Is Micro-learning the answer?

Micro-learning is the process of learning complex skills in short, focused segments less than 10 minutes.

Providing training by video, short articles and reflection exercises, on multiple devices through various web technologies.

Micro-learning can be undertaken in short bites, so there is less cognitive load on learners and information is easier to absorb, retain, and recall. This matches the human brain processing capabilities and makes it a fit for today’s fast-paced and busy professional life.

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Four principles of problem solving

George Pólya in his 1957 book How to Solve It suggests the following steps when solving a problem:

  1. First, you have to understand the problem
  2. After understanding, then make a plan.
  3. Carry out the plan.
  4. Look back on your work. How could it be better?

If this technique fails, Pólya advises: “If you can’t solve a problem, then there is an easier problem you can solve: find it.” (1957:114)

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Why you should be a life-long learner

You finish high school, go on to university, and maybe pursue graduate education – all with the plan of preparing yourself for a career.

When you are in your early 20’s, school feels like a means to an end – you have been at school for 16 years or more.

Once you have a few years in the ‘real world’ you look back and think those days weren’t so bad?

It’s hard to find time now to acquire new knowledge and skills to further your career.

Are you challenging yourself to continue learning in some way that will further your professional development?

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How many productive hours a day do you work?

So what is productive time? Before I answer the question, how about an exercise.

Get a timer (can be on your watch or your computer or a kitchen timer) and set it for 60 minutes and then just work on a priority task during those 60 minutes – nothing else.

Let me tell you, at first it isn’t easy – you get thirsty and want to get some water, you have  the urge to check your emails, you have to go to the toilet, the phone rings, someone comes up and asks you a question – all these little interruptions.

And that my friend is what productive time is all about, focus on the productive tasks.

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Continuing your education?

The academic curriculum cannot keep pace with the demands of industry, nor the demands of working professionals.

The content of undergraduate education has diminished over the course of the past few decades – primarily in an effort to reduce the cost burden (to government and students), produce more graduates, and maintain the financial outcomes for universities.

As a result of the explosion of knowledge, the rapid rise in information technology and the growing complexity of industry, the job performed by professionals will continue to be increasingly demanding.

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The Two-Step Process for Getting Smarter

Oh no, I could never do that… I’m not smart enough.

So you think you need a high IQ?

All too frequently, this is the kind of thing you hear from people who have big dreams… but who think they don’t have what it takes to make those dreams come true.

They not only think that you need to be smart to become successful…
They also believe that being smart is not something you can learn (at least not without devoting years to higher education).

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Art of the Start

Art of the Start The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything by Guy Kawasaki (2004) Interesting book on what it takes to be an entrepreneur and a lot of these concepts can apply to transport strategy implementation. The Art of the Start gives  the essential steps to launch great products and services. It  shows … Read more

Get started, don’t worry about finishing

A common challenge I face is starting the important, but not urgent project, but not finishing. It is easy to get started on the new project. I am motivated, even excited, to start a new and interesting project but somewhere along the way I get diverted or lose enthusiasm and find it difficult to make progress.

Have you had a similar experience? Sitting at your computer doing everything but getting on with what you want to. You answer the unimportant emails, check LinkedIn, search Google — everything but focus on your project and making progress. This is called procrastination! Lots of busy work but not much forward movement on the important task.

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How to get things done, today!

Some days you begin with the best intentions … and end with the feeling that you achieved nothing of substance.

You sit down at your desk, determined to get things done. Then you answer a dozen emails… take a few phone calls… answer a question from your boss… help a colleague solve a problem…

And before you know it, the day’s over and you haven’t really accomplished anything.

What if you could start each day secure in the knowledge that you WILL make strides toward your goals? What if you could leave the office each day with a feeling of satisfaction?

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What is research?

Research is … the systematic investigation into, and study of materials, sources etc in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

A research project can aim to achieve one, or both, of the following:

  1. teach you about how to do research, the research process and how to write a report
  2. find an answer to a problem or research question.

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