TutorTalk - The Blog

 Use your TEXTBOOKS!

Textbooks are pricey, often heavy (with physical texts), and can be overwhelming. However, textbooks are an integral part of your independent learning and aid comprehension. So how do you use them best?

What is a textbook for?

• Often the foundation of a class or topic
• Provides information that builds on itself
• Comprehensive; often written by lots of people
• Can be used to:
  • Preview, learn, and review course concepts
  • Create study materials for yourself
  • Act as a reference material when you’re not sure of something

There are different ways to read a textbook:

• Previewing
• Following along in class
• Reviewing
• Referencing 

Previewing a chapter:

• This is done before you discuss the textbook material in class.
• First, find the chapter you need.
• Read the introduction and conclusion first to get the general ideas.
• Look at the headings to learn what sub-topics there are.
• Look for any bold terms and be sure to understand what they mean.
• Skim through the sub-topics.
• Note down anything you have questions about.
   

Following along in class:

• When taking notes, make it clear which chapter in the textbook talks about those topics (e.g., page numbers).
• Write down anything the instructor says that adds onto or clarifies something in the textbook.
• You can also print out PPT slides and take notes directly on those, which can make this process easier.
• Ask questions about things that were unclear when you previewed the material, then note down the answer.
   

Reviewing

• You can test yourself by focusing on specific parts of the textbook:
• Read over the bolded terms. Can you explain what they all mean in your own words?
• Review the learning objectives. Have you met all of them?
• Try to answer any discussion/practice questions in the chapter, then check your work using the answer key or by
• looking back at the parts of the textbook that cover those topics.
• Go over the notes you took in class and during your preview. 
   

Referencing

• There are several tools you can use to quickly find information in textbooks:
  • The table of contents
  • Chapter summaries
  • The index (helps you find where key terms are in the rest of the textbook)
  • The glossary (tells you the definitions of key terms found in the textbook)
  • The search bar (available for many online textbooks)
     

Highlighting Method 

• Highlighting Method is a form of notetaking.
  • Preview your text – know your purpose or focus
  • Choose your highlighting colours accordingly – ex. different colours for terms, facts, examples, etc.
  • Read slowly and highlight sparingly.
  • Write notes based on this important highlight info.

Welcome to NWP!

Best wishes as you start your semester journey! The first week can be filled with both excitement and uncertainty. 

There are many people here at the Polytechnic who want to support your success, answer your questions, and alleviate your fears.  We are here to help you start right and to stay strong!

Take time this first week to settle into your classes, to meet your instructors and classmates, to collect your texts and supplies, and to prepare for the rest the semester. Keep following this blog for more suggestions on starting right and staying strong all semester long! 

You can also book time with me, your Academic Strategist, for personalized assistance getting set up, and to give me a visit, as I love meeting all of you! https://libcal.nwpolytech.ca/appointments/academicstrategy

Check out our fresh LibGuide on Getting Started at NWP for more information! https://libguides.nwpolytech.ca/gettingstarted

Just because it is hard does not mean it is Impossible. ~Tara~

The Semester Journey Image Description:

Month 1: Get organized and started
Create a time management plan
Do the assigned readings and begin course work
Develop study tools and notes (e.g., flash cards)

Month 2: Check in on progress and get help as needed
Avoid procrastinating
Complete assignments
Study for midterms

Month 3: The end of the semester is approaching! Keep going!
Manage your stress
Maintain motivation
Keep up with revision and review
Focus on final projects (e.g., presentations, term papers)

Month 4: Final push!
Submit final projects and assignments (on time!)
Prepare for and write exams
Make sure you get adequate food and sleep!

Nitty Griity Exam Time!

How do we prepare? Try organizing your study plan with a study planner (below). 

1. Write down each topic you need to review.
2. Prioritize: Red for topics you are struggling with, Yellow for topics you kind of know, and Green for areas you are confident in.
3. Allocate more time to and start with the Red topics.
4. Check off as you complete and celebrate each accomplishment!

HOT TIP: the more review you do on the regular - the less stressed and panicked you will be heading into exam prep!

More study tips in upcoming blog posts
 https://libguides.nwpolytech.ca/studyskills/templates

Stay on top of your day-to-day with a weekly plan!

There are a few different ways to plan your week depending on your class needs and workload. 

You can visualize your week using a block-style planner. Within this weekly plan, you should block out the times you are in class, at events or at work. You should also block out time for class prep & revising notes, and creating study material. The plans below work well with a colour key.

Another element of a weekly plan is keeping track of your tasks! A task planner should include items for prep & revision, as well as, the homework tasks to complete each day. 

Use due dates from your semester plan & assignment tracker to block out homework time in the weekly plans and tasks lists.

Templates can be found at:
 https://libguides.nwpolytech.ca/studyskills/templates

Start your long-term planning right away! 

This is important for prioritizing, chunking up, and planning your coursework.

Libguides has two templates designed for this, the semester planner and the assignment tracker, that you can print off and fill in.

To use:

• Start by looking at the Course Outlines for each class you are taking.
• Fill out the semester plan with all the due dates for assignments and test/exam dates.
• Use an assignment tracker for each subject – write in the due dates for each assignment, test & exam dates, the weight of each, and the mark when completed.

Find all time management templates here:  https://libguides.nwpolytech.ca/studyskills/templates

Remember to:

• Highlight big items & key dates
• Update your plan as you go with new deadlines
• Keep this plan on display
• Cross off versus erasing completed assignments  these are your accomplishments! 😎
   

HAPPY PLANNING!