SmartStart: Learning
This self-guided series will help you develop and enhance learning skills and strategies
The Modules
Learning at university can seem daunting, and developing effective learning strategies can take time. These short lessons will help you enhance the skills you've already developed, so you are ready for your classes this fall.
THE THRIVING ADVANTAGE
About this Module
Welcome to Western! We are so happy you are here. This first module of the series will introduce you to our six learning goals for student thriving. It will discuss how Western is equipped to help you have a balanced and successful university journey.
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LEARNING SELF-ASSESSMENT
About this Module
Do you know what skills are needed to be successful at university? Assess your skills to find out your areas of strength and areas that you might want to focus on for improvement.
10 TIPS FOR LEARNING AT UNIVERSITY
About this Module
Getting ready to enter university is a time of great anticipation, excitement, and expectation of change. Of course, this time may also be one filled with questions and uncertainty about exactly what learning at university is going to be like. We’ve gathered 10 top tips to help you better understand what you can do as a student to set yourself up for academic success.
Overview
Tip 1 - Location
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Tip 1 Handout
Tip 2 - Building Work Habits
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Tip 2 Handout
Tip 3 - Seeking Help
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Tip 3 Handout
Tip 4 - Write it Down
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Tip 4 Handout
Tip 5 - Getting Energized
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Tip 5 Handout
Tip 6 - Perform Like a Pro
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Tip 6 Handout
Tip 7 - Textbooks
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Tip 7 Handout
Tip 8 - Remembering Key Information
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Tip 8 Handout
Tip 9 - Remembering Key Points
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Tip 9 Handout
Tip 10 - Be Test Smart
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Tip 10 Handout
Conclusion
Getting ready to enter university is a time of great anticipation, excitement, and expectation of change. Of course, this time may also be one filled with questions and uncertainty about exactly what learning at university is going to be like. We’ve gathered 10 top tips to help you better understand what you can do as a student to set yourself up for academic success.
Overview
Tip 1 - Location
View this tip on Youku
Tip 1 Handout
Tip 2 - Building Work Habits
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Tip 2 Handout
Tip 3 - Seeking Help
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Tip 3 Handout
Tip 4 - Write it Down
View this tip on Youku
Tip 4 Handout
Tip 5 - Getting Energized
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Tip 5 Handout
Tip 6 - Perform Like a Pro
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Tip 6 Handout
Tip 7 - Textbooks
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Tip 7 Handout
Tip 8 - Remembering Key Information
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Tip 8 Handout
Tip 9 - Remembering Key Points
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Tip 9 Handout
Tip 10 - Be Test Smart
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Tip 10 Handout
Conclusion
INDEPENDENT LEARNING
About this Module
It's important to cultivate and enhance your independent learning skills to tackle the variety of academic tasks you will encounter at Western. Discover how the process of independent learning can help you to plan, take action and evaluate your effectiveness as a student.
READING IN UNIVERSITY
About this Module
Understanding how to effectively read will contribute immensely to your success at university. Strong reading skills will help you to not only remember information, but help you to build a solid knowledge base. Discover strategies that will help you improve your confidence in your reading skills and more!
LEARNING IN STEM AT UNIVERSITY
About this Module
The SmartStart: Learning STEM module will help you better understand the unique aspects of what is required for STEM learning at university. You will hear about different learning strategies you can use in your university STEM courses to feel more confident and positive about your studies.
WHAT IS A LECTURE LIKE?
About this Module
Successful students know how to get the most out of their time spent in lectures. This module will provide critical information on how to prepare, engage and excel in your lecture learning opportunities.
MANAGING A UNIVERSITY WORKLOAD
Activity - Make a Weekly Plan
About this Module
Understanding how to manage a university workload is key to your success at Western. This module will introduce you to ideas and strategies to help you manage your time effectively, achieve balance and take control over accomplishing your academic goals.
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SEEKING HELP IN UNIVERSITY
About this Module
It’s essential to know that there are many services on campus to support your academic journey. This module will help you understand the importance of help seeking, common reasons for seeking help and what supports are available to help you thrive academically.
ADVICE FROM YOUR WESTERN PEERS
About this Module
Starting university can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Your Western Peers have a lot of great advice that can make your first year at university a positive experience. During this module, you will hear about common challenges experienced by your Western Peers as they adjusted to first year university and how they overcame these challenges. We’ve gathered their feedback to help you discover strategies to use and resources you can access to help you have a successful transition to your first year at Western.
Module 9 Activity - Letter to My First-Year Self
Starting university can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Your Western Peers have a lot of great advice that can make your first year at university a positive experience. During this module, you will hear about common challenges experienced by your Western Peers as they adjusted to first year university and how they overcame these challenges. We’ve gathered their feedback to help you discover strategies to use and resources you can access to help you have a successful transition to your first year at Western.
Module 9 Activity - Letter to My First-Year Self
ESTABLISHING A POSITIVE MINDSET FOR LEARNING
About this Module
Mindset makes a difference! This final module will explore how your outlook on learning can effectively contribute to your academic success.
Optimistic Mindset Worksheet
Mindset Continuum Worksheet
Gratitude Journal Worksheet
At the end of this series, you will be able to...
- Recognize what thriving as a student means.
- Identify and practice learning strategies that can enhance your academic performance.
- Decide when and how to seek help throughout your studies.
- Evaluate how your mindset can impact your learning.
SmartStart: Learning is proudly presented by Learning Development & Success.
