ATTITUDE IS ALL

MANAGING EXAMINATION ANXIETY

Anxiety is a normal thing in life. Every human being at one point or the other experiences a little bit of anxiety in life. When an individual is faced with a new task or a challenge, such an individual is bound to experience a kind of anxiety. Anxiety sometimes propels an individual to put in more effort into an activity. However, when anxiety affects an individual’s performance negatively; such as when it makes one not to perform optimally in an examination, it then becomes a problem that the individual needs to seek solution to.

HEALHY JUICES

HEALTHY JUICES

Health is wealth, staying healthy is one major step that any individual who want to succeed must bear in mind. Dear student the residential is here again, this is a period when must student leave the comfort of their homes just to study with the hope of excelling. It is a known fact that most students just eat what they see at this time. Most often will say ‘is it not just for three weeks (3), will soon go back home to take care of myself’. However staying healthy is an important examination tip. A student with a running stomach or weak body cannot study, not to talk of passing the exams.

Please try as much as possible to stay away from all sort of carbonated drinks and junk food. The following are some healthy drinks that will keep you healthy not just for the exams but throughout your life time, if you can give it a trial. It is safe, cheap, available and convenient.

v Carrot +Ginger + Apple  = Boost and cleanse our system

v Apple + Cucumber + Celery = Prevent cancer, reduces cholesterol, and eliminate stomach upset and headache

v Tomato + Carrot + Apple = Improves skin complexion and eliminate bad breath

v Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk = Prevent bad breath and reduce internal body heat

v Orange + Ginger + Cucumber = Improved skin texture and moisture and reduce body heat

v Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon =Dispel excess salt, nourish the bladder and kidney

v Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi = Improves skin complexion

v Pear + Banana = regulate body sugar content

v Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango = Clears body heat, counteract toxicity, decrease blood pressure and fight oxidization

v Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk = Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2 that increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity

v Papaya + Pineapple + Milk = Improve skin complexion and metabolism

v Banana + Pineapple + Milk = prevents constipation

TIPS FOR WRITING CBT (Computer-Based Tests or Examinations)

The new trend in the field of education requires that candidates utilize the latest information communication technology in writing examination. Unlike the conventional pen and paper examination, computer-based examination requires that candidates will take their test or examination by using the computer and the Internet. Many students these days, owing to technology phobia, are always jittery about taking CBT examinations. Today I want to allay your fears and give you these useful tips on how to approach CBT examinations. These are some of the things you need to do.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL EXAMINATION

A successful result depends on good preparation and appropriate behaviour during the examination. You should be reminded of the following tips for a successful examination:

• Stay calm and focused; avoid anxiety as much as possible.
• Read the instructions slowly - at least twice before you start.
• Ask for clarification (if needed) from the invigilators and follow instructions as may be given by the invigilators.   
• Fill out personal details first (as required) before proceeding with the examination.
• Select questions that you can attempt better.
• Divide the time among the questions equally, to avoid running out of time.
• Think properly before you write your answers.
• Sketch a rough outline of answers, if possible use Mnemonic to remember the points.
• Adhere to the time allocations
• Attempt the necessary number of questions
• Write clearly, using simple language.

Watch out for tips for writing CBT Examinations Next Week.
Good Luck.
From the Counselling Unit, DLI

PEACE

SOME NOTABLE QUOTES ON PEACE

• “ PEACE IS NOT ABSENCE OF CONFLICT, IT IS THE ABILITY TO HANDLE CONFLICT BY PEACEFUL MEANS” Ronald Reagan

• “PEACE IS A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES AND IT MUST BE TAKEN ONE STEP AT A TIME’’ Lyndon B Johnson

• ‘’FIRST KEEP PEACE WITH YOURSELF, THEN YOU CAN ALSO BRING PEACE TO OTHERS’’ Thomas A Kempis

• "PEACE CANNOT BE KEPT BY FORCE; IT CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY UNDERSTANDING” Albert Einstein

• “ YOU CANNOT SHAKE HANDS WITH A CLENCHED FIST’’ Indira Gandhi

• “ PEACE COMES FROM WITHIN DO NOT SEEK IT WITHOUT’’ Buddha

• " PEACE BEGINS WITH A SMILE” Mother Teresa

• “ AN EYE FOR AN EYE ONLY ENDS UP MAKING THE WHOLE WORLD BLIND” Mahatma Gandhi

• “WHEN THE POWER OF LOVE OVERCOMES THE LOVE OF POWER THE WORLD WILL KNOW PEACE” Jimi Hendrix

LET THIS ALWAYS BE YOUR WORD:

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy Peace where there is hatred, let me sow love”
Francis of Assisi

A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE

Hello my dear  friends, the session is gradually winding down. We are getting close to the residential programme which will culminate into the Session's examination. I have this to say to you. Prepare your personal timetable. Devote at least 2 hours everyday to your studies. Ask questions in any course that is not clear to you. Join a study group if you can. Adopt a study habit that suits you. You need to start on time to prepare for your examinations because a stitch in time saves nine.

PROCRASTINATION
Procrastination is basically defined as putting off the things that you should be doing now till later. Can you count the number of times you have had to put off on important task till later? Cooking up exercises that are always as good as another? Does an approaching deadline means a crisis to you?  Do you keep hesitating each time you make a decision?  If you often find yourself in such low productivity situation, then there is a big chance that your life is under control of the procrastination habit.
       Procrastination, they say is a thief of time. Whatever the heart conceives to do, it can achieve but procrastination is the number one enemy of success. Do your best at the appropriate time. Delay is dangerous. Once a decision is taken promptly, take it up and follow your mind. Those who procrastinate delay their success. Procrastination tells lies to them such as I feel like doing this tomorrow. Below are the causes, effect and solution to procrastination.

CAUSES OF PROCRASTINATION
1. Lack of clear goal
2. Waiting for the right mood
3. Waiting for the right time
4. Underestimating the difficulty of the taste
5. Underestimating the time required to complete the task
6. Unclear standards for the task outcome
7. Undeveloped decision making skill
           
EFFECTS OF PROCRASTINATION
Procrastination may result in the following
1. A sense of guilt
2. Crisis
3. Health problems
4. Severe loss of personal productivity
5. Social disapproval for not meeting responsibilities or commitment                    

SOLUTION TO PROCRASTINATION
1. Make a list of everything you have to do
2. Write a statement of intentions
3. Set realistic goal
4. Break it down into specific task
5. Make your task manager
6. Promise yourself a reward
7. Eliminate task you never plan to do. Be honest
8. Estimate the amount of time you think it will take you to complete a task. Then increase the amount by 100%.
                           

HARD WORK

Hard work  means working diligently on a task, regardless of challenges and obstacles encountered, until success is achieved. However, these days, it seems that so many young people do not understand  what hard work means. This is the major reason why I have decided to raise this as an issue to be discussed on this blog. I therefore invite all and sundry to contribute and really comment on what you understand hard work to mean from your own point of view. It will also be important if you could make suggestions on how one can become hard working to benefit other bloggers on this platform. CONSIDER the following Quote before you comment. I look forward to your comments. 

  

INTEGRITY

                                  





                                      INTEGRITY A CORE VALUE

Integrity is a core human value of honesty, strong moral principles and uprightness. It is an individual decision to uphold oneself to consistently moral and ethical standards. The word integrity was formed from the Latin adjective integer, meaning whole or complete. In this context, integrity is the inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character. In others words, an individual is judge as a person of integrity if he or she act according to the values, beliefs and principles they claim to hold.
Integrity flows across every aspect of our lives, however as students and academics integrity cannot be separated from academic success, his is why academic integrity is very important to academic action.
Academic integrity is a commitment even i the face of adversity to maintain allegiance to these five fundamental human values: HONESTY, TRUST, FAIRNESS, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY. From this values flows principle of human behaviour tha enables academic communities to translate ideas to action.

ASSERTIVENESS

Assertiveness means standing  up for what  one wants or believes in. It involves communicating ones feelings and needs without violating the rights of other people. In other words, assertiveness is communicating feelings and needs while respecting the rights of others.
POINTS TO NOTE ABOUT ASSERTIVENESS
1. Being assertive means speaking up for what one wants or saying how one feels.
2. Assertiveness is different from aggressiveness.
3. Failure to be assertive may cause one to feel angry and, as a result act aggressively at some future time.
4. Being assertive does not ensure that people will always get what they want, but it enhances self esteem to express oneself.
5. Behaviour that helps people to be more assertive includes being honest and being directive. Speaking up for oneself and taking responsibility for ones feelings and needs.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Permit me to give you these words of wisdom sent to me. It will also be a great blessing to you. Please read and meditate on them:

1. ON EARNING:
Never depend on single income. Make investment to create a second chance.

2. ON SPENDING:
If you buy things you do not need, soon you will have to sell things you need.

3. ON SAVINGS:

THE BASIC FACT OF ACADEMIC SUCESS

1. Some Basic Facts of Academic Succes: The First Week of School: It only takes the first week of school for a student to fall behind and start playing catch-up.
2. The Critical Hours of the Day: The critical hours of day academically refers to the periods that you can study effectively it important you schedule your study period during that time
3. The Warning Sign: C Grade: The first C Grade is a sign that you need help. Bad grades are like dirty diapers. It is your responsibility to clean up all dirty diapers. This can only be achieved if you take your critical hour seriously.   

FRIENDSHIP

Who is a friend?
This is a big question that usually comes up in social discourse almost on daily basis. To answer this question, I have to mention some of the qualities we do not expect from a friend. These include:
1. Someone who gossips with your name is not a friend.
2. someone who envies you and looks for your downfall is not a friend.
3. Someone who introduces you to vices (such as stealing, illicit sexual relationships, greed, chemical and drug abuse, vulgar languages, to mention a few) is not a friend.
4. Someone who cannot give you good advice is not a friend.
5. Someone who reveals your secrets to every Tom, Dick and Harry is not a friend.
6. Someone who cannot stand with you in times of trouble, but will only come around you when the going is good is not a friend.
7. Someone who cannot help you when you are in need is not a friend.
If these are the qualities of someone who is not a friend, then you can easily say who a friend is. Be careful then in choosing who you relate with and call a friend, so that you shall not be led astray.
 BE SELECTIVE WHEN IT COMES TO PICKING A FRIEND.
 NOT EVERY HUMAN BEING CAN MAKE A GOOD FRIEND.

What is Learning to you?

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Stress refers to any stimulus that either raises your excitement or anxiety level beyond what you regard as above your usual or personal capability Akinade(2007).It also refers to an individual’s state of physical and physiological imbalance leading to his or her social maladjustment, poor work performance and even ill health .Stress can be identified as one of the major factors inhibiting creative performance.

SEVEN REASONS WHY YOU NEED COUNSELLING

Counselling enables you to :
1. Understand who you are as an individual.
2. Become aware of your personal characteristics:values,abilities,intrest,talents,aptitudes,strength and weaknesses.
3. Understand the unique features of the  school environment e.g competitiveness ,patriotism and reward system
4. Understand the world around you and the people with whom you interact; your lecturers and course mates.
5. Adjust to your environment.
6. Develop the ability to set realistic goals for yourself.
7. Realise your potentials in obtaining these goals.
 

Different Drums and Different Drummers

                               
Brief summary of the above topic by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates in their book titled; Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types.
MARK –COLUMBUS Orgu
If I do not want what you want, please try not to tell me that my want is wrong or if I believe other than you, at least pause before you correct my view or if my emotion is less than yours, or more, given the same circumstances, try not to ask me to feel more strongly or weakly. Or yet if I act, or fail to act, in the manner of your design for action, let me be.

WHO IS A PACESETTER?

A Pacesetter is
⦁ A Leader
⦁ A Pioneer
⦁ A Pacemaker
⦁ A Pacer
⦁ A forerunner
In essence, he or she is one who sets the pace for others to follow. He is a model for others to copy.
QUALITIES OF A PACESETTER
⦁ Determination/ focus on the Goal
⦁ Self-Knowledge which  comes from  self-evaluation and self-discovery
⦁ Self-concept
⦁ Finding solutions to problems; not waiting for solutions to be given to him or her
⦁ Time Management; being time conscious in everything he or she does.
⦁ Have a Vision and a mission
⦁ Allow few Distractions
⦁ Making challenges and failures stepping stone to success.

SELF-CONCEPT

SELF-CONCEPT

Every individual is unique and special in terms of appearance, skills, abilities, talents, intelligence, strengths and weaknesses. It is important and necessary as an open distance learner to identify your positive qualities, special skills and personal strengths, so that you will be able to apply them in achieving success in your learning.

Self-concept is the judgment we make about our worth and the feelings associated with these judgment. Self-concept is about teaching yourself to love and see the good in yourself. Accept yourself and say great things you identify as your strength.

WHAT SUCCESS MEANS

Ducks Quack, Eagles Soar

I was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing I noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for me.

He handed me a laminated card and said:

WELCOME TO THE NEW ACADEMIC SESSION

The 2014/2015 academic session for the Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos (DLI) began in earnest on Saturday, 13th of June 2015.  This session promises to be a fulfilling and rewarding academic session as all efforts are being made to see to it that students have a hitch free session. You are therefore advised to work closely with your academic advisors, your facilitators, e-tutors and the counsellors to benefit maximally from all the beautiful plans and programmes mapped out for you.

 MOST IMPORTANTLY !!!  Always log on to the LMS on daily basis to keep abreast with new information that concern you and that will enhance your learning and stay in DLI.  For any information, advice and guidance, do not hesitate to contact the counsellors or the help desk officers. Your success in DLI is our utmost concern.  THANK YOU.

A WORD OF ADVICE FOR ALL MUSLIM SISTERS AND MOTHERS

I witnessed a scenario last week and am compelled by the spirit to share it in order to prevent a future occurence. I was in the consulting room when a neonate (Baby) was  brought in on emergency. She was strapped to her mother's back who was in full hijab. On observation, the baby was discovered B.I.D, the medical refferal letter read that the baby had Respiratory Disorder. Poor little saint lost there!
The baby would have gotten to the hospital alive and placed on oxygen but the mother unknowingly and following religious inclination covered the baby up in hijab and travelled a long distance to the specialist hospital.
MY CANDID ADVISE is that our Muslim sisters and mothers should have a zipper at the back of their hijab in order for the baby's head to be out for fresh and adequate air.
Maa Salam.
Pls help share this information.

DEPRESSION

Depression is a feeling of extreme sadness, anxiety, helplessness and hopelessness. Depression is both psychological and medical in nature.  There are different  symptoms of depression. However, it is important to note that it is the persistence of the feelings for more than two weeks that can make an individual to suspect that he or she may be suffering depression. I encourage you to read more about depression from the link provided below. and in any case you feel that you need help, please do not hesitate to seek help.
http://www.helpguide.org/

Make Time for your Spouse

Make Time for Your Spouse: In our busy world where both husband and wife often work outside the home for many hours, it is easy to justify the failure to make time for each other. But life's worth, in the end, isn't measured in hours we spend working, or by the amount of dollars we bring home. Life is measured by the amount of time we spend with those we love and the memorable imprints we leave on their lives along the way. Therefore do not invest more time on the things you like at the expense of the people you love. Life has no reverse button. Make excuses and regret, or make time and enjoy life while it lasts. - Isaac Kubvoruno

A Letter from your LIVER

A Letter from your LIVER
Nope, I didn’t misspell that! I really meant LIVER, not lover! This post is about your LIVER, not your lover.

HOME MANAGEMENT

It is very important for you to manage your home very well. This will enable you to successfully combine your different roles better.

SETTING ACADEMIC GOALS

SETTING ACADEMIC GOALS
Goal is something that somebody wants to achieve. It is a major component of personal development .Goal setting is very important for a learner. Many a times, an individual runs into problems because he or she fails to set goals for himself or herself. It is important to set academic goals at the beginning of your career in DLI. This will allow you to adjust successfully in your academic pursuit and to achieve the maximum result required of you.

DLI IAG BLOG

You are  highly welcomed to the DLI Information Advice and Guidance Blog. This is a big opportunity for you to obtain information, advice and guidance daily from the Institute. The blog will also serve as a medium through which you will be enlightened on different topical issues. Therefore, feel free always to comment on the posts on this blog. You are assured of a prompt and professional response to all your questions. Once again, welcome.

DREAM JOB

SIX Tough Interview Questions.

Here are 6 tough interview questions you should be ready to answer, along with strategies on how to respond to them in a way that makes you stand out:

DIGITAL LIBRARY

DIGITAL LIBRARY.

Introduction:

Information and Communication Technology has revolutionized the concept of libraries. Each and every library is slowly getting digitized. A 'digital library' comprises digital collections, services and infrastructure to support lifelong learning, research, scholarly communication as well as preservation and conservation of our recorded knowledge. It is also a process of democratization of information.

COUNSELLING IS FOR ALL

Counselling Association of Nigeria is inviting the general public to a one day seminar
tagged COUNSELLING IS FOR ALL  It will take place at the main auditorium university of Lagos on the 20th of April 2015 by 4.pm Please make it a date  Everybody needs counselling.Thanks.

LIFE IS A MYSTERY

This life is a mystery. A lot of things happen to us we cannot readily find answers to. We are surviving by the Grace of GOD. I have learnt a lot in this life. Friends cluster around you when they have somethings they are gaining from you. They all disappear when they no longer gain that thing. The only person who stays with you even when you are down is your friend indeed. Take life easy !!!

INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE (IAG)

Distance Learners come from diversity of backgrounds and are often face with a lot of challenges and distances, which include, but are not limited to
• Varied social background,
• Different educational background
• Different occupational and family background.

TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS

Kindly listen to the following tips on time management. Reflect on it and ask questions if you need more information on how to manage your time as a student
.
From the Counselling Unit, DLI

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAMINATION

A successful result depends on good preparation and appropriate behaviour during the examination. You should be reminded of the following tips for a successful examination:
  Stay calm and focused; avoid anxiety as much as possible.
  Read the instructions slowly - at least twice before you start.
  Ask for clarification (if needed) from the invigilators and follow instructions as may be given by the invigilators.

SMILE AT ALL TIME

In whatever condition you find yourself, do not forget to

STUDENT SUPPORT

Hi, as a student you are free to make an enquiry if you are in doubt.

THE STUDENT SUPPORT DESK.

Hopefully your time at the Institute will be fun and fulfilling, because we're here to help if you need a little extra support. The Student Support Desk is a one stop desk for students to gain access to all of our services and locate other academic and professional support across the Institute with or without them leaving their homes/offices.