It is academic break time at Fapuga. And although we highlight here everything that happens outside of breaks, we know this period is eagerly awaited by everyone.
If you are reading this, you surely belong to one of these groups: either you are a student enjoying this moment of shade and cool water, or you are dreaming of the next rest period (so much so that you are anxiously planning for it – not to mention the professors, a special hello to you).
Whichever group you belong to, and since this article found its way to you, now is a good time to pick up these tips and, who knows, apply one of them to enjoy your break.
1 – A break is not a job (or at least it shouldn’t be)
If you identify with the mindset of “work while they sleep,” you may have even skipped this first tip, but it is still worth stressing: breaks are for resting.
And if you try to use this period to be extremely productive, making lots of lists, signing up for dozens of courses, enrolling (again) at the gym… In short, if you see this time as a chance to catch up on everything you wish you had done during the school term and didn’t; sorry, but the box that is likely to get ticked is the one on the list of frustrations.
Use your time to take stock of your life. If you were not able to accomplish most of what you planned, maybe it is time to rethink your priorities, and there is nothing wrong with allowing yourself to sleep in or binge a series. In short, try to set real, achievable goals, using the extra time to rest as well.
However, if you are truly seeking productivity even during the academic break, on Fapuga’s Instagram profile you can find 5 more tips along those lines:
A post shared by Faculdade Fapuga (@faculdadefapuga)
2 – Remember those notes with tips?
I am sure that, during the school term, you wrote down or saved plenty of content to access when you had extra time. Well, that moment has arrived. Open your notepad, notebook, social media, whatever you used to jot down tips, which may have come from a professor, a classmate, or a digital influencer.
Having references is very important, and if you have time to dig into the tips on books, movies, apps, and games, or simply to go deeper into a topic you enjoyed a lot during classes and had forgotten about, this is the moment.
3 – Review at least one subject studied last semester
Along the same lines as the previous tip, how about taking a look at your study materials and selecting at least one subject to review?
Reviewing something you have already studied really helps cement your learning of a specific topic. If you want to do it right, don’t stop at just reading.
So, here are a few steps that can make your review more efficient:
- Take a general look, scanning the material for headings, images, and keywords on that topic. That way, you start pulling what you remember out of your memory;
- Write some questions based on that first look, questions you will try to answer throughout the review;
- Review the material, trying to find the answers to the questions you wrote earlier;
- After finishing the review (or part of the subject, if it is very extensive), try to answer your questions out loud – perhaps send an audio message to someone, or try explaining it to a person close to you. If you can’t answer all the questions, this may also be the time for some extra research;
- Take notes on your most important discoveries;
- Review your notes, asking yourself, “Did I understand enough?”
These steps were based on tips from scientist Gabriela Bailas on how to read articles or educational materials efficiently.
These tips were adapted here to encourage study that is not passive but engaged and curious, so you can make the most of the materials you have access to at the College. That way, the method serves not only for reviewing but for studying in general. If the subject interests you, it is worth exploring more of Gabriela’s content on her YouTube channel, Física e Afins.
4 – Take Fapuga’s extension courses
We have already talked here on the blog about all the extension courses, which are available at fapuga.edu.br. But it is worth mentioning them again as a reminder, since they are an excellent option for anyone on break. Just go to the Teaching tab in the menu, where you will find the “University Extension” section with all available courses.
That way, you can study topics from the most specific to the broadest in the areas of Business Administration and Hospital Management, through text materials, video lessons, case studies, and reinforcement activities. All of it is prepared by Fapuga’s faculty members, who hold master’s and doctoral degrees.
In addition to going deeper into the topics covered, all courses offer certificates, which can be used to credit complementary hours.
5 – Update your LinkedIn
This last tip is a little nudge so you don’t keep everything you have been learning hidden away. On LinkedIn, and on other platforms, you have a way to show recruiters what you are capable of, so take advantage of it.
You can also use the time to catch up on available job opportunities and, even if you are not going to apply, get a better sense of how the market is doing and which skills are in demand – and, with that, which courses and training may be most important for you to focus on at this point in your career.
So that’s it. Enjoy your academic break. And remember that resting is also a way of making the most of your time, to recover your energy and return to the school term at full strength.
