Self-learning skills

The slogan "university is about self-learning" is known and memorized by most students, but many opinions expressed at the seminar raised concerns: how should we correctly understand self-learning? How can we learn effectively? What skills are needed when studying?Regarding this issue, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa believes that self-study must first begin with self-discipline and creating a plan for oneself. Furthermore, besides knowledge, learning skills are extremely important and must be continuously honed throughout the four years of study. The more proactive and enthusiastic you are in your studies, the faster you will acquire good skills such as: reading skills, report writing skills, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, presentation skills, teamwork skills… These skills not only help students absorb knowledge but also make them more confident and mature in solving practical problems. Speaking about the limitations of current students, Associate Professor Dr. Duong Xuan Son criticized: “Many students are lazy in listening in class. Afterward, they are also lazy in reading materials and conducting independent research. This limits their ability to expand their knowledge because in the short lecture time, teachers cannot cover everything.” Ms. Kim Hoa also observed that there is a difference in academic results between classes where students attentively listen to lectures and those who do not. Naturally, higher scores usually belong to students who are more conscientious, starting with consciously focusing on and absorbing the knowledge that teachers share in class. Agreeing strongly with this viewpoint, Dr. Hoang Khac Nam affirmed: “Self-learning is the biggest difference between university education and lower levels of education. It is reflected in independent learning, critical thinking, and selective learning so that the acquisition of knowledge is most suitable and effective for each individual's specific circumstances.” He also shared many specific experiences about independent learning, pointing out the crucial stages that cannot be skipped, including: learning in class while listening to lectures - taking notes - reading materials, and reviewing. Accordingly, attentive listening in class helps to learn and understand 30%; Knowing how to take notes on what the teachers lectured, based on your own thinking and grasping the most important points, already adds 20% to the effectiveness. But students shouldn't just listen and take notes; they need to go home, read reference materials, think deeply, and synthesize the knowledge in a modeled format. Only then will they achieve 100% effectiveness. Professor Nam also noted that students need to pay attention to their reading skills: “Don't read indiscriminately; read only one or two books that are useful and necessary. And don't just skim through; choose the most important phrases, the most important sentences, the core information to underline and remember. This will also help students develop the ability to identify important issues, recognize core information, and summarize the content of the material logically and quickly.” As the youngest lecturer participating in the seminar, Dr. Nam... Nguyen Tuan Cuong impressed his fellow students with his excellent academic achievements at two universities simultaneously, earning a doctorate at a relatively young age, along with other outstanding accomplishments in research and training. He also shared his self-study experience: “When I started university, I had a clear career path early on. I boldly chose to study at two universities to avoid wasting four years of university time, even though I knew it would be very difficult. What I want to share with you most is how to study effectively within a limited timeframe? That is, I always prepare for each class beforehand to have a proactive mindset when listening to lectures, having already grasped the subject matter to some extent. I even have a ready mindset for ‘critical analysis’ and ‘critical thinking’ about what I learn.” Furthermore, when he knew the schedule for the next courses, he proactively researched the content and reference materials for those courses. Although this method of studying was quite demanding and left no time for relaxation, it was highly effective. Besides questions about skills and learning methods, first-year students quickly expressed their concerns and anxieties about their future careers and how to apply their specialized knowledge to specific jobs later on. A student from the History Department shared: could I become a writer in the future? Or a student from the International Studies Department expressed a desire to become a journalist? These concerns led to interesting responses from the professors. Dr. Hoang Khac Nam humorously remarked: “I can foresee your future as a writer specializing in historical novels. And many students from the International Studies Department have become excellent international affairs commentators, surpassing even students majoring in Journalism.” Dr. Nguyen Tuan Cuong offered this advice: "If you can't do what you love, then learn to love what you do. Any knowledge is useful for you in life and in your future career. As long as you have the will and determination to pursue your passion, you will naturally find ways to acquire the knowledge and skills you lack."