, up 12.2 per cent on the previous year. The number of New Zealand overseas visitors continues to double every decade since 1970, and the hospitality and tourism sector has been working hard to meet this demand, creating great opportunities for employees in the process. The country’s top tourist destinations have the largest job concentrations, namely: Auckland, Queenstown, Canterbury/Christchurch, Rotorua/Bay of Plenty, and Wellington.

Crown: serving up quality hospitality and tourism courses in Auckland

Here at Crown Institute of Studies, we’re passionate about providing New Zealand with top-quality professionals to support our country’s continued growth. If you’re looking for courses in Auckland, especially hospitality and travel and tourism courses, you’ve come to the right place!

Contact us today for any study inquiries or give us a ring at 0800 632 759 and we’ll be happy to help you start your career in the booming hospitality and tourism sector!