Attitude and good habits are key at the university

After nearly two years of technology-mediated learning from home, students are returning to the classroom, and UCundinamarca has been preparing with all the necessary biosafety measures to ensure a positive experience for the community. However, feelings of anxiety and uncertainty persist, particularly among first- and even second-semester students, as the transition from high school to higher education is not easy. But the key lies in developing good habits, setting clear goals, and cultivating the right attitude for a successful professional career, explains Glenda Karina Reinoso, coordinator of the Psychology program.

“It’s never too late to acquire good habits, but that depends on a personal attitude, which is vital when it comes to having the discipline and persistence to achieve it,” Reinoso points out.

UCundinamarca: Do you think that students who first enter university have more bad habits than good ones?

Glenda Karina Reinoso (GKR)Bad habits aren't limited to young people entering university for the first time; they affect many people throughout their lives, especially in our Colombian context. That's why our educational programs instill specific elements to help students achieve good academic performance from the start and develop positive habits. At the University of Cundinamarca, professors provide tutoring during the first semesters to strengthen this process.

UCundinamarca: What are those behaviors, conduct, or habits that students should develop to achieve optimal academic results?

GKRThey are simple, but require a very good attitude and willingness; among the recommendations are:

1. Build a work plan, an objective, set goals.
2. Don't let the material pile up. It's not good to procrastinate and leave everything for later. You can't study in a rush or on the bus. You should dedicate at least one hour to reading and studying.
3. Organize a time and space. Study, if possible, at the same time of day, ideally in the morning or after a break. And of course, the location is also important; choose a space suitable for learning. If you listen to music, make sure it's soft so it stimulates neurotransmitters in the brain and promotes concentration rather than distraction.

UCundinamarca: What techniques can students use to improve their habits?

GKRTools to stimulate the brain, such as mind maps, synoptic charts, comparison charts, brainstorming, and infographics, should be used. These techniques exercise analytical, reading, and writing comprehension skills, so that responses can be more effective during exams or presentations.

UCundinamarca: Is it difficult to acquire a habit after a certain age?

GKRI am a humanist and a systems thinker, and I firmly believe that anyone with the attitude and willingness to learn can do so at any age. Constructivist theory indicates that human beings learn what they enjoy when they are willing, so everything is attitudinal; and the brain responds accordingly.

UCundinamarca: Could it be said that attitude is more relevant than aptitude?

GKRWe could say yes, because aptitude can be developed, but without the right attitude I won't achieve my goals. Therefore, the right attitude will guarantee my dream success.

UCundinamarca: Finally, what do you believe is the contribution that the MEDIT Transmodern digital educational model makes to these new university students?

GKRThrough the Transmodern Digital Educational Model (MEDIT), we educate for life, for peace, and for values. Our vision is to develop students who are good human beings, who know how to relate to themselves and others. That's why it's so important to reflect on whether our personal relationships and our relationships with our environment are based on respect, and if so, where and how. Do I relate to others based on good or bad habits?

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