Academic Assistance Links
Sometimes, a little help is all you need—and here are some sites that offer great assistance. Check them out. What you need is probably right here.
In-class Strategies
Listening and note taking are key skills to getting the most out of the time you spend in class. Here are some tips to help you with both.
Note Taking
- How to take notes while doing research (because you need to take notes then, too, if you want your research to be productive!): http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/reading-and-researching/notes-from-research
Internet Search
The Internet is full of useful stuff, but how do you find it? EBSCOHost will help you find scholarly articles from periodicals, but what if you want reliable websites? That’s where subject directories come in! Subject directories are search engines for other websites or databases. Below you’ll find a list of helpful subject directories.
First, start with this Recommended Subject Directories webpage. It lists several subject directories with information about each one to help you choose the right one. It also includes information on how to find subject-specific directories. http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/SubjDirectories.html
- Academic Info http://www.academicinfo.net/subject-guides
- The Internet Public Library http://ipl.org/
Math Help
For some, math can be scary, but there’s help! When you can’t get to a math tutor in the Academic Resource Center, visit these helpful websites.
- Here you’ll find help on how to work problems in Prealgebra, Algebra I and II, Geometry and Trigonometry, Calculus, Data Analysis and Statistics, and Real World Math. www.webmath.com
Memory
Memorizing is a skill that can be practiced. Actors don’t naturally memorize more than the average person; it’s a skill they work on developing, and you can, too. Here are some tips on how to work out your memory muscles!
- Here are several memorizing tricks, including mnemonics and the alphabet technique. http://www.mindtools.com/memory.html
- This website lists seven different memory strategies along with practices to help you perfect each strategy. http://www.studygs.net/memory/
Study Strategies and Aids
Studying is just as important as attending class! Did you know that for every hour you spend in class, you should be spending two hours studying outside of class? Here are some tips and strategies to help you make the most of your studying.
- Study Stack – here, you can make your own online flashcards, or choose from hundreds of already created decks. http://www.studystack.com/
- Quizlet – This website helps you make your own quizzes and flashcards or lets you choose from ones that other members have already created. http://quizlet.com/
Test Anxiety
Tests can make anybody uneasy! Here are some websites that list helpful ways to beat the fear and make testing less scary:
- Here’s a website that explores how to avoid anxiety through test preparation, test-taking approach, and test review. http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm
- Test Anxiety Management – tips on managing test anxiety. http://www.usu.edu/arc/test_anxiety/
Test Taking Strategies
So, besides getting a good night’s rest and eating a balanced breakfast, how else can you boost your test scores?
- Here are ways to prepare for the test and what to do when taking the test. There’s also an interactive slide show, and at the top of the page are links to test strategies for specific kinds of tests, such as true/false, multiple choice, short answer, essay, and open-book. http://www.studygs.net/tsttak1.htm
Time Management and Organization
For some, the key to success or the cause of failure can be found in time management and organization. Get your ducks in a row to ensure you have enough time to go to class, do your homework, make a paycheck, and even relax a little.
- Want to know how you should be breaking down that big assignment? Use this AWESOME assignment calculator to get a list of what you should be doing and where you should be every day until the project is due. http://www.lib.umn.edu/help/calculator/
- Balancing responsibilities at your job, home, and school is not easy. Follow these time management tips and strategies to ensure that you meet deadlines, are well prepared for exams, and have time for yourself while pursuing a college degree. https://www.purdueglobal.edu/news-resources/time-management-busy-college-students/