Learning Skills Workshops

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 resiliency, 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.

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.

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.

Many students find themselves feeling motivated at the start of the new semester. They may sit down with their syllabi and calendar, plotting out upcoming assignments, projects and tests. Then they find that the goals they set for themselves quickly slip away as the semester progresses. 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, intellectual, 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.

Making a request for accommodations or consideration from your professors, teaching assistants or supervisors can be an intimidating process. You may struggle to know what to say, maintain your sense of competence as a student or assess if their response is reasonable or not. This workshop will use poetry and writing to explore the areas in which you feel hesitant in asking for what you need. The workshop will also give you practical tools to support you standing in the power of your request. No experience necessary. Please have a pen and paper, a notebook or whatever you like to write with on hand.

Learn about the common sections of a course syllabus and strategies to interpret its instructions. You'll also learn about how to apply syllabus instructions to learning strategies in other areas, such as test prep and participation. Topics covered in this workshop include:

• Common sections of a course syllabus
• Test format and preparation
• Participation
• Requesting accommodations

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.