Taurapa (stern)
- Stick to a study plan
- Balance work/study/whānau/social activities
- Being able to say yes or no to other commitments
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Balancing commitments
Stickability
Coming to university is the start of an exciting journey.
In this module, you’ll learn what it takes to succeed at uni.
Click Play to hear from two of Victoria’s waka paddlers.
Tipuna of old navigated the seas in pursuit of new lands. You are navigating the university system in pursuit of a degree and dream. The motivation and experiences you bring with you are the basis of this waka.
Click on the three parts of the waka to learn more about how these can help you succeed.
Taurapa (stern)
Paddles
Tauihu (canoe prow)
Are you prepared to do the hard work, to dig in and do the study needed?
It takes more time than you think!
Click Play to hear more.
Drag the paddle across the waka to choose the statement that most represents you.
Drag the paddle across the waka to choose the statement that most represents you.
Drag the paddle across the waka to choose the statement that most represents you.
Balancing your life can take time to learn and achieve. But it's one of those lifelong skills it pays to have. Here are some tips to help you stay balanced.
Click the Show me button to find out more.
You’ve now finished the Balancing your commitment topic. Click next to view the next topic or click the Menu button to choose another topic.
You can’t get through uni without lots of reading and writing! It helps you think. Get used to it.
Learn and practise these skills.
Click Play to hear more.
Reading and writing can take many forms. It’s important you understand that academic reading and writing is different from how you normally speak or write to your friends or whānau.
Click Start animation to learn more and see the difference.
Reading at uni may be really different from what you’re used to. It’s hard work but it develops your understanding. While you read, you can also see academic writing in action.
Check out this passage on Māori language. Click on each sentence of the essay to learn more.
Author’s main idea for this paragraph. Often at the beginning of the paragraph.
Two key approaches are being introduced, immersion and inclusion in state schools.
This is an example from another source, Royal’s bilingual programme in Wellington. Turoa Royal is the author’s reference.
This sentence is the author’s final comment on the topic of Māori language approaches.
Let’s now replicate the academic style that you’ve just seen in the last reading passage. The below essay is about music in Māori societies. Drag and drop the sentences on the right in to the correct order to make an academic paragraph.
Let’s now look at some tips about academic reading and writing.
Click Show me to find out more.
Uni is a long-haul commitment. There are lots of barriers in the way including your own motivation.
This section will help you discover your own resilience and ways to help you bounce back from life’s ups and downs.
Click Play to hear more.
You’ve spent a lot of time on an assessment thinking you’ve nailed it, but you just got it back and it’s a disappointing grade.
How are you most likely to react?
It’s okay. Move on. | Withdraw/do nothing. |
Talk to someone. | Get angry/ annoyed. |
It’s good to accept things as they are, but feedback helps you learn.
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
You feel your hard work is not rewarded. Don’t give up! See this as an opportunity to improve your academic skills before the next assessment.
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
Good move!
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
This is a natural reaction but negativity stops you from moving on.
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
You’ve been doing well at uni, but you suddenly get sick and can’t go to your classes or come to grips with all the assignments due.
How are you most likely to react?
It’s okay. Move on. | Withdraw/do nothing. |
Talk to someone. | Get angry/ annoyed. |
It’s good to accept your situation, but ill health can greatly affect your work.
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
Being alone and sick can isolate you.
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
Good move!
Someone else can help you see things clearly and help you recover. If someone helps you, you can help them when their sick.
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
Being grumpy about this situation does not help you recover!
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
Things are going okay at uni, but an issue at home with your whānau has you worried. You want to support them but there are a lot assignments that are about to be due.
How are you most likely to react?
It’s okay. Move on. | Withdraw/do nothing. |
Talk to someone. | Get angry/ annoyed. |
Just keeping things as they are means you might still worry about both study and whānau. Neither is resolved.
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
Keeping things to yourself seldom resolves things and can distract you from work and study.
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
Being annoyed at this situation means you go nowhere and both study and whānau are still on your mind.
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
Good move!
Talk to someone. It will:
Note: Click on the other options to find out more.
Everybody has their own way of dealing with setbacks. Let’s look at three common barriers at uni and see how you manage them.
Click a scenario below to begin.
Let’s look at some tips that will help keep you in your waka.
Click on Show me to find out more.
You’ve now finished the Resilience topic. Click next to see support available or click the Menu button to choose another topic.
You’ve seen what lies ahead and now it’s up to you. Your choices. Your work.
Remember your crew – people here at uni to encourage and strengthen your dream. Don’t be a stranger! Check out these links to see who you can take on board your waka.
Come paddle your waka – you have what it takes.
For more information click on the links below: