Title: T: Tips for Success in Class
Course: Canvas Course Template 2 > Section: T: Week 0: Start Here

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Start Here | Roadmap to Success

Instructors: Customize this for your specific course. Consider adding a short video or audio recording to complement the text version, providing students with different ways to access these success tips.

Every student can succeed in our class! There are tips I recommend for student success in both this class and all classes at UO.

Tips to Success

Step 1: Get organized. University courses require you to manage your own time, so it is important to create a plan for when to complete assignments and other responsibilities. Even students who are used to managing their own time can find juggling course work and other life responsibilities challenging. Below are some tips to help you stay on top of your school work:

  - Log in to Canvas regularly to check for important course-related information.
  - Use a planner or online calendar to record all due dates, “live” class meetings, and other time-oriented obligations.
  - Note professors’ and GE’s office hours.
  - Allocate regular, recurring blocks of time for each class.
  - Build in extra time for completing assignments to allow for technical issues and other delays you may encounter.
  - Schedule time for eating, sleeping, exercise, and connection with friends and family. Attending to these things can help you do better in school.
  - Begin work early and allow extra time! Account for potential technology or internet issues that may arise.
  - Contact the Tutoring and Academic Engagement Center (TAEC) for their study strategies resources, which include a focus on time management.

Step 2: Communicate with your fellow students. Creating a support network with your fellow students can help you succeed. You and your peers can create this kind of environment in the class if you make a point of communicating with each other. For example, you can connect to analyze and review course content together, discuss assignments where appropriate, and set up study groups. Some ideas for connecting with your peers:

  - Try creating a study group (either in-person or virtually, using Zoom).
  - When assigned group work in a course, Use Canvas group tools for collaboration on group work and projects.
  - Text or call each other if you feel comfortable sharing your number.

Step 3: Ask questions and get support! We all try to be clear in our communications, but sometimes we're not as clear as we think. And we all need support to reach our goals. I welcome questions you have regarding assignments, class content, or ways to succeed in our class. If you are interested in support outside of this class, see the Student Support Resources page. If you have a question about our class:

  - and it's about a due date or upcoming assessment, first check the syllabus.
  - and it's about content or an assignment, you can check with your peers or post a question in the dedicated Class Questions and Answer [link to this discussion page] discussion.
  - Contact me via email or attend office hours for additional help.

Step 4: Tailor your work environment. Take steps to create a productive learning environment. When creating a work space, consider:

  - Create a dedicated workspace that minimizes distractions.
  - Ensure proper lighting and seating to stay comfortable and focused.
  - Find a way to keep noise levels down to help your concentration (with headphones and background music, a quiet room, or whatever works for you).

Step 5: Work effectively.  In addition to organizing a weekly and daily plan (#1 above), university courses require structure and focus in how we use the time we schedule for things. For instance, do you work better focusing on one assignment or class at a time? Or, do you work better when switching between tasks at regular intervals?  Some things to keep in mind:

  - When working, remember to take regular breaks to help you refocus.
  - Avoid multitasking, focusing instead on one task at a time.
  - Change activities periodically, such as every hour or two, to keep your focus fresh.
  - Place phones away from you, in Do Not Disturb mode, or use an app designed to help you focus.
  - Access TAEC resources around effective studying, such as their excellent weekly workshops!

Step 6: Stay Engaged. Stay engaged by participating in discussion boards, completing assignments on time, and actively interacting with course materials.