The Study Skills Academy works with students both individually and in group settings in a welcoming virtual environment to deliver the most recent, evidence-based study methods in college-level learning. Specialists can analyze your current study habits and work with you to create a free, individualized plan for success.
The following tips are designed to help you gain and maintain academic momentum in a virtual learning environment.
1. Designate a study space
Create a dedicated environment for studying to begin associating that space with learning. Consistent access to the space is more important than the location of the space.
2. Eliminate distractions
From Netflix and social media to dishes piling in the sink, you’ll be faced with many distractions that can easily derail your study goals. Consider turning your phone on “do not disturb” during study sessions to avoid losing focus.
3. Identify what you are expected to learn
To process the information that is taught in lectures, you must have something to apply it to. In other words? When you arrive to class, you’ll need some frame of existing context. A 20-minute pre-lecture prep session could save you countless hours of study later. Not sure how to pre-lecture prep? Our specialists can show you how!
4. Communicate with instructors
Reach out to your instructor early with any questions or difficulties you may experience with course material. Remember, faculty want to see you learn and succeed!
5. Learn from past semesters
Had a study method that worked really well at one point? Bring it back into the game! Have there been particular distractions which made learning more challenging? Choose to avoid them now. Reflecting on our past experiences can be incredibly valuable when determining our current needs.
6. Prevent procrastination
Nothing makes a task harder than putting it off! Simplify for success by creating a weekly schedule for lectures and studying. When done consistently, you’ll often find you have more free time! You can also work one-on-one with a specialist to create a plan of attack. You can also join one of our Procrastination Accountability Groups to identify your individual patterns and eliminate this damaging behavior. Groups will begin biweekly meetings Wednesday, Jan. 27.
7. Avoid and manage stress
Stress can be inevitable, but compartmentalizing your concerns can make a major difference in how it impacts your academic goals. Choose a time to worry or think about your stressors so they don’t dominate your focus. Behaviors such as procrastinating, remaining distracted during lectures and studying passively may feel easier in the moment, but in the long run will cause panic. Consider joining the Academic Stress Support Group, which offers a confidential, safe space to practice stress management techniques. Groups will begin biweekly meetings Monday, Jan. 25
8. Keep your routine and hold yourself accountable
Although online learning can provide flexibility, it also presents more responsibility. Treating asynchronous classes as if they were synchronous by setting specific times to do the work can help to ensure a strong routine. In face-to-face classes, you’ll often receive verbal reminders of assignment due dates. Without these in-person encouragers, it’s more important to now create structure for your own time and tasks.
9. Use your resources and stay connected
Even online, there are many virtual resources to take advantage of, including the Academic Success Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the University Library System, and more. Visit success.wayne.edu/learnanywhere for more resources, and connect with the Dean of Students Office to get virtually involved with your fellow Warriors.
For more information about our services and events, please visit success.wayne.edu/study-skills. For daily study advice, follow us on Instagram @StudySkillsWSU and Twitter @StudySkillsWSU.