Latest Blog Posts

What to do Following a Low Final Exam Grade

Final exams typically make up a large portion of your final grade, so there is a certain pressure to get them right. If you've scored a low final exam grade, it's really time for some self-evaluation as to why you scored low.

Did You Give it Your Best?

To answer this question, you're really going to have to be honest with yourself. A final exam is a test of your knowledge for the course's totality. This means, you would've had to put in the time on a regular basis to study. At the same time, attendance is very important. If you didn't attend the classes regularly, it's likely that you missed out on important lectures and the taking of important notes. You can't learn if you didn't show up. Once you do an honest evaluation of the effort that you put in and find weaknesses, you can clean up your act and do what's needed to score better grades in up-and-coming final exams for other classes.

Is Your Subject Too Tough for You?

There's no shame in comin... Read More »

4 Strategies to Get to Know Your Students as a TA

Starting out in your first semester as a TA can be overwhelming, but, as with most new experiences, things do become easier and more comfortable as time goes by. Being properly prepared to teach is a good start, but getting to know your students well and building a good rapport with them can make a huge difference in your overall experience. Either you'll enjoy coming to class each day and appreciate the immersive learning opportunity or you'll think of being a TA as a necessary chore. Here are some tips for building good working relationships with your students and for ensuring that you and the students are getting the most benefit from your time is class.

Embrace the 3 F's: Friendly, Fair and Flexible

As simple as it is, smiling and being friendly can go a long way towards putting others at ease. At the same time, you want to make sure that you're not showing preference to any particular students by being open and friendly to some, but standoffish to others. Try ... Read More »

3 Uses for Learning with Podcasts

Podcasts have established themselves as an entertainment resource: you can follow your favorite comedians or talk shows, or find a recording on a niche interest. What is less widespread, but quickly gaining traction, is the use of podcasts for education.

Podcasts are a great supplement to classroom learning. They are much less expensive to produce than a complete media course. Students can listen to them as their schedule allows, and they are easy to share. Podcasts are a great tool for distance learners and are frequently low-cost. If you are studying independently or supplementing course materials, public and college libraries may offer copyright-free podcasts of publications as a service to the blind. And, if you're an auditory learner, podcasts fit into your study regimen especially well. Here are some ways that college students can utilize podcasts to their benefit.

Get a head start

If your instructor does not recommend pre-course material, research an... Read More »

Tips to Try for Improved Focus

All students need to know how to get "in the zone," how to achieve that state of intense concentration that we call focus. Distractions evaporate and your favorite pastimes are easily ignored when you're focused on one task. Successful focus is achieved by the right and left brain working together while distractions are removed from the periphery. When your focus is interrupted, it can take some time to return to that state.

External distractions

When interrupted, take the time to determine exactly what broke your concentration. Pin down those distractions so that you can eliminate them. Everyone has an ideal learning environment - some people can read with the radio playing or can execute advanced formulas with speed metal screaming in the background. Determine what things distract you and get rid of them for scheduled periods. For example, two basic physical triggers are flashing lights and loud noises. Minimising these standard distractions can increase your abi... Read More »