As part of the Learning Excellence Series, students explored practical strategies for effective studying alongside a hands-on introduction to the iSmartGuide, a new digital learning companion designed to transform the way that students study and learn.

Key Takeaways

1. Understanding Outcome-Based Learning

• Lauren Yeo discussed the concept of outcome-based learning, which encourages targeted studying that allows students to maximise the time spent on relevant content.
• She highlighted how verbs in learning outcomes (based on Bloom’s Taxonomy) — such as list, discuss, or propose — signal the depth of thinking required.
• Students were encouraged to use these cues to guide preparation for different assessment formats, from multiple-choice questions to open-ended essays.

2. Personalised Learning with iSmartGuide

• Joanne Goh and Jolene Tan demonstrated how the iSmartGuide adapts to students’ needs through AI-driven features.
• Key tools include the AI Tutor and AI Quiz, and features such as gamification to support learning.

3. Navigating the iSmartGuide Platform

• Students learned how to use the search functions, bookmarks, and annotations.
• Accessibility features such as text-to-speech, translation, and night mode were demonstrated, making study more flexible.
• Guides can also be saved as PDFs for offline use, ensuring learning continuity without internet access.

4. Maximising Features for Exam Preparation

• The AI Tutor supports knowledge reinforcement and assessment practice.
• Students can generate practice questions and receive immediate feedback.
  

Conclusion

The session underscored two main messages: study smart by focusing on learning outcomes, and leverage the iSmartGuide to personalise their revision journey. Students are encouraged to explore the platform actively, make use of its AI-powered tools, and take charge of their own learning success.

About the Speakers

Lauren Yeo
Lauren Yeo is an Associate Faculty with SUSS School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences (SHBS). She specialises in linguistics and facilitates student workshops on feedback and revision.

Joanne Goh and Jolene Tan
Joanne Goh and Jolene Tan are from the Educational Media & Resources department within the Learning Services cluster. They have been actively involved in driving online initiatives and supporting digital learning across schools. 

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Learning Excellence Series: Key Takeaways from Student Scholars

This Learning Excellence Series featured SUSS student scholars who shared practical strategies and personal experiences on how to thrive academically while balancing multiple commitments. Their candid insights, drawn from both personal journeys and focus group discussions with fellow students, offered valuable guidance on effective learning.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Many students face similar struggles—procrastination, balancing school with work and family commitments, and managing stress. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward building stronger study habits.

Practical Study Strategies

• Pomodoro Technique: Break study sessions into focused 25-minute blocks with short breaks to maintain concentration.
• Buffer Time for Submissions: Aim to finish assignments 2–3 days early to allow for reviews and refinements.
• Avoid Overloading: Taking on too many modules or commitments often backfires. Sustainable pacing ensures deeper learning.

Seminar Preparation and Engagement

• Preview Materials: Skim slides or study guides before class to grasp key concepts in advance.
• Ask Questions: Commit to raising 1–2 questions during seminars to stay engaged and clarify understanding.
• Weekly Review Time: Set aside regular timeslots to revisit complex concepts.

Click to watch video on Time management strategies here

Building Consistency

• Plan Ahead: Use sticky notes, planners, or digital tools to track all assignment and exam deadlines.
• Spread Workload: Begin research early and aim to draft assignments progressively to avoid last minute rush.
• Start with Harder Tasks: Tackle the most demanding assignments first when multiple deadlines coincide.

Watch videos on Time management strategies:

• Video 1
• Video 2
• Video 3

Effective Note-Taking and Exam Prep

• Personalised Notes: Rewrite content in your own words and integrate seminar slides, insights from seminars, textbooks, and clarifications into one comprehensive resource.
• Open-Book Exam Strategy: Prepare concise summary sheets and mind maps for quick reference.

Click to watch video on Note-Taking here

Balancing Studies, Work, and Life

• Block Study Time: Treat scheduled study slots as non-negotiable commitments.
• Plan for Busy Weeks: Anticipate heavy submission periods and adjust personal plans accordingly.
• Don’t Stack Commitments: Avoid jumping straight from work into long seminars without rest; short buffers enhance focus.

Structuring Assignments

• Follow Bloom’s Taxonomy: Pay attention to action verbs like discuss, evaluate, compare to align answers with expectations.
• Use Clear Formats: Structure essays with introduction, body (using the PEEL method: Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link), and conclusion.
• Apply Theory to Practice: Strengthen essays with real-world examples and module frameworks.
• Check Against Rubrics: Use marking rubrics as a checklist to ensure all requirements are addressed.

Click to watch video on Structuring Assignments here

Group-based Assignments

For group-based assignments, start early and track deadlines clearly. Avoid last-minute work that stresses the team—double-check formatting and citations, and review the final report together to ensure it is cohesive and polished.

Click to watch video on Group Work here

Class Participation

The speaker highlighted that class participation can be a key grading component in some modules. He advised students to speak up meaningfully, not just for the sake of talking. Good participation involves asking thoughtful, well-prepared questions, using module concepts, and linking comments to readings or real-life cases.

Click to watch video on Class Participation here

Closed-Book Exams

For closed-book exams, focus on true understanding and memory. Start early, rewrite content in your own words, and use active recall with spaced repetition. Practice writing answers by hand to build both memory and exam speed.

Click to watch video on Preparing for closed book exams here

Open-Book Exams

The speaker shared that while open-book exams may look easier, they are often more challenging because they test application of knowledge under time pressure. Success depends on being very familiar with concepts and frameworks, not just flipping through notes. Start by consolidating all your materials into one organized set. Create comprehensive notes that are detailed but easy to navigate, so you can quickly find what you need. Finally, practice using your notes to build speed and confidence during the exam.

Click to watch video on Preparing for open book exams here

Time management strategies for exam preparation

Plan your study time by breaking it down across subjects, giving more days to heavier modules. Always keep the final day before an exam for light revision rather than learning new material. This ensures balanced preparation, reduces stress, and boosts confidence on exam day.

Click to watch video on Time management strategies for exam preparation here

Final Thought

The scholars reminded us that university is a marathon, not a sprint. Academic success lies in building sustainable habits, staying consistent, and making full use of the support systems available at SUSS. Every student’s journey is unique, but with thoughtful planning and disciplined execution, excellence is within reach.

Click to watch video on additional advice here

Speakers: Joe Au-yong (Graduating Marketing Student, Management Consulting Analyst @ Accenture), Douglas Chew (Year 4 Business Analytics student), Foo Jun Jie (Year 4 Accountancy student)

The student scholars delivered an insightful presentation on their Academic Excellence Project, designed to share valuable academic experiences and strategies with SUSS students to foster academic success. As part of this initiative, the scholars conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to gather feedback on the challenges students face and the strategies they use to overcome them. The insights gathered were then distilled into actionable recommendations, which were shared with the SUSS community to empower students to achieve their academic goals.
The talk highlighted the importance of preparation, critical thinking, and effective writing skills in enhancing the learning experience. The speakers delved into strategies for tackling assignments, group projects, and examinations, as well as emphasised the importance of stress management, time management, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and connecting with like-minded peers. The speakers stressed that thorough pre-class preparation builds a strong foundation of knowledge, leading to better understanding of course content, improved quiz performance, and more meaningful participation in class discussions.
Additionally, the scholars introduced a four-step approach to effective preparation: understanding each module, prioritising them based on importance and difficulty, developing tailored strategies, and implementing them through a structured weekly timetable. This approach aims to help students optimise their study routines and achieve academic excellence.
Joe emphasised the importance of distinguishing between lower-level and higher-level questions, noting that the former focuses on testing basic understanding, while the latter evaluates critical thinking and depth of knowledge. He also pointed out the significance of offering a unique perspective in academic work. Joe then explored the concept of critical thinking. He concluded by emphasising the need to link the "why," "how," and "so what" of an assignment to craft a cohesive and meaningful piece of work.
Joe emphasized the importance of effective writing skills in academic and professional settings. He discussed strategies for concise and impactful writing, including identifying key points, eliminating redundancy, using an active tone, and combining sentences. He also highlighted the need to differentiate oneself through higher level thinking and learning. Joe stressed that these skills require practice and dedication to master.

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Joe shared practical strategies for managing assignments and group projects effectively. For group projects, he emphasised the importance of setting a clear direction, ensuring consistent formatting and writing style, and seamlessly integrating each section to produce a cohesive final output.
Joe also stressed the importance of aligning the motivations of team members to achieve successful project outcomes. He highlighted the need to understand and respect individual differences and to find ways to support team members in reaching their goals. Drawing from his personal experience, Joe noted that showing respect and understanding for team members' motivations can lead to better team dynamics and performance. He also offered strategies for handling challenging individuals in group projects, focusing on the importance of fostering a safe and respectful environment, understanding team members' priorities, and aligning expectations.
When preparing for examinations, Douglas encouraged students to consolidate information from various study materials (slides, textbooks, study guides). Douglas proposed a strategy for answering exam questions, suggesting that students should prioritize the questions based on their difficulty level and their understanding of the concepts.

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The speakers also mentioned the process of deciding which modules to bid for each semester, with an emphasis on prioritizing compulsory modules and choosing electives based on personal interest and future career prospects. The team also discussed the value of extracurricular activities and internships in building resilience and skills. 
The speakers encouraged students to practise effective time management to boost their efficiency in completing assignments and work tasks. They also emphasised the importance of setting SMART goals and adjusting them each semester based on their performance. Additionally, students were reminded to prioritise their physical and mental well-being alongside their academic pursuits to avoid burnout. The team emphasized the importance of stress management and work-life balance. They suggested that engaging in hobbies and interests can help alleviate stress and improve mental well-being. 

The talk also underscored the importance of connecting with like-minded peers to achieve shared goals. Joe specifically stressed the need for genuine communication and building meaningful relationships. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on how these insights could be applied to their studies and academic journey.