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Learning Skills Workshops

Choose from a lineup of workshops led by an Accessibility Services Learning Strategist, and designed to empower you with practical tools and strategies for a successful learning experience.

Register for Fall 2024 sessions by visiting the Folio links associated with each workshop description or search for the workshop name at folio.utoronto.ca to register.

All U of T students who self-identify as having a disability are eligible.

In this workshop, learn strategies that aim to enhance an open mind for tackling the mental processing and cognitive function required for university. You will also learn tips to improve mindfulness and resilience, while recognizing signs of stress and impaired concentration. Topics covered in this workshop include:

  • Explore the science behind growth mindset and visualizing our brain’s plasticity.
  • Learn about positive coping mechanisms to build mental strength.
  • Discover multimodal learning strategies and how this can enhance your overall learning experience.

How can you make the most of readings to supplement your learning? With limited time and so many obligations, taking the time to do readings for class can be overwhelming. In this workshop, an Accessibility Services Learning Strategist will cover strategies for effective reading. This session will cover topics such as:

  • Strategies you can use before reading and during your reading.
  • Note-taking tips.
  • What you can do if you don’t have enough time to do all the readings or feel the need to do all the readings in depth.

Is anxiety making it difficult to get started on your assignments? Is it difficult to find the energy to follow through on academic tasks? This 3-part series of workshops introduces calming and energizing movements, creative exercises, helpful strategies, and peer connections to support progress. Bring an academic task or assignment you’ve been avoiding and take steps towards completion in this safe, FUN, and encouraging environment. If you have paper, coloured pens, or other tools that help you express your ideas creatively, feel free to bring them (though they aren’t necessary for participation!).

  • Explore the different strategies that can be used towards initiating academic work.
  • Topics on initiating academic tasks will include: Mindfulness, grounding and movement, learning strategies, connection, and peer support.

Are you interested in adding gamification to your current study toolbox? Games, badges and points can introduce motivation and consistency to learning in a new way. Whether you’ve always enjoyed trivia night, memory games or video games, learn some gamification methods to change up habits and add novelty to your study routine.

  • Explore game elements suitable for online and in person courses.
  • Learn about different habit trackers and game-based learning for increased motivation and engagement.
  • Discover creative ways to personalize games for breaking down problem sets and essays.

Learn memory-related strategies for tests and exams, including chunking, dual coding and the memory palace. You will also learn how you can integrate these strategies as part of your studying for upcoming assessments. Topics covered in this workshop include:

  • Executive Functioning and Working Memory
  • Memory Strategies
  • Putting the Strategies into Practice

In this workshop, learn strategies for tackling in-person tests and exams, including multiple choice, short answer, and essay exams. You will also learn how to create an inventory of material covered on your upcoming assessments. Topics covered in this workshop include:

  • Identifying what to study, how to study, and when to study.
  • Recognizing your strengths and discover how to use them to your advantage.
  • Managing your time and staying calm and focused during your tests and assessments.

Speaking in public can be a daunting experience for most of us. It’s completely natural to feel anxious at the thought of giving a seminar or presentation, even if you’re generally comfortable speaking in front of a group. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to enhance both the quality of your presentation skills and your overall confidence. You’ll gain a valuable toolbox filled with useful tips, techniques and strategies.

  • Apply techniques to effectively manage presentation anxiety.
  • Learn to develop interpersonal skills and increase confidence.
  • Learn performance and communication strategies.
  • Practice skills in an inclusive, safer space.

This workshop is for anyone who:

  • Feels uncomfortable or avoids speaking in front of groups.
  • Struggles with perfectionism or imposter syndrome.
  • Wishes to strengthen their presentation skills and control their nervousness.

Each workshop is 90 minutes (50 minutes of learning strategy instruction, 10-minute break, optional 30-minute practice component) and available virtually and in person.

Many students find themselves feeling motivated to put their best foot forward at the start of the new semester. They may sit down with their syllabi and calendar, plotting out upcoming assignments, projects, and tests. Then, as the semester progresses, they find that the goals they set for themselves quickly slip away. In those moments, it’s natural to feel frustrated and anxious. Often, we blame ourselves and our shortcomings, not realizing the semester plan was based in idealism rather than reality!

This session is for students looking to build a realistic schedule by learning how to assess their capacity, i.e., emotional, physical, and time. We will explore flexibility and adaptability when planning for an unpredictable future. We will also discuss capacity-building tools when going through stressful times.

Are you interested in learning about a variety of effective methods to take notes during class? In this 60-minute workshop, connect with an Accessibility Services Learning Strategist to learn new skills, ask questions and discuss your current strategies for note-taking. Discover active studying strategies that will help with taking notes during online and in-person classes.

  • Learn strategies to take notes by hand or on your computer for online or in-person courses.
  • Discover ways to incorporate active review into your weekly schedule.
  • Discover strategies to get the most out of your courses, through annotating digital slides, taking digital notes, reviewing supplemental or copied notes.

When you’re behind on your work or feeling overwhelmed, how can you use Reading Week to catch up? With assignments, essays, and exams on the horizon, the middle of the semester can be overwhelming. In this workshop, learn how to create an inventory of upcoming assessments and make a realistic plan to use reading week effectively.

  • Learn to prioritize your urgent and important tasks.
  • Break down your work into smaller academic tasks.
  • Create a schedule to complete your work.

Format

Each 60-minute or 90-minute learning skills workshop is led by a learning strategist. Students will learn different learning strategies about a specific academic skill (e.g. time-management). You will also have opportunities to ask questions about learning strategies and listen in on discussions.

Participation

In online workshops, being on camera, using your mic, or participating in the chat are all optional. We welcome you to participate in a way that works for you. You are welcome to ask your own questions or simply observe these sessions to learn from ongoing discussions.

Materials

You are not required to bring any materials to these sessions, but we encourage you to come prepared with questions. Recordings of these sessions will not be provided to encourage the participation of all student attendees.

Platform access information

Online sessions will be delivered using MS Teams. Information on how to access live captions, and all other accessibility information for MS Teams, can be found on this MS Teams accessibility page.

Questions

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at as.learning@utoronto.ca.