- Student Success<\/a>
- Learning Skills and strategies<\/a><\/li>
- Seven common time management mistakes<\/a><\/li>
- How to take better lecture notes<\/a><\/li>
- Improve listening in lectures<\/a>
- Pay attention to your professor<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Study Effectively<\/a><\/li>
- How to overcome test anxiety<\/a><\/li>
- Improve test and exam writing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Student Clubs and Activities<\/a> (extracurricular and co-curricular programs)
- Types of clubs<\/a><\/li>
- Starting a club<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Student Housing<\/a><\/li>
- Student Employment<\/a><\/li>
- Community Involvement<\/a><\/li>
- Career Advising<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Student Success<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
About Student Success<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Student Services Dept. supports Academics by monitoring student attendance and academic progress. It provides advising and counseling service by organizing training for students about study skills and strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is student success?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
To us, student success is when students like you graduate having achieved your self-identified goals while staying actively engaged both in and out of the classroom. Success means that you\u2019re ready to apply what you\u2019ve learned after graduation. Our mission in the SSD is to help you achieve success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learning Skills and strategies<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
- Time Management<\/li>
- Note-taking skills<\/li>
- How to succeed on assignments<\/li>
- Managing Stress in College<\/li>
- How to succeed on tests and exams<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Time Management<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Use these time management tips to stay productive and manage stress throughout the term:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organize your term<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Plot all the important dates in your term on a monthly calendar. This includes assignment due dates, midterms, exams and appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be specific<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Be specific about what time you’re going to start studying, where you’re going to study and what you’re going to study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make use of small blocks of time<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
You may surprise yourself with how much you can get done by using the time you spend on the bus, between classes, waiting for a ride or waiting for your laundry to dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make to-do lists for each day<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Create a prioritized to-do list (PDF)<\/a> at the beginning of your day, or before you go to bed for the next day, to know what needs to be done first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Develop a reward system<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
What do you usually do instead of your work when you\u2019re procrastinating?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever your answer is, use that activity as your reward for completing a set time of academic work. For example, \u201cIf I complete my assignment before 7 p.m., I can visit my friends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expect the unexpected<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Plan to complete your assignments, essays, projects or exam reviews a few days early. This type of planning will allow for time to edit an assignment and provide extra time in case something unexpected comes up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Complete more difficult or less exciting tasks first<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Students usually procrastinate working on more difficult or time-consuming homework. Getting these tasks done first will help alleviate feelings of guilt and anxiety that procrastination tends to cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Know when you tend to be most productive in a day<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
When are you most alert in the day? Are you a morning person or a night owl? If you don\u2019t have a time of day when you\u2019re most alert, consider getting more sleep and choose to study in the morning. Research has shown that the morning is the time of day when most people are most effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spend time on each of your courses every week<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Success may require you to dedicate several additional hours outside of class for every course in your schedule. Cramming, or studying the night before a test, is stressful and often ineffective. The most successful approach to learning is to spread it out throughout the term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seven common time management mistakes<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Do you sabotage your own efforts to manage your time wisely? Positive time management habits can be difficult to incorporate into your daily routine. When possible, try and avoid these common mistakes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Giving up before you even begin<\/strong>:<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Many students try various time management strategies but struggle to achieve the results they want. They start to assume they\u2019ll continue to struggle even if they continue to try new strategies. You can\u2019t predict the future and different strategies work for different people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leaping from no schedule to a heavy schedule<\/strong>:<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
It can be very challenging to make drastic shifts in how you manage your time. Start small as you begin to incorporate time management strategies into your routine. It takes time to change your routine, so take one step at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Giving up as soon as you\u2019re unable to follow a schedule exactly<\/strong>:<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to remember that life happens. You\u2019ll accomplish more by following part of your plan than by not following your plan at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paying more attention to your mistakes than your successes<\/strong>:<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Setbacks are a part of growth. Try your best to learn from mistakes and focus on what you did do well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Failing to prioritize:<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t prioritize your tasks, you\u2019re more likely to choose to accomplish items with high desirability\/low priority and ignore more important tasks. Prioritization is a huge part of successful time management. It\u2019s important not to put off less desirable tasks because that\u2019s when procrastination will start to creep up on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not seeking support from others:<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
It can be difficult to ask for help, but everyone benefits from support. Find someone who can encourage your efforts and hold you accountable to your goals during your time at university. Check-in with a friend daily to let them know what you plan on accomplishing in that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not establishing boundaries:<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Prioritizing academics at peak points in the term is vital for your success in university. It\u2019s important to learn how to say \u201cno\u201d to your friends and peers when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note-taking skills<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to take better lecture notes<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Use these tips before, during and after your lectures to take better notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before your lecture:<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- Come to class prepared.<\/li>
- Label your notes with the date, abbreviation of the course name and page numbers on each sheet of paper. This only takes a couple of minutes, and you can do it while you wait for the lecture to begin.<\/li>
- Leave plenty of space to make your notes easier to read and edit later.<\/li>
- Use coloured pens and highlighters to underline or emphasize certain parts of your notes and diagrams.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
During your lecture:<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- Listen, think, and then<\/em> write to ensure you\u2019re understanding the information.<\/li>
- Listen for keywords and take note of ideas that the lecturer emphasizes, repeats, or spends a great deal of time on.<\/li>
- What\u2019s on the board? If an instructor takes the time to write something on the board, it\u2019s probably important.<\/li>
- Develop your own style of speed writing. If you have trouble keeping up with the lecturer, make up your own abbreviations and save time by not copying down information that you already know.<\/li>
- Make sure you\u2019re understanding your notes by asking questions either during or after class. Don’t wait to get help with ideas or concepts that you don’t understand.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
After the lecture:<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- Summarize your notes at the end of the lecture. Listen for and write out the lecturer’s conclusion or summary to confirm important points.<\/li>
- Review your notes together to fill in gaps and to go over ideas that you\u2019re having trouble understanding.<\/li>
- Each new concept you learn in problem solving, and math-based courses serves as a foundation for future concepts. Therefore, it\u2019s so important to understand each concept in your notes and textbook before moving on. You can do this by asking questions either during or after class, taking advantage of professor or asking your peers.<\/li>
- Students who do well in learning organize their notes. They have a file system or set their notes up in a way that makes them easy to refer to. They also enrich their notes by adding lecturer comments like, \u00ab\u00a0This is a key point\u00a0\u00bb or \u00ab\u00a0This point will become relevant next week.\u00a0\u00bb<\/li>
- Edit your notes soon after taking them. Set up a regular time to go over your notes as soon as possible – ideally within 24 hours of taking them. This will help you remember what was said in class, and allow you to fill in any words or ideas that you left out.<\/li>
- Set up your lecture notes so they\u2019re easy to study. Develop a strategy to highlight key points from your lectures. You could make cue cards for main points, note key ideas in the margins of your notes or use any other creative ideas. Review the key points regularly throughout the term.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Improve listening in lectures<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
You can learn a lot through listening. it will be a prime source of information. People don\u2019t instinctively listen well, but it\u2019s a skill that anyone can develop. Use the tips below to improve how you listen and learn during your lectures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen actively<\/strong>:<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the difference between listening actively and listening passively?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Passive listening<\/strong> is \u201chearing\u201d what the professor says and copying it down word-for-word.<\/li>
- Active listening<\/strong> is carrying on a conversation with your instructor in your notes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You cannot and should not try to write everything the professor says in their lecture. Many students fall into the trap of simply copying down everything the professor says.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is where recognizing what\u2019s being repeated, what\u2019s new and asking questions comes into play. However, this doesn\u2019t mean that you shouldn\u2019t copy anything at all, even if you have course notes. It\u2019s important to learn how to take cues from your professors to determine what\u2019s important. Why is active listening important? Questioning the information helps you to identify what\u2019s important and what should be included in your notes. It\u2019s important to learn how to add detail from lectures to your course notes, and it\u2019s also important to understand how to create good quality notes from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pay attention to your professor:<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Pay attention to your instructor\u2019s verbal and non-verbal cues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Verbal cues<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Lecture outlines<\/li>
- Hypotheticals<\/li>
- Key points<\/li>
- Repetition<\/li>
- Summary, recaps, conclusions<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Non-verbal cues<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, voice<\/li>
- Emphasis (repetition, slowing down, raising voice)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few more strategies to help you stay focused and determine what should be written down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Try to anticipate where your professor is going with a given topic.<\/li>
- Watch for verbal clues like \u00ab\u00a0First\u2026 second\u2026\u201d which show a series of important points or clues like, \u00ab\u00a0note that\u2026\u00a0\u00bb<\/li>
- Listen for the repetition of key phrases and terms.<\/li>
- Watch the professor\u2019s body language, facial expressions or tone of voice, which can indicate that a topic is important (i.e., raised eyebrows, talking slowly or emphatically). <\/li>
- The amount of time the instructor spends on a topic usually indicates importance.<\/li>
- If the instructor takes the trouble to write something on the board, then it\u2019s important.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Be mindful of yourself<\/strong>:<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
So far, it seems simple – attend class, listen actively, engage, participate, and take notes. However, it\u2019s extremely important to be mindful of yourself.We all learn differently and there\u2019s great value in being aware of what\u2019s helpful and what\u2019s not so helpful when it comes to what\u2019s happening in your new learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Effective listening happens when you\u2019re mindful of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You listen better when you’re not distracted or multi-tasking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help prevent your mind from wandering, stop yourself from reading, talking or multi-tasking while the lecture is in progress. This includes turning off notifications from your cell phone and laptop. Many students will attend lecture, but have other apps or webpages open during it. It\u2019s not only distracting for your learning, but also distracting for those around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You listen better when you’re actively involved in the lecture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re paying attention to what\u2019s being said, you\u2019re actively processing what\u2019s being said. If you\u2019re listening actively in a lecture, you\u2019ll have better recall later when studying and reviewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You’ll only hear what you want to hear<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your attitude will add to or detract from the words of the lecturer. Keeping a positive attitude toward the course content, the lectures and the instructor will help you stay engaged and focused. If you have a negative attitude, this will hold you back by hindering your ability to focus, to listen actively and to understand what\u2019s being taught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choose your seat wisely<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Choosing where you\u2019re going to sit in your lecture can have a large influence on your ability to focus and listen actively. Whether you prefer sitting at the front of the room or at the back of the room, determine where the best place is for you and where you\u2019ll have the least amount of distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create useful study notes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Making great study notes can help you solidify lecture material in your memory, connect important concepts from readings to lecture content and prepare for midterms and finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Write in your own words. Don\u2019t just copy down word-for-word textbook definitions or what the professor says. Train your brain by trying to reword main ideas in ways that will help you remember and understand them in the future.<\/li>
- Organize course information in a way that\u2019s meaningful to you. Strong study notes don\u2019t fit one shape or style. Consider how you personally learn best, then create study notes that work for you. You could handwrite, type, chart, concept map, diagram, create cue cards, etc.<\/li>
- Highlight what\u2019s most important or summarize from readings or lectures. Some hints to what\u2019s \u201cmost important\u201d are:
- What does your professor spend the most time on, repeat, emphasize, or even hint at being on the final?<\/li>
- Does your textbook include chapter summaries or bold<\/strong> key ideas throughout the reading? These are key pieces of information to include in your study notes.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to succeed on assignments<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Fortunately, with proper planning, you can learn to improve your ability to stay on top of your assignments and assessments, improving your performance and setting you on the path towards success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Write all your deadlines in a calendar or planner<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- Once you get your syllabus, go slowly through it, week by week, and record all assignments, assessments, and other important dates on your calendar or planner. Many students will take several different classes, in addition to outside responsibilities such as jobs. Using a common calendar or planner will make it significantly easier for you to keep track of all the different competing dates.<\/li>
- You will see weeks beforehand, for example, if you have multiple assignments due the same week or more than one exam on the same day. Knowing this information far in advance makes it easier to plan ahead and make the necessary preparations to help you succeed in each class.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Split large projects up into manageable sections, setting your own deadlines<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- In your classes, you will likely have a number of larger projects throughout the term.<\/li>
- However, with these types of assignments, students cannot count on their ability to cram all their studies into a day or two right before they are due. This is particularly true when more than one large assignment must be turned in within a few days. Instead, successful students will begin these assignments weeks ahead of time. They work slowly on the project over time so that right before the project is due, they have nothing to worry about aside from finishing touches.<\/li>
- You cannot count on professors to help you organize the progression of the assignments. They will not likely give you smaller deadlines to complete project outlines, organize research, or complete first drafts. Instead, you must create these deadlines yourself if you want to complete the assignment to the best of your ability.<\/li>
- Therefore, when looking at your syllabus, note any larger projects and their due dates. Think about the parts of the assignment that you will need to complete, such as an outline and compiling your research. Then, create your own deadlines that will allow you to break up these projects into more manageable chunks. Use these deadlines to keep your project on track, leaving time to draft and edit, so that they do not become overwhelming.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Create daily to-do lists and routines<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- To help you stay on track with your assignments, you will want to create a regular routine. A routine that includes times of study, attending classes, and periods for relaxation will help you remain on track with your assignments.<\/li>
- When people start to feel overwhelmed and do not know when they will have the chance to unwind with friends, it can make it harder to concentrate and be successful. Instead, you want to have a schedule that provides enough regular time to meet your daily goals and time built in to relax.<\/li>
- Similarly, creating daily to-do lists will help you prioritize your daily tasks. Knowing the tasks that should be addressed first will help you create that feeling of accomplishment, providing additional motivation to keep moving through the schedule.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Determine the times that work best for you to study<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- As you build your study calendar, remember also that everyone has a study time that works best for them. For example, some students might find that they are more of a night owl. In other words, after dinner they get their best work done with the light on and working hard even after others have gone to bed. At the opposite end of the spectrum, some people will work most productively when they can get their assignments done first thing in the morning.<\/li>
- Consider which time of day fits best with your personality and established habits. Once you begin to understand your own study habits, build these insights into your calendar and your daily to-do list.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Create a study space that encourages focus<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- Effectively getting your work completed also depends on you working effectively. You want to consider the environment that helps you to function best, and then create a workspace that will nurture your studies. For example, as you carve out a study space in your home, a desk or table along with some shelves where you can keep your books and materials organized can be very helpful.<\/li>
- When designing your study space, think about the type of environment most conducive to studying for you. Some people may work best when they have complete quiet, and so space away from the main living areas and others who live in the home may benefit them most. On the other hand, some students may find that they need a little background noise and community interaction, which means that space closer to the kitchen or living room, as well as a radio, may help them create the perfect study space for them to complete their assignments.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Find a professor or mentor that can help you stay focused on your long-term goals<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- As you progress through your classes, it can be a challenge to stay focused on your end goal of earning your degree. You entered your program because you want to begin working in a particular field, but when you find yourself stressed during classes, it can sometimes be challenging to keep moving forward.<\/li>
- A professor or mentor who has experience in the area can provide you with tremendous benefits. They can offer you advice as you begin progressing through your classes. They can help you understand how your different classes will help you thrive in the field and provide guidance if you end up struggling in a class. They provide outside motivation to encourage you to remain focused on your assignments so that you can do your best work.<\/li>
- As you prepare for graduation, these professionals can help offer some advice and wisdom about entering the field. They can serve as references as you begin to apply for jobs and otherwise help you prepare for your exciting career.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Engage with study groups<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- Study groups also will provide you with a great way to stay on track with your assignments. Connecting with other people in your program will help you build relationships that will benefit you academically and professionally. Making yourself accountable to others in your program by meeting regularly for study groups will also provide you with an excellent source of motivation. You will find yourself with an increased drive to complete your assignments and prepare your study materials ahead of time so that you will not disappoint the other members of your group.<\/li>
- These connections with other students in your program can also provide you with assistance if you find a particular course or subject challenging. Studying together can help you answer your own questions while building and cementing your own insight on the subject. This will help you improve your own performance on your assignments and help you feel more confident in your studies.<\/li>
- Throughout your time at college or university, staying on top of assignments can be one of the biggest struggles that students face. Even the strongest students may find themselves feeling a bit overwhelmed as they try to learn how to juggle the syllabi and expectations of several different classes at once.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Managing Stress in College<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Figuring out what situations might cause stress is only half the battle for college students. Fortunately, there are several tricks you can use to help you avoid getting stressed out, reduce how much stress you feel, and improve your ability to cope with and ultimately eliminate stress<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) Get Enough Sleep<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Getting both quality sleep and enough sleep offers a variety of health benefits<\/a>, including reducing stress and improving your mood. What’s more, students who sleep well are less likely to get sick, have better memory recall, and enjoy a clearer mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2) Eat Well<\/strong><\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Make an effort to eat nutritious meals<\/a> and avoid eating on the run so you can avoid indigestion. You may also look for foods that are known to combat stress<\/a> and boost your mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3) Exercise Regularly<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
In addition to keeping your body healthy, regular exercise releases endorphins and improves your overall cognitive abilities. Exercise can even help you fall asleep, thereby reducing stress. Keep in mind that exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous \u2014 yoga, short walks, and stretching can all lead to immense mental health benefits and help relieve tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4) Don\u2019t Rely on Stimulants<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Drinking coffee and energy drinks to fuel your late-night study sessions will inevitably lead to a crash later on. These stimulants boost cortisol levels in the body, increasing the physical effects of stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5) Avoid Procrastinating<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Procrastination might feel good in the moment, but it often leads to stress. By managing your time wisely, you can avoid spending all night catching up on coursework. Additionally, habitual procrastination may be a sign anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6) Identify a Stress Outlet<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Stress can never be completely avoided; however, finding a healthy way to reduce stress can go a long way toward keeping it from overwhelming you. Common stress outlets include exercise, spending time with friends and family, and getting massages. You can also try relaxation techniques such as deep abdominal breathing, concentrating on a soothing word (like \u00ab\u00a0peace\u00a0\u00bb or \u00ab\u00a0calm\u00a0\u00bb), doing yoga or tai chi, and visualizing tranquil scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to succeed on tests and exams<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Study Effectively<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Use study space for studying<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Build an association between studying and your study spot. If you study on your bed, you\u2019re associating sleep with studying \u2013 and you may find yourself napping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Study during your best time of day<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Are you a \u201cmorning person\u201d or are you most productive in the afternoons? Use the time of day when your brain is most alert to focus on schoolwork \u2013 especially for more difficult tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Resist temptations to start with low priority tasks<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Low priority tasks involve completing household chores or mindless homework when you have really important or difficult work to do. Both of these tasks can be used to avoid more difficult work and to exaggerate your sense of accomplishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Break work into smaller tasks<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Take a break after completing one chunk of studying if you\u2019re having difficulty concentrating. It\u2019s better to study for 30-minute intervals and absorb the information, than to study for hours at a time only to feel overwhelmed and unable to get anything done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teach someone else the information<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Teaching someone else the information you\u2019re studying allows you to discover what gaps exist in your own knowledge. Consider teaching a friend or classmate, or even explaining the concepts out loud to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check your understanding<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you engage your brain while you study. If you\u2019re thinking about your weekend plans while your eyes are scanning the words from your lecture notes, you won\u2019t absorb anything. Practice mindfulness and as you study continually ask yourself, \u201cdo I understand that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, there is no quick fix<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Studying is a skill that takes time to learn. Be patient with yourself as you try these new strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to overcome test anxiety<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Anxiety is a normal experience for students. If you experience anxiety specific to your courses, studying or exams, the tips below are for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Test anxiety is when symptoms of anxiety affect your performance on tests and may result in emotional and\/or physical distress, difficulty concentrating and emotional upset. Symptoms of test anxiety can range from having sweaty palms to stomach aches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best way to reduce anxiety about tests or exams is to be as prepared as possible. One proactive thing you can do is reach out to your instructor to learn more about what to expect. However, if it\u2019s the day before your exam, complete a sample test or practice questions in an environment similar to the testing environment. On the day of and after your exam, use the tips below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the day of the exam<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- Eat well before the exam.<\/li>
- Arrive early for the exam.<\/li>
- Do something relaxing before the exam, such as meditating or going for a walk.<\/li>
- Avoid classmates that may upset your composure.<\/li>
- Avoid last-minute cramming.<\/li>
- Try to think positively about the exam and the information you’ve studied.<\/li>
- If you review notes before exams, finish your review with the material you’re most familiar with to end the study session on a positive note.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
During the exam<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- Slow down and be intentional about your breathing.<\/li>
- Slowly repeat a helpful word or phrase to yourself, like \u201cI can do this.\u201d Avoid thinking negatively about yourself or how you prepared for the exam.<\/li>
- When you receive the exam paper, do a \u201cmemory dump.\u201d Before looking at any questions, use a scrap piece of paper or the back of the test to write out everything you remember or any concepts you\u2019re worried about forgetting.<\/li>
- Before you begin answering questions, read the directions. If it\u2019s helpful to you, take a few moments to take a look over the entire exam before you begin.<\/li>
- Pace yourself throughout the exam and note how much time to dedicate to each section.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
After the exam<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- Learn from the experience. What helped you feel calm? What didn\u2019t?<\/li>
- Keep a record of what techniques worked to decrease your anxiety.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t punish yourself for missing a question or not performing at your best. Talk to yourself the same way you would talk to a friend who was worried about their test performance.<\/li>
- Remind yourself that it takes slow and steady steps to develop strong test-taking skills. You\u2019re well on your way.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Improve test and exam writing<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Good performance on a test is not only determined by your understanding of course material, but also by your ability to manage time, directions, and distractions. Depending on how you prefer to approach your exam, here are some strategies to help you do your best work on tests and exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Know what to expect<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Bloom\u2019s Taxonomy is a framework that classifies learning objectives into six cognitive levels of increasing complexity. Instructors use this model to develop test questions, course learning outcomes and assessment expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From most to least complex, the six cognitive levels are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/collegeavalonfrench.clickglitz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Picture1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs a student, you can use this model to develop potential test questions or to think about your course content in different, more complex ways. For example, you might create questions or think about a topic using Bloom\u2019s Taxonomy as a guide to increase the complexity. You can then explain to others to practice retrieving the material, like a testing situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read the directions<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s easy to skip the directions when you\u2019re anxious about an exam. However, the directions may have the key to your success. Make sure you know what\u2019s required before you start each section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notice the percentage of each section<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
The percentages are a clue to how much time you should dedicate to each section on an exam. Spend most of your time on what will gain you the most marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Skim the whole exam and make a plan<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Review the entire exam before you start to figure out how much time to spend on each section. Start by answering questions that are easy to answer to build confidence in your abilities before moving to the harder ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think positively<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Try to be confident in yourself and your abilities. Choose to focus on positive thinking on the day of the exam. Try to talk to yourself like you would to a good friend in the same situation. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \u201cI can do this.\u201d<\/li>
- \u201cI know the information.\u201d<\/li>
- \u201cI studied well.\u201d<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These positive thoughts will help calm your nerves before writing the exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Student Clubs and Societies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Extracurricular and Cocurricular activities are a major part of college life. Engaging yourself in activities allows you to build upon your classroom experiences for personal growth. Joining a club helps a student meets other students and gives them opportunities to build interpersonal skills and leadership skills, gives them a competitive advantage when applying for jobs, and allows them to have loads of fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students also develop skills specific to their career path and imperative for future job success. Cocurricular involvement allows students to link academic knowledge with practical experience, thereby leading to a better understanding of their own abilities, talents, and career goals. Future employers seek individuals with these increased skill levels, making these involved students more viable in the job market. Specifically, participation in extracurricular and cocurricular activities and leadership roles in these activities are positively linked to attainment of one’s first job and to managerial potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Student Club\/So<\/strong>cieties<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Definition of a Student Club\/Society<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A group of students joined together in the pursuit of a common purpose that supports the mission, goals, and values of College Avalon. A student club\/society is also defined as one which has satisfied the administrative procedures for recognition as prescribed in this policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Student clubs\/societies are a great way to get involved on campus in several areas of interest, such as academic, cultural, service, issue-based, and social.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of groups<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Athletics\/Sports<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Student athletes may \u00ab\u00a0try out\u00a0\u00bb sports teams such as volleyball, basketball, soccer. Intramural sports provide an opportunity for all student athletes to play a sport they enjoy, while competing against their peers. Typically, colleges and universities offer several intramural options including, soccer, and tennis. Players at all skill levels are invited to participate, and often these activities may be quite competitive. For those students who particularly enjoy watching collegiate sports, many schools have student spirit organizations that allow students to attend sporting events, sit in a special student cheering section, and applaud the home team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Academic and Professional Organizations<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Academic major and professional organizations assist their members in acquiring experience in their chosen occupational field and in aiding in the job search. Students convene to discuss pertinent issues related to their field of interest and to learn job related skills to be fully prepared for future success. Such professional organizations typically focus on one career area of interest. Examples of professional organizations include, International Business Management Society, Computer Science Club, and the Mathematics Society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Arts<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Students interested in fine arts have a plethora of extracurricular opportunities in which they can actively participate. Activities including plays, musicals, and dance concerts offer a chance for students to demonstrate their dramatic abilities. Marching band, jazz band, orchestra, and singing groups allow students to pursue their musical interests at the college level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other Clubs<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the specific activities previously mentioned, other activities may include photography club, games club, and\/or any other students\u2019 interest\/hobby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting a Club<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Didn\u2019t find the club you wanted? Why not start your own! The benefits of starting a recognized club are numerous, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- exploit your talent interest or hobby<\/li>
- funding for events<\/li>
- use of the College\u2019s name in club\u2019s correspondence<\/li>
- an e-mail account<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
When starting a club there are several steps you must complete. Go through this checklist to see if you\u2019re ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You must:<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- find five students with an average grade of at least 60 to join your club\u2019s board of executives<\/li>
- come up with some ideas for club activities<\/li>
- meet with Student Services staff to discuss your ideas<\/li>
- find a full-time College Avalon faculty\/staff member to be your advisor<\/li>
- complete a student Club\/Organization Registration Form and constitution (to be drafted with your advisor)<\/li>
- submit a proposed plan of activities and budget request<\/li>
- undertake these procedures before the end of the third week of classes<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Building up Your Club<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Now that you have created your club, you must build it up. Here\u2019s another checklist that you must go through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your club should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- not duplicate any other club<\/li>
- be open to ALL College Avalon students without prejudice<\/li>
- have at least 20 full-time enrolled College Avalon students as members<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Active listening<\/strong> is carrying on a conversation with your instructor in your notes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Passive listening<\/strong> is \u201chearing\u201d what the professor says and copying it down word-for-word.<\/li>
- Listen, think, and then<\/em> write to ensure you\u2019re understanding the information.<\/li>
- Starting a club<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Study Effectively<\/a><\/li>
- Seven common time management mistakes<\/a><\/li>
- Learning Skills and strategies<\/a><\/li>