How to Study, Learn, and Wellness Workshop

In the next class, we will be talking about a number of learning methods, building strong study habits, and setting ourselves up for success physically and mentally during our time at a/A and beyond!

Learning Objectives

• Recognize different learning and studying methodologies such as the Leitner Method and the Pomodoro Method.
• Analyze personal habits and experience to determine a system that is best aligned with academic and personal success.
• Construct a plan for a "mock week".
• Develop a plan to monitor academic and personal success metrics.

Please complete the following in preparation: (40 min total)

Everything below is purely for your personal notes (no one else will see anything unless you choose to share it with them) and as a tool to get the most out of tomorrow's workshop

Exercise 1 (15-20 min)

In your notes take a personal inventory of the following:

• Do you have a set study space? If no, where do you usually work? If yes, describe the space (3-5 sentences).
• Is it possible to optimize your study space (either by finding a space to work consistently or making adjustments to your current workspace to better support your academic self)? Ten tips for creating an ideal study space
• List competing priorities/anything that you need to take care of in the day to day that is not related to a/A. This can include things like caregiving, cooking, moving, religious services, cleaning, healthcare, etc. (if there is anything emergent that is impacting your ability to be successful at a/A, let a staff member know).
• Look through your list of competing priorities and give an approximate time estimate for each one. Be accurate - sometimes laundry really does take 4 hours or getting a child to bed takes 2 hours. Think through the worst case scenario so that you can have an accurate representation of your weekly time constraints. Finally, for anything that is time specific (meaning always on Friday afternoons or Wednesday's at lunch) make a note. Why we are bad at estimating time and what to do about it
• Is there anything that has surprised you thus far?

Exercise 2 (15-20 min)

Get a new sheet of paper and answer the following:

• How have you dealt with stress in the past?
• Did it work? What worked and what didn't?
• When you are your most productive, how did you:
  • Take care of your wellness? (sleep, food, physical movement, etc.)
  • Set up your physical environment? (study area, time of day, alone or with others, etc.)
• Based on the above information list:
  • Ideas for coping with stress
  • Habits that are core to your success
  • Ways to notice if you are not coping well (before a failed assessment or sleepless night)

Exercise 3 (5 min)

Please watch this video on the Leitner Method. Write down any questions that you have so we can address them tomorrow.