Transitioning into post-secondary for many students involves a combination of anxiousness and anticipation. You are left feeling that it has the potential to be a very rewarding experience, but also want to make sure that you are not diving into new territory with no support. In effect, when you make this leap it would be great to have some assurance that you're equipped with a parachute for a safe landing.

You may be surprised to know that this parachute does exist in the form of study skills or learning support assistance. Unfortunately, many students do not include it in their post-secondary survival package because they see it as an optional item. However, the information offered in post-secondary workshops or non-credit courses may be the difference between reaching or exceeding your post-secondary expectations or experiencing great turbulence as you adapt to college or university studies.

There was a time when students believed they were responsible for figuring out their own learning and study strategies. Students attending student success workshops were viewed as academically weak. It's important to emphasize that these days are long over. It is common practice for the post-secondary institutions in the province to offer learners with a wide range of support. This eliminates the trial-and-error approach of the past where students floundered trying to discover methods that worked for them. In doing so, students are able to become more efficient and effective learners. This can be seen in better use of their time and better grades.

A simple example of how effective study skills can make your post-secondary experience easier involves note taking. There are some students who equate effective note taking with scribbling down every single word spoken by their instructor or professor during a class. Yet, these students often do worse or no better than other students who listen intently and jot down key lecture points through a short-hand method of note taking. From this viewpoint it's important to realize that pain does not equal gain with note taking.

 Besides effective note taking, students who receive learning and study skills assistance may benefit in the following types of areas:

• writing research papers;
• reading skills;
• preparing for tests;
• taking tests;
• stress management;
• time management.

 Those who wish to improve their study skills on their own, also have a wide range of online resources to accomplish this task. Career Developer http://www.educationplanner.ca/careerdeveloper has an entire subject category dedicated to "Improving Study Skills for Post-Secondary Success". There are numerous quality tips within these resources that cover every possible aspect of taking tests, writing essays, participating in class, dealing with instructors, taking different types of tests, and making class presentations.  Take time to check them out!

 

Tagged In: Adult Learners , Planning , Success Strategies , Youth