A degree is about an individual’s work.  You know that your modules aren’t run as a competition between others.

Accepting that inconsistency, I wondered what it would be like if everyone’s study methods could be compared to athletic runners that you see in the Olympics and suchlike.  Here’s what I came up with:

The Sprinter

 – As soon as the questions are set, you’re off and away.
 – You want to get the work done as quickly as possible.
 – You see no reason to dwell on things.  What comes to you first is usually what works for you.
 – You give it your all in a short burst.
 – The euphoria of finishing first is great.  A huge hit of happiness when it’s handed in.
BUT:
 – Be careful you do consider all angles.  Slow down at the final stages and seriously consider what you’ve achieved.  Is it enough?  Have you missed out on a particular argument/working/explanation?
 – Do you have a backup plan if your sprint isn’t enough?  Giving up should not be an option.

The Long-Distance Walker

 – You take in a bigger picture as you slowly survey the surroundings.
 – The focus is often on style and research and consideration.
 – Getting the words on the page comes a lot later.
 – You pace yourself strategically so you can speed up just a notch when it’s necessary.
BUT:
 – Are you confident that the determined walk won’t turn into a relaxed stroll?
 – By considering so much, you risk running out of time and missing that finishing line completely.

The 1500 Metre Runner

 – You are organised in your approach.
 – Different styles come in handy at different stages.
– You consider the options and don’t like to miss out on an opportunity.
– You use reasoning and consideration to stay one step ahead.
 – If possible, you like to see things objectively.
BUT:
 – Do you have the pace to catch up if you’re caught off guard?
 – When you’re in a situation that has more than usual to consider, do you prioritise and keep an eye on the most important factors?  You can’t do everything at once.

The Hurdler

 – You thrive on small challenges along the way and try to keep them uniform.
 – If you stumble along the way, you pick yourself up and keep going.
 – Sometimes you clear all obstacles without thinking about it…other times, you’re close, but it’s all part of the plan.
 – Even on the uncomplicated straight moments, you are focused and ready for the next challenge.
BUT:
 – Would a series of difficult challenges tire you out?
 – Crashing down too many hurdles could bog you down.  Are you ready to adapt your pace to suit the hurdles?

The Marathon Racer

 – Each task is a quest.  You’re in this for the long haul.
 – You seek a balanced approach to your work, splitting things up in short chunks of time.
 – You are determined to seek out the facts and gain knowledge from many sources.
 – The motivation for you to keep battling until the very end is high.
 – You look to others and seek to make the most of their skills to benefit your own work too.
BUT:
 – Have you got the power to make a properly crafted sprint finish when it’s needed?
 – Can you modify your approach halfway through your marathon session if it’s not working as you’d planned?

The Cross Country Runner

 – You have a variation of styles and an ever-changing approach to your work.
 – It doesn’t matter if you go off track once in a while.
 – You adapt to the situation, sometimes finding more ideas, sometimes increasing your written output, sometimes reading new texts, sometimes working with others.
 – When steeper hills are up ahead, you take time to watch your pace and work accordingly, so you don’t get tired.
 – A plan is mapped out in your head before the task begins.  You’ve learned where you have to go and how you might tackle more problematic areas.
BUT:
 – Do you have the stamina to keep on until the bitter end?
 – Do you have the right mindset to appreciate the varying conditions?  Not only do you need to adapt, but running off the well-worn path can be intimidating for some.  How would you cover this?

The Pace Maker (best not be one of these…)

 – Speedily completes all the initial work.
 – Shares enthusiasm with others in the first instance.
 – Drops away just as things are getting exciting.
 – Lacks the stamina after the first flourishes and simply gives up.
BUT:
 – What do you mean ‘but’?  Giving up is already no good.  Thinking further, it looks like Pace Makers and degrees don’t mix!

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What do you think of these suggestions?  Do they fit?  Can you think of any other possibilities?