It may be hard to believe that the winter term is almost half-finished, but with reading week just around the corner check-out our Learning-Strategist tips for setting yourself up for a successful second-half of the term.
Organize Your Reading Week
Reading Week is a great opportunity to catch up on coursework, but it’s important to have a structured plan. Start by creating a detailed schedule that breaks your tasks into manageable blocks. Prioritize key subjects that need extra attention for midterm prep. Be sure to include breaks to avoid burnout, as well as scheduling a day or two off completely from school related work! A great tip is replacing your normally scheduled class time on completing outstanding tasks related to that class.
Review Lecture Notes & Textbooks
Focus on reviewing your notes and textbooks. For subjects that require more in-depth understanding, use tools like Notebook LM to organize your notes efficiently. If you find certain content challenging, reach out to your professors or peers for clarification.
Practice with Past Exams
Many professors provide past exam papers. Take time to review them to get a feel for the format and types of questions. This can ease anxiety and improve your performance during midterms. If professors do not provide mock test, be sure to ask them for examples of questions that may be on upcoming test/midterms. Even better, ask for examples for what an A+ answer may look like, to understand how much detail to include and prepare for.
If accommodations like extra time are available, check your Ventus Portal or connect with your PMC Coordinator to ensure they are arranged.
Reach Out for Help
If you’re struggling with a topic, don’t wait until the last minute. Use Reading Week to attend office hours, contact tutors, or engage with peer study groups. Remember, you’re not alone, and reaching out for support can make a big difference. If you haven’t checked out if there is a PASS session(s) for your courses or used their resources, now is a great time to explore.
Take Care of Your Well-Being
Reading Week is also about self-care. Sleep, nutrition, and exercise are crucial for maintaining focus and reducing stress. Schedule downtime to recharge your energy levels for the upcoming midterms. Check out PMC’s Self-Care Module for more tips and tricks.
How to Register for the PMC Learning Strategies Modules
In the “Discover” tab on the Brightspace Main page, search PMC Learning Strategies – PMC_Learning_Strategies, and select enrol. If the course does not appear, you may already be enrolled so check the “select a course” menu in Brightspace.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email the PMC Learning Strategies Team at PMC_LS@cunet.carleton.ca