Learner Support Cell
The Learner Support Cell of the Faculty of Management Studies was established to coordinate, monitor, and facilitate Learner support Activities related to the faculty. The aim of the learner support cell of Faculty of Management studies would be to identify the individual requirements of each learner and assist and support students. The main purpose of the FLSC is to enhance the current Learner Support practices and develop a customized learner Support system within the faculty. FLSC ensure whether help desk methodically conducted LS activities while providing easy access for the learners within Open and Distance Education.
Objectives of the Learner Support Cell
♦ Identify, design, implement and improve strategies to support learners to enhance the cognitive, organizational, and emotional aspects needed to succeed in ODL setting.
♦ Develop and recommend strategies to support the learners to quickly adapt to the ODL mode and acquire the necessary skills needed to perform well, based on the varied needs of the learners
♦ Encourage and facilitate other entities within the university to initiate programs related to learner support.
♦ Liaise with the different entities of the university and other stakeholders to facilitate LSU initiatives.
Action Plan
Members of the LSC
- Dr. Janaka Heenkenda (Faculty Representative / Department of Organizational Studies)
- Ms. Sandani Perera (Coordinator)
Distance Education Study Tips
Planning your work
Now, you have added a new goal to your life. So, your wish is to complete this goal successfully with excellent performance. To climb the ladder of success you need planning.
Do not delay to start! Start from today now! Reading through your study guide, will help you to start your work. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact the support staff at OUSL to get some tips or guidance. Staff contact details are in your department information sheets.
Organize yourself. You may have to find a good study environment to work. Try to re-arrange your home or hostel room and make a place which is comfortable for you to study. Store your study materials and necessary equipment in such that is easy to locate at any moment.
Plan your studies according to the number of credits you registered. When you are allocating time for your studies remember that one credit requires 50 hours of study time. Calculate your work load according to the number of credits you have registered. Estimate your total workload in hours for the academic year and divide the workload to two semesters in hours. Suppose each semester is 105 days long (15 weeks). Estimate the time you have to spend per week according to your workload. Prepare a weekly time plan to meet your work load at OUSL. Schedule study times for the subject according to the plan and the credit rating. When you are preparing your time plan you may have to commit yourself to suppress some of your interesting hobbies, activities and find time for studies.
Stick to your plan.
Keep your tasks bite-sized. Keep small tasks for each day which you are like achieve. So that you can evaluate your progress every day and how much you achieved in your task.
Eg:
o Studying the sessions 1 or 2 of particular course and doing the self- examples and activities.
o Fulfillment of small tasks will lead you to the achievement of larger objectives.
o Larger tasks
Eg:
o Completely answering an for assignment
o Studying for CAT examination
o More on planning your work.
Support for learning
You should get to know the support available to you and get the maximum advantage from it.
o Day schools – Day schools are interactive sessions where you will get the opportunity to meet the respective course teachers to clarify any difficulties they come across in your study material. Though the attending of day schools not compulsory, attending a day school well prepared will immensely help you to perform well in the course.
o Tutor clinics – Tutor clinics are normally held just before the semester final exams as an additional help for you properly for final examinations.
o Laboratory/fieldwork/projects – Practical work is an integral part of many courses and attendance is compulsory.
o Online Support – Some courses are supplemented with an online component. Online Supported courses AV Support Video
o Library – Speak to library staff an investigate borrowing facilities and online library resources More information. Click Here to visit the library.
o PASS sessions –
Reading and making Notes
For the open and distance learner, note making plays an important role in the learning process. Following recourses will help you to develop the reading and note making skills.
Effective Reading
Mind mapping
Note making
Outline notes
Cornel notes
Note making skills
Concept mapping
Developing the right attitude
Think positively and reward yourself for each achievement. You are studying for yourself, so give yourself a ‘pat on back’ each time you take a step towards you end goal then move on.
Get motivated – Think about why you are studying B.Sc degree Program.
Be flexible – Study routines are important. But if something comes up that interrupts your study plans work around it. Try to avoid frustration and feeling like
you are working behind. Just rearrange your time, reset your goals, and move forward.
Be clear about your goals – Be clear about the tasks that you will need to achieve the final goal of your program successfully.
Be realistic – Your expectations have to be realistic and need to be adjusted according to the circumstances.
Be persistent – For your success, your efforts must be sustainable and must be able to spread over long period of time.
More about right attitudes
Exam Success
Exams play necessary and important role in your study programme. Since they are very important for you to be evaluated, you have to study for exams in a very effective manner. Following recourses will help you to be successful in your B.Sc. programme at the OUSL.
Administrations Divisions providing support
Administrative divisions
Events
Webinar on “Expanding Opportunities to pursue our Academic Dream”
The Learner Support Cell successfully organized a virtual webinar entitled “Expanding Opportunities to pursue Our Academic Dreams” by our valued resource person Dr.Isuri Dharmaratne the on June 15, 2023, via the Zoom platform. The event focused on best practices and the influence of Learner Support Facilities on student performance in the Faculty of Management Studies. It was tailored for students at levels 5 and 6 in the BMSH degree program.
The purpose of this webinar is to raise student awareness of the below-mentioned factors.
- Guidance and support provided by the university from the beginning of the academic journey until the completion of the degree program
- Open & Distance Learning Method – Benefits of using the LearnOUSL platform for academic purposes
- Student’s dedication and commitment to successful completion of the graduate studies
- Ladder of Opportunity – How to broaden your studies with the Master’s qualifications after completing the BMS degree program
Webinar on “How to achieve our Academic Journey While Staying mentally healthy”
The Learner Support Cell successfully hosted a virtual webinar entitled “ How to achieve our Academic Journey While Staying mentally healthy” delivered by Mr. M.P. Abeyratne Muthugala. The webinar aimed to explore strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between academic and personal pursuits, in line with the experiences of successful academic journeys. This event was conducted via the Zoom platform on June 24, 2023, and was attended by students at all levels of the BMSH degree program.
This webinar aims to raise student awareness of the factors mentioned below.
- Guidance and support provided by the university for the students in stress management
- How to organize study schedule systematically to enhance time management
- Mentoring and counselling-Supporting student’s mental health and wellbeing
- Benefits of Student’s dedication and commitment to successfully complete the degree qualification
Best Practices & Learner Support Experience Sharing Workshop
We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the “Best Practices & Learner Support Experience Sharing Workshop” that was organized on 12th March 2024 by the Learner Support Cell in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Cell of the Faculty of Management Studies.
The workshop was led by Prof. Shirantha Heenkenda, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Sri Jayawardenapura. Prof. Heenkenda provided valuable insights into best practices in teaching and learning.
The event was well-attended by all staff members of FMS. They gained useful strategies and insights that can be implemented within our institutions to enhance the educational experience for our students.
Leaflet on Self-regulated Learning
The Learner Support Cell has undertaken the initiative to distribute a comprehensive leaflet titled “How to be a Self-Regulated Learner at the Faculty of Management Studies” to all BMSH undergraduates via both online and physical formats. The leaflet aims to assist students in applying Self-Regulated Learning techniques to improve academic performance and navigate the BMSH Degree program. It provides strategies and advice on goal setting, self-monitoring, and self-reflection, essential components of Self-Regulated Learning.
The leaflet features an inspiring success story of Ms. Charuni Pavithra, a distinguished graduate of the program. Her narrative serves as a motivating example of how the application of SRL principles can lead to academic excellence and personal achievement. Through this initiative, the Learner Support Cell aims to equip students with valuable tools and insights to foster their independent learning and ensure their success throughout their academic journey.
Discussion series on “Fearless English”
The Faculty of Management Studies, in collaboration with the Learner Support Cell and the Quality Assurance Cell, successfully hosted the inaugural session of the “Fearless English” Discussion series on the 17th of July 2024 on the Zoom platform. This session was under the guidance of guest speaker Mr. Indunil Kaviratne, a senior lecturer from the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura.
The primary objective was to aid BMSH undergraduates in overcoming language barriers in English and to enrich the English proficiency of our learners to better equip them for their academic pursuits. Through practical strategies and interactive discussions, the event sought to foster greater confidence and competence in using English, ultimately supporting the learners in achieving their educational and career objectives.
