Category Archives: Tips & Tricks

Are you ready for finals?

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Can you believe that finals are already right around the corner? If you haven’t already started preparing, it’s a great time to get together a solid plan for final exams.

Feeling overwhelmed just thinking about it? You’re not alone! It can be daunting to organize all of the details, materials, and time that it takes to successfully prepare for a final exam. The OSU’s Learning Corner has some great information and resources as you begin to prepare.

Here are some helpful tips from the Learning Corner:male-laptop

1) Develop a study plan!

2) Assess what you know and what you don’t know.

3) Use specific study strategies for reviewing and testing yourself.

4) Reach out if you need help!

5) Give yourself plenty of time for recall leading up to your final.

 

Okay, okay but how can this help you? Here’s a sample of how these tips can help you ask important questions to prepare for a successful study plan. You can use the Where_To_Get_Started worksheet to begin a plan of your own!

 

Happy studying and good luck with finals!

 

where_to_get_started

Spring is in the air

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Spring term that is! 

 

If you ask an online student –

“what are the most important skills for academic success?”

organization and time management

are usually right there at the top.  One way to stay organized and be aware of all the demands on your time is the use of a planner.

 

Things to keep in mind when planning your time:

  1. Start with your fixed commitments (work, appointments, family or other obligations)
  2. Add in at least 3 hours per week PER CREDIT of your coursework.  That means if you are taking a 3 credit class, you should budget nine hours of time for reading, reviewing online materials, discussion boards, assignments and study.  How much school do you have time for?
  3. Make sure to schedule time for health and wellness – meals, exercise, and time to relax
  4. Think about scheduling in some “fun” whether that is an afternoon fishing or shopping, a visit with friends or family, or just taking a long hot bath.

There are as many different styles of planners as there are students.  What is important is to figure out what works for you.  If you try something and it is clunky, or takes too much time to develop, or you just don’t feel comfortable with it – try something else!  There is no right or wrong to planning, as long as you get everything done on time without feeling like you are always “at the last minute”.  Plan your work, then work your plan!

 

Some methods students have used in the past:

 

As you start a new term, think about what worked for you in your previous courses. 

How can you take what worked well in the past and make it even better this term?

Plan to use free academic resources including NetTutor, the OSU Online Writing Lab, and consider partnering with an Ecampus Success Counselor as you identify and work toward academic goals.

Classes start Monday March 31, and your Blackboard sites should all be open.  If the are not, please contact your instructor or Ecampus Student Services at ecampus.ESS@oregonstate.edu

Take a deep breath…

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Stressed out about finals? Feeling anxious and overwhelmed?

anxiety_diagram

 

Here’s some advice from the OSU Learning Corner:

  • Monitor your test anxiety. What makes you anxious? What symptoms do you feel? What seems to help? Be aware of the types of anxiety you are feeling and how you are choosing to address them.
  • Try deep breathing. Take 2-3 deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling so your abdomen expands and contracts. Deep breathing can trigger the body’s relaxation response, reducing your feelings of anxiety.
  • Consciously relax.  Try to relax muscles in your shoulders, arms, neck, legs, etc. or alternately tensing and relaxing muscles.  By relaxing your body, you may be able to also relax your mind and approach the test with more comfort.
  • Engage in positive self-talk. If you catch yourself thinking about failing the test, or not knowing an answer, or what this means about your intelligence or your future success and happiness, tell yourself (in your head) to stop thinking that way.  Replace those negative thoughts with a positive message like “I can do this” or “I am prepared for the test.”
  • Remain calm.  Come prepared and on time, and stay away from stressed or anxious students.  One research article found that students who did a free write on their thoughts and worries for the test before the test started outperformed a similar group of anxious students who didn’t do the free write (Ramirez & Beilock, 2011).
  • Be confident.  Trust your preparation and your ability to perform well.

Check out all the Learning Corner’s Tools & Worksheets to get started on a strong study plan. Good luck with finals!

How to work on procrastination

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Five Simple Strategies to Help Combat Procrastination

  1. Shhhh. Find a quiet place where you can consistently and easily study.
  2. Make a “TO DO” list.
  3. Be consistent. Establish a routine to help organize your time.
  4. Use a planner. Whether it’s a hard copy or  mobile calendar, using a planner can keep you on track!
  5. Break assignments into manageable pieces to avoid feeling overwhelmed.