4 Ways to Study Better

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It all comes down to this.

In only a few weeks, you’re going to make or break the grade you’ve been working hard to get all year. So, how do you prepare yourself for a gruelling final? Here are four steps to follow so that you can get the best grade possible.

1) Organize your notes.

This one’s obvious, but where do you start? I recommend giving the Cornell Note-taking System a try. You'd typically use this method to take notes during lectures, but I’m going to show you how to use it to study.

First, divide your page like this:

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Start by writing the course and topic at the top of your page.

As you go through your course notes, write down the most important information. It will fit onto your paper like so:

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You can learn more here: http://lsc.cornell.edu/study-skills/cornell-note-taking-system/

2) Form a study group.

Find some close friends or a classmate you've found yourself clicking with during class discussions. Exchange notes. Create a master Google Doc. Studying is easier when you have more than one person going through a semester’s worth of material.

3) Make flashcards.

On one side, write the definition, on the other, the answer. Sounds simple, right? But what if you have complex theories to memorize or formulas? Write a prompt on one side of a cue card and write the answer on the other.

For example:

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4) Quiz yourself.

I know this sounds like extra work, but hear me out. Gather some classmates and find out what topics everyone is having the most trouble with. There are websites (like https://kahoot.com/) that allow you to create your own quizzes. It’s a fun and competitive way to get everyone interested in studying.

You can also use your flashcards to quiz other people. Hold out the prompt to (or read the prompt) to your classmates and the first person to guess gets a point. Whoever had the most points at the end can win a prize (maybe a chocolate bar, or if you’re with your friends, everyone pitches in to get the winner a coffee).


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Mary Jane's writing obsession started in 7th grade (writing low-quality fanfiction). Later, she discovered how to develop her own stories, and now she’s in Professional Writing at Algonquin college to take her fiction to the next level. Oh, and she’s still a huge nerd.

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Mary Jane Schauland

Mary Jane's writing obsession began with fanfiction in 7th grade. Later, she discovered how to develop her own stories, and now she’s in Profession Writing at Algonquin College to take her fiction to the next level. Oh, and she’s still a huge nerd.

We Need to Talk

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Fighting depression is messy, exhausting and can leave you feeling grimy from the inside out.

You feel like you're drowning in the balancing act between school, work, and life, and you feel like you're drowning in yourself too.

You don't have to go through this alone.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert and these are only recommendations. Should you be experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health issues, please talk to your doctor, another professional or a loved one and seek help.

Where can you go to get help?

At Algonquin College

The strike means Algonquin students are faced with another "settling" period that we didn't bank on.  If you haven’t already checked out the strike info page: http://www.algonquincollege.com/strikeinfo/

Emails with further details and updates will find their way into your inbox too. 

You can make an appointment to speak with someone, visit a nutritionist, and find other helpful activities, apps, and resources without having to leave campus, here: http://www.algonquincollege.com/healthservices/wellness/

You can also read more about Counselling Services for Current Students here: http://www.algonquincollege.com/counselling/services-for-current-students/

In Ottawa

Walk-In Counselling: the link below will help you find the right counselling for you. They have services for a variety of ages. If you are feeling depressed and you need to talk to someone, this would be a good start to find facilities near you. http://www.ementalhealth.ca/Ottawa-Carleton/Walk-In-Counselling/index.php?m=heading&ID=442

You should also visit this website’s homepage for more information. They have Mental Health Info Sheets and other resources, including weekly tips to help you maintain a healthy mind. http://www.ementalhealth.ca/

At Home

Seek professional help first and then try these activities.

Get out of wherever you are, move around and exercise a bit if you have the energy. Go outside and look around. It can really help to change your environment.

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Friends: plan a sleepover (you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy a good pyjama party). If you feel comfortable, be honest and tell your friend that you’d like to spend a night at their house because you’ve been feeling depressed or stressed. They'll probably want to help and do what they can to take care of you (just like you'd do for them if roles were reversed). It's okay to let them take the lead once in a while.

Writing a journal: Don’t know what to write? Look up some jokes that make you laugh and write those down. Make lists of things you enjoy. You can also vent in a journal. I find it helps me to get everything off my mind that’s been bothering me recently.

Getting help should always be your priority. It can seem overwhelming and scary but...

 It gets easier as soon as you decide it's possible.

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM)


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Mary Jane's writing obsession started in 7th grade (writing low-quality fanfiction). Later, she discovered how to develop her own stories, and now she’s in Professional Writing at Algonquin college to take her fiction to the next level. Oh, and she’s still a huge nerd.

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Mary Jane Schauland

Mary Jane's writing obsession began with fanfiction in 7th grade. Later, she discovered how to develop her own stories, and now she’s in Profession Writing at Algonquin College to take her fiction to the next level. Oh, and she’s still a huge nerd.

What Can You do to Avoid Assignment Anxiety?

This is how I organize my assignments so I don't lose my mind.

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Purchase An Agenda

It doesn’t have to be fancy, but I like it to have some spunk. I need it to have enough space to write the specifics of my assignments. I take it to every class. At the end of the day, I have a checklist of tasks ready to go.

Create a Plan

Usually, I aim to finish my homework 2-3 days before it’s due. This gives me time to ask my professor or a classmate for any help, if necessary. It also provides me time to go back and change anything that I don’t like upon revision.

Brainstorm Your Assignment

If you’re a procrastinator (like the right side of my brain), you’re likely laughing at the idea of even starting your assignment, let alone getting it done early. The hardest part is getting started, so don't start at the beginning. I get my main ideas down now and worry about an introduction later. A brainstorm will develop into a rough draft and from there a polished project. Some people like to polish one draft as they go and others want to rewrite their rough draft into a final copy completely. Do what works best for you.

Extra Planning for Term Projects

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My tips so far have been for smaller assignments, but what if you need to plan for a term project? I still use an agenda, create a plan and brainstorm for larger projects, but there are a few extra steps to build into your plan: Turn your assignment into sections. Take each part and assign it a due date: focus on one piece at a time. If you get an idea for another section, write it down and save it for when you're scheduled to work on it.

Stay Calm

Be of the mindset that you will complete this assignment, and you will get it in on time. Start working on the tasks right away, as much as possible, and commit to your plan.

If you still find yourself anxious, and even if you don't, familiarise yourself with your school’s student resources. You never know when you might need to reach out for help, or be the source of information for a friend. If your school has a website, check it out. If not, look around your school or even ask your professor how to get into contact with student support.

At Algonquin College, Student Resources are listed here: http://www.algonquincollege.com/cal/resources/student-resources/

Take a deep breath. Smile. You will get through this year.

Photos courtesy of Pexels.com


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Mary Jane's writing obsession started in 7th grade (writing low quality fanfiction). Later, she discovered how to develop her own stories, and now she’s in Professional Writing at Algonquin College to take her fiction to the next level. Oh, and she’s still a huge nerd.

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Mary Jane Schauland

Mary Jane's writing obsession began with fanfiction in 7th grade. Later, she discovered how to develop her own stories, and now she’s in Profession Writing at Algonquin College to take her fiction to the next level. Oh, and she’s still a huge nerd.

What is Crafting the College Life all about?

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Welcome to Crafting the College Life …of caffeine, overdraft, and insomnia.

Post-secondary education is notorious for challenging your perspective, sleep habits, and your wallet. It'll feel like you're being asked to recite the alphabet backwards while standing on your head, but it’s really all about finding the right balance. That’s where we come in— to fill your college life with fun and make your post-secondary experience truly memorable.

Not sure what’s going on this weekend, or heck, what’s going on Wednesday nights because you have Thursdays off? We'll be talking about how to stitch your social life with fun things to do on a budget, both on and off campus.

Feeling overwhelmed? No need to fear! We'll share out best tips regarding the art of organization to get and keep yourself on track.

Need some humour before a long day? We're cooking up some literal comic relief (get it?) to keep level-headed perspective on tap. You’ll want to forward our comics to your friends!

How about some know-how for doing everything from cooking on a student budget to Christmas gifts you’ll actually be able to afford? We've got lots of ideas to do it your own competent self.

We’re students too — we’re all on this crazy ride together.

Until next time,

xo

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Mary Jane Schauland

Mary Jane's writing obsession began with fanfiction in 7th grade. Later, she discovered how to develop her own stories, and now she’s in Profession Writing at Algonquin College to take her fiction to the next level. Oh, and she’s still a huge nerd.