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SmartStart: Learning
Self-guided series to develop and enhance learning strategies
SmartStart: Learning
Self-guided series to develop and enhance learning strategies
SmartStart: Learning
Self-guided series to develop and enhance learning strategies
Get a Head Start on Developing Your Learning Strategies
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.
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.
Explore the Self-Guided Modules
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.
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.
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 Handout
Tip 2 - Buidling Work Habits - View Handout
Tip 3 - Seeking Help - View Handout
Tip 4 - Write it Down - View Handout
Tip 5 - Getting Energized - View Handout
Tip 6 - Perform Like a Pro - View Handout
Tip 7 - Textbooks - View Handout
Tip 8 - Remembering Key Information - View Handout
Tip 9 - Remember Key Points - View Handout
Tip 10 - Be Test Smart - View Handout
Conclusion
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Watch "Positive Mindset Overview" on Youku.
SmartStart: Academics is proudly presented by Learning Development & Success.