First Steps Toward Success

The two components of test anxiety are emotionality, which involves physical and emotional symptoms, and behavioral and cognitive effects, which come from the vicious cycle of anxiety. This cycle includes a trigger, followed by fear, followed by stress, followed by worry, followed by anxiety, and then it repeats until the cycle is forcibly broken. You can change these symptoms and stop these cycles by changing the way you think, and you can do that by maintaining continuous positive dialogue. Then, you can change how you feel and how things affect you. Finally, you can change your behavior, including your actions and reactions.

What to Avoid

According to The JED Foundation, “Recent surveys show that many students watch TV, scroll through social media, or play video games as a way to cope with school-related stress. In small doses, doing this might give you a much-needed break from studying. But using screens as a distraction (or escape) can worsen your stress, especially when it means that unfinished work piles up.” Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid the overuse of screens. Other addictive entities can protract academic anxiety as well.

It’s important to avoid abusing alcohol or substances. Overusing alcohol or drugs can hinder progress academically, mentally, and physically. Abusing substances can also protract feelings of anxiety or depression. It can also severely distract from the priorities of schoolwork and class attendance, as well as self-care and relationships. These are the things to avoid–not the challenges themselves.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t avoid challenges, approach them head-on. According to Nicole J. LeBlanc, MA & Luana Marques, PhD, “College is challenging and many students cope by avoiding stressors (skipping class, staying in bed all day). However, we know that avoidance tends to make anxiety worse over time. Instead, practice taking small steps to approach anxiety-provoking situations. If you’re struggling in a class, try emailing the professor for help.” You can also approach people in class if you’re feeling lonely. It’s important to expose yourself to potentially anxiety-provoking situations in order to overcome the anxiety surrounding those situations.
• Find resources on or near campus. Most college campuses have resources and departments for students in need of support, academically or personally. It’s important to utilize your resources and reach out if you’re struggling. You can also ask advisors to recommend counselors if you need additional support for a mental health issue.
• Have a self-care regimen. Many students struggle with self-care habits, such as eating healthily, regular physical activity, cleanliness, or proper sleep without the structure of a home environment. However, developing a self-care routine can make a tremendous difference in your mood in and out of school. Meal planning, exercising, proper sleep hygiene, proper general hygiene, and avoiding using your bed for anything other than sleep are helpful hacks for self-care.
• Discover coping strategies that work for you. It’s important to discover your own best, which involves identifying strengths and weaknesses regarding academic performance. It’s also vital to identify the relationship you see between your body’s reactions and how you prepare for tests or school, when the best time to approach schoolwork is, and identify your preferred learning style. It also involves identifying if you’re intrinsically or extrinsically motivated and how that source of motivation impacts taking tests or your ability to study for tests, as well as identifying changes you can make in the way you prepare for tests that will help you take advantage of your learning style preferences.

Ultimately, test anxiety, procrastination, or any unhealthy habit is a learned response that can be unlearned and broken with time, effort, patience, and determination. There are a multitude of coping mechanisms and grounding techniques to manage academic anxiety, including breaking the cycle of stress and anxiety with practice, avoiding harmful substances and the overuse of screens, facing challenges directly, taking advantage of resources, and developing an effective self-care routine.

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Efficient Note-Taking in Lectures

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Effective note-taking is not just about writing down everything the professor says. It’s about discerning the most critical information and organizing it in a way that makes sense to you. By honing your note-taking skills, you’ll improve your ability to retain and understand lecture content, ultimately boosting your grades and learning experience.

Develop a Note-Taking Method

Adopting a structured note-taking method can greatly enhance your efficiency. Popular techniques include the Cornell method, mind mapping, and the outline method. The Cornell method divides your paper into sections for notes, cues, and summaries, aiding in both organization and review.

Mind mapping, on the other hand, is ideal for visual learners. It allows you to create a visual representation of the lecture’s key points and their connections. The outline method is straightforward and helps in creating a clear hierarchy of information, making it easy to follow along during study sessions.

Choose the Right Tools

Selecting the appropriate tools is the first step towards efficient note-taking. Whether you prefer traditional pen and paper or digital devices, ensure your choice aligns with your learning style. Digital tools like tablets and laptops offer advantages such as easy editing and organization, while handwritten notes can aid memory retention.

Experiment with different tools to find what works best for you. Some students find that a combination of digital and handwritten notes provides the perfect balance. Digital devices are excellent for quick typing and organization, while handwritten notes can help reinforce learning through the physical act of writing.

Focus on Key Points

During lectures, it’s crucial to focus on key points rather than attempting to write down everything. Listen actively and identify the main ideas, concepts, and terms. Professors often emphasize important information through repetition, changes in tone, or visual aids.

Train yourself to distinguish between essential and supplementary information. Use shorthand or symbols to quickly jot down key points. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that your notes are concise and focused, making them more useful for later review.

Use Abbreviations and Symbols

Incorporating abbreviations and symbols into your note-taking can save time and keep your notes organized. Develop a set of standard abbreviations for common terms and concepts. Symbols like arrows, stars, and bullet points can highlight important information and show relationships between ideas.

Creating a personalized system of abbreviations and symbols takes practice, but it pays off by making your notes more efficient and readable. This method also helps in keeping up with fast-paced lectures, ensuring you capture all necessary information without falling behind.

Review and Revise Regularly

Regularly reviewing and revising your notes reinforces your understanding and retention of the material. Set aside time each week to go over your notes, fill in any gaps, and clarify confusing points. This practice turns passive note-taking into an active study session.

When reviewing, consider converting handwritten notes into digital format using tools like PDF to Word converters. This allows for easier organization, editing, and sharing with study groups. The process of revising and organizing your notes also helps in better grasping the lecture content.

Organize Your Notes

Keeping your notes organized is key to efficient study sessions. Use folders, binders, or digital apps to categorize your notes by subject, date, or topic. Consistent organization makes it easier to locate and review specific information when needed.

For digital notes, take advantage of apps that offer tagging, search functions, and cloud storage. These features ensure that your notes are easily accessible and can be shared with classmates for collaborative study. Well-organized notes reduce stress and improve study efficiency.

Engage with the Material

Active engagement with the lecture material enhances comprehension and retention. Ask questions, participate in discussions, and relate the content to your own experiences. This involvement helps in making the material more relevant and memorable.

After lectures, take a few minutes to summarize the key points in your own words. This practice reinforces your understanding and identifies any areas that need further clarification. Engaging with the material also makes studying more interactive and enjoyable.

Utilize Technology

Leveraging technology can significantly boost your note-taking efficiency. Apps like Evernote, OneNote, and Notion offer powerful features for capturing, organizing, and accessing notes. These tools support multimedia elements, such as images and audio recordings, enhancing your notes’ depth and utility.

Explore different apps and tools to find those that complement your note-taking style. Many of these apps offer synchronization across devices, ensuring you have access to your notes anytime, anywhere. Utilizing technology effectively transforms your note-taking into a more dynamic and efficient process.

Practice Active Listening

Active listening is a critical skill for effective note-taking. Focus on the lecture, avoid distractions, and engage with the material. Pay attention to the professor’s cues, such as changes in tone, pauses, and repetition, which often indicate important points.

Developing active listening skills takes practice but yields significant benefits. It enables you to capture essential information more accurately and reduces the need for extensive note revisions later. By actively listening, you ensure that your notes are comprehensive and useful for study purposes.

Form Study Groups

Joining or forming study groups can enhance your note-taking and understanding of the material. Collaborating with peers allows you to compare notes, discuss key concepts, and fill in gaps in your understanding. Study groups also provide diverse perspectives on the lecture content.

When participating in study groups, share your notes and discuss different note-taking strategies. This exchange of ideas can introduce you to new methods and tools that improve your note-taking efficiency. Study groups foster a collaborative learning environment that benefits all members.

Wrapping Up

Efficient note-taking is an essential skill for university success. By choosing the right tools, adopting structured methods, and actively engaging with the material, you can transform your note-taking into a powerful learning tool. Regular review and organization of your notes ensure that you retain and understand lecture content, making your study sessions more productive. Embrace these strategies to enhance your academic performance and enjoy a more rewarding university experience.

SEE ALSO: Digital Literacy: Why It’s Crucial for Today’s Graduates

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According to a 2023 survey by the World Economic Forum, 87% of executives say they are experiencing skills gaps in the workforce or expect them within a few years, underscoring the need for such educational requirements. Additionally, 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet, highlighting the necessity for digital literacy. As well as giving students and graduates the tools to keep pace with digital media, a more in-depth technological education gives students and graduates in the workplace the necessary tools to improve their skills in online research, virtual communication and paperless organization. By incorporating digital literacy into educational programs, graduates become productive and capable digital citizens.

Improved Time Management and Self-Efficacy

Whether students are completing a full-time degree course on campus or juggling online studies with work, good time management and organizational skills are vital for keeping up with a heavy academic workload and meeting strict assignment deadlines. Studies have shown that digital competence correlates with improved time-management and self-efficacy in students as they are able to maximize the potential of online tools and techniques to address potential issues and reduce stress.  Their digital literacy skills honed in organizing projects, allocating resources and efficiently managing their time will also be useful after graduation. Knowing how to choose and access the best software tools as part of a digital transformation strategy can help graduates to maximize the potential of project portfolio management and other centralized tools in order support their achievements in the competitive work market. 

Clear and Effective Online Communication

Communication is an essential life skill but with so many digital channels for the exchange of information, students now need to be able to convey ideas clearly using technology. Whether they are attending online tutorials, recording video presentations or simply emailing their tutor for an essay extension, students need to be familiar with a range of media and communication channels. These skills will serve them well after graduation where competent digital skills are often necessary for collaborating on team projects in a digital environment. Projects and presentations often require the ability to access, edit and add to shared documents and the clear and prompt exchange of ideas and information is essential in order to avoid compromising the successful delivery of high quality assignments in a timely fashion.  

Critical Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence 

Critical thinking has always been an essential component of further study but now with an increase in the generation of artificially created content, it is even more important for graduates to be able to evaluate the reliability and authenticity of online communication, information and resources. With the ethical implications prompted by AI, students need to learn to become discerning consumers of digital content. At the same time, AI offers valuable tools to students and graduates that can help them with time-consuming data analysis and the generation of text, images and even software to enhance their research, university assignments and work projects. However, these tools require a high level of digital literacy in order to devise the most effective prompts for AI  that will maximize the value of the responses. 

Digital literacy is now so important for students and graduates that a number of universities and colleges include it as a compulsory element of a degree. Digital tools from a simple email to advanced artificial intelligence AI can enhance communication, critical thinking and time management, skills which not only facilitate learning as a student but also prepare graduates for working in increasingly digital environments. 

SEE ALSO: From Classroom to Career: How College Students Can Find and Leverage Mentor Relationships

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Having a mentor along the way can make a big difference. A mentor relationship can boost your confidence, teach you what you need to know about your field of interest, and potentially help you network with the right people.

But, how can you find a mentor that fits your needs, and what can you do to foster a healthy and productive relationship with them? It’s easier than you might think to form a connection with someone willing to help.

What are the 3 C’s of mentorship?

The foundation of mentoring is firmly based on the three Cs: connection, communication, and collaboration. Every one of these components is extremely important for fostering a vibrant and influential mentor-mentee connection. Connection is more than just a passing acquaintance.

What to Look for in a Mentor

Mentors are there to help you through any kind of transition. You might benefit from finding one at the start of your college career to help with the transition from high school. Or, you might want to form a relationship with one as you near the end of your collegiate career and start thinking about your future. But, not all mentors are created equally.

First, you have to decide what kind of mentorship you’re looking for as you move through college. Do you want someone who is an expert in your field of interest? Someone who cheers you on no matter what you’re doing? Or, are you looking for someone to keep you grounded so you don’t let the stress of your collegiate career and the future take you off track?

As you start your search, write down your professional goals. Creating a career plan now, no matter where you are in your college career, can make it easier to determine the type of mentor you need and want. Your career plan should include:

• Short- and long-term goals
• A self-assessment
• Research and exploration
• Skill development
• Networking
• Personal branding
• A long-term vision

A mentor can help you with all of these things, so you feel more confident in the career you’re interested in.

It’s also important to make sure you choose a mentor with the right qualities. You want to form a relationship with someone who is invested in you and your future. They need to be a good listener, respectful of your needs, and empathetic while also being a go-getter. You might need to “shop around” for a bit before deciding on the right person to help you.

Sources for Mentorship

Once you know the kind of mentor you’re looking for, how can you find the right person? Start with networking. It’s a good skill to have before you step out into the real world, and you can use it to find the right mentor, even if they’re halfway across the world. Get involved with online networking through social media or online discussion groups. Push your online presence and don’t hesitate to put yourself out there, especially on sites like LinkedIn, to let people know what you’re looking for.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re involved in global networking. While it’s important to be mindful of people’s time, it never hurts to send a quick message to a potential mentor asking if they’d like to chat about their industry. A question can serve as a conversational hook, and help you get your foot in the door when it comes to building a digital relationship.

If you’re more interested in getting to know a mentor in person, look no further than the resources your college offers. Talk to academic advisors. They might already have connections to people who would be a great fit. Or, check out your school’s alumni association for notable individuals who have gone into similar career paths. You can also join clubs, volunteer, or get involved with various campus activities. You never know who you’ll meet and how they might completely change your life and your future.

Leveraging Your Relationship

Once you’ve found a mentor who you think will be a good fit, put in the necessary work to foster a healthy and professional relationship with them.

The best thing you can do is ensure you’re always keeping the lines of communication open with them. Don’t hesitate to keep them aware of your goals, as well as your wants and needs. But, be flexible. They might offer constructive feedback, and you need to be willing to hear it without looking at it as criticism. Your mentor is there to help you grow, and that often means changing the way you originally planned on doing things.

As long as you and your mentor maintain mutual respect for each other, your relationship should naturally flourish. Your goal should be to have the same mentor(s) for a long period of time, until you’ve reached the goals you’ve set out for yourself. That helps to ensure you build a strong, trusting relationship that helps you achieve those goals. It’s never too early or too late to start your mentorship search, so don’t hesitate to use some of the suggestions here to get started.

SEE ALSO: Unconventional Learning Experiences for College Students That Enhance Tech Education

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The result of this is that it’s vital to seek out a more in-depth technological education. Yet, taking on another degree to do this is not always practical. One solution is to seek out unconventional learning experiences that enhance your tech skill set. This may be to gain nuanced abilities related to your tech major, or to develop knowledge that can help you in other fields, like business or the arts.

Let’s take a look at a few ways you can take the road less traveled to boost your relationship with tech.

Hackathons

Traditional college environments can often be focused on theory and classroom learning. Yet, you may find that you get more out of your education when you’re in a more dynamic and collaborative situation. Perhaps you need to be surrounded by peers engaging in interesting activities or even a little competition. This is where hackathons can be useful additions to your college curriculum.

Hackathons are events that give groups of enthusiastic programmers the opportunity to create, test, or improve software platforms. It’s an engineering challenge, at its heart, with teams usually given around 48 hours to develop an innovative new product or seek out weaknesses in a system. For those with interests and skills in programming, this can be a fun challenge, a chance to learn from more experienced experts and connect with both peers and potential employers.

Some hackathons are arranged by software companies, while others are led by organizations that promote tech learning. It may be the case that your college IT department will keep a list of local events.There are also various websites — such as Devpost and Major League Hacking — that allow you to search for online and in-person hackathons.

You can gain a more nuanced understanding of how development occurs in the real world and how people with diverse skill sets contribute to the final product. Not to mention that you can better understand what weaknesses and bugs are common in software, enabling you to find innovative and practical ways to address such issues that aren’t always covered in your degree course alone.

Citizen Science Projects

Another unconventional learning approach for tech students is to get hands-on field experience. This involves interacting with tools in ways that reflect the practical — rather than theoretical — application of STEM knowledge. Certainly, seeking industry internships can be useful. However, you may discover it’s more enriching to pursue some outdoor activities that technology enthusiasts find engaging. Flying drones, exploring nature with observation apps, and storm-watching are great options. You can also find these activities can be more meaningful and educational if you combine them with citizen science projects.

Some options here could include:

• Coastal surveys: Drones are a fantastic tool to map coastlines and gain a better understanding of current environmental conditions and degradation. They’re agile, can cover long distances, and have onboard sensors that gather data. As a result, there are citizen science coastal surveying projects that provide participants with training on piloting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and guidance on how to capture information that can then create 3D maps for reference and further exploration.
• Biodiversity observation: One of the most common ways in which technology and citizen science are combined is in biodiversity observation. Projects see participants explore outdoor environments and take photographs of plants, wildlife, and insects in specific locations. They then use apps to identify species and provide researchers with data that highlights changes in migration or the health of the ecosystem.

As a college student, you’re often in a good position to engage with citizen science projects. Many are run directly by universities, so reaching out to your professors is a good way to start looking for a project you’ll find interesting. You can also use sites — such as SciStarter — that connect volunteers with projects.

Online Certifications

Heading to in-person classes as part of a structured curriculum is the conventional approach to getting qualifications. But there are also less traditional tech approaches. The increasing number of accredited short online tech courses can augment your degree with advanced skills. Importantly, many providers use e-learning technology to make the curriculum more tailored to individual learners with personalized materials and delivery methods, including virtual reality (VR).

Some tech-related certifications you might focus on include the following.

Web design

Many careers—particularly if you plan to start your own business— benefit from knowing the basics of web design. Yet this isn’t a common part of degree courses. Taking an online course in web design helps you to gain expert-level skills in programming languages such as HTML and CSS. You can also learn the principles of user experience (UX) that empower you to formulate design strategies in your projects to make interfaces more accessible and engaging.

Cybersecurity

There are few industries that don’t experience cybersecurity threats. Cybercrime is even a risk while you’re a student. Taking cybersecurity courses provides you with skills to effectively safeguard against and respond to hacking and other issues. Indeed, having this knowledge can see you command higher salaries when you move into the workplace. The average salary for information technology (IT) security specialists—including those with Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) qualifications—is around $107,023.

Conclusion

Unconventional tech learning experiences can augment your degree with valuable skills. This can range from the competitive landscape of hackathons to online courses you can take in your spare time. It is vital to be mindful of the potential for burnout. Try to avoid taking on experiences that you can’t realistically fit into your schedule. While tech is fascinating and important, your mental wellness should always be a priority.

SEE ALSO: From Lecture Halls to Stonehenge: Enriching Your History Studies with Real-World Exploration

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Historical Travel Expands

The 19th century saw a larger market take to the seas, with wealthy young women and older professional men going on shorter continental tours. Today, travel is much more egalitarian and widespread, but when it comes to historical travel, the idea of being face-to-face with history is still very much a driving force. Unlike the case in earlier centuries, today, educational travel does not always involve overseas (or on the seas) travel. For instance, it is typical for British historiographers to visit UK sites in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow (in Scotland), Liverpool and Manchester (in the North of England), and London and the South. While members of the general population often choose sites like Liverpool owing to its association with bands like The Beatles, those with a penchant for history are attracted by sites such as the Western Approaches Museum and the former WWII bunker complex. The latter is home to underground telecommunications and mapping rooms… Manchester, meanwhile, contains gems such as Dunham Massey—a 17th-century country house that is one of the finest exponents of Georgian architecture. 

From the Word of Historiographers

The excellent blog The Question, written by West Virginia University academics, seeks to answer sometimes difficult questions, and one of the questions they have addressed with great eloquence, is the reason why students of history can benefit from travel. Rather than providing one answer, different historiographers were called upon to answer this question and the results were varied and riveting. Historian Luke Gramith, for instance, wrote of the big impact that visiting the Italian port city of Triste had had on him. Upon viewing the city from the summit of a hill, he realized the extent to which he needed to account for the importance of space in understanding people’s past actions. The places where people live can inspire a host of emotions that give rise to specific behaviors such as seeking political change or honing one’s national identity. He expresses that some historians write as though space is irrelevant when in fact, “people act within particular spaces, not irrespective of them.”

Examining Materials in the Flesh

Not all information that historians need is online. Europe and other continents are filled with archives and libraries that historians often need to consult in person for their theses and other key documents. It also leads to the discovery of new documents whose existence students may not have been aware of. Part of the study of history involves utilizing one’s imagination to ask new questions and find documents and artifacts that help answer these questions… and both imagination and evidence are much easier to come by when you are in the locations you are studying.

Passing the Knowledge

Travel is additionally a key way of sharing one’s research findings, telling the story of a particular place and its people, and discussing ideas with other historians. Academics frequently attend conferences, workshops, and discussions about their subjects of interest, and often, these events occur interstate or abroad. These discussions often spark new project and thesis ideas or lead to further travel in search of answers. As such, travel is a way for academics not only to learn but also to share the findings they have made.

Contemporary historians prioritize travel as part of their education, much as scholars from past centuries used to. Travel is a way to discover an area’s spatial characteristics and to understand its people’s motivation to a deeper extent. It also enables historians to access key materials and to share their findings with other academics.

SEE ALSO: Beyond the Books: The Practical Benefits of Property Schools for College

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While the primary focus of property schools remains on theoretical knowledge and skill development, the extracurricular opportunities, networking avenues, and real-world applications contribute immensely to a student’s holistic growth.

Embracing Practical Learning

Property schools commit to practical learning by creating an environment where students not only act as passive recipients of knowledge but also as active participants in their education. Property schools prioritize allowing students to participate in exercises that deepen their practical knowledge.

Lecturers create negotiation simulations where students debate and discuss market trends, engage in role-playing exercises, and practice deal negotiation tactics. This approach helps students develop critical thinking skills and embrace the best methods for them. Such exercises allow students to build problem-solving skills and learn quick decision-making to navigate the complexities of the property market in crucial situations.

Moreover, students of property schools participate in field trips, case studies, and internships that allow them to glimpse the real estate industry, providing invaluable experience and insight into real-world challenges and opportunities. Whether assisting in property management tasks, conducting market research for a development project, or shadowing industry professionals, these experiences offer a glimpse into the day-to-day realities of the field, preparing students for the rigors of professional life.

Building Bridges: Networking in the Property World

Networking is crucial in any business to achieve high success in your industry. The same goes for property management and real estate agency. Property schools provide students with access to networking with industry professionals, alums, and experts. Networking events, industry seminars, and guest lectures are fertile grounds for students to cultivate meaningful connections and expand their professional circles.

Networking with various property professionals allows students to learn about different practices and helps develop their communication skills with vendors and professionals. Such opportunities give the property students ways to build their circle of influence. These learning practices also allow students to gain an upper hand in the industry.

Students gain access to a treasure trove of career development resources through alumni networks and career services offered by property schools. From resume-building workshops to mock interviews and job fairs, these services equip students with the tools and confidence to navigate the job market successfully.

Nurturing Professional Growth

Property schools allow students to grow professionally through multiple workshops, networking events, and seminars. They cultivate professional growth by emphasizing essential skill development and competencies valued in the property industry.

Giving the students knowledge regarding finances and mortgage rate trends, calculating real estate demand-supply ratio, and buyer psychology is essential to nurture professional growth in the real estate industry.

Property schools create simulations to help students experience real estate industry traits. Students collaborate to recognize investment opportunities, conduct feasibility studies, and present comprehensive proposals to potential investors. Project and presentation assignments allow students to embrace their presentation skills, which will be handy once they are at a closing table or showing the property to a buyer.

Furthermore, exposure to real-world challenges through internships and capstone projects allows students to apply theoretical concepts practically, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Whether analyzing market trends, conducting due diligence on potential acquisitions, or managing construction projects, these experiences prepare students to hit the ground running upon graduation.

Access to Resources: Empowering Student Success

Property schools give students access to resources that empower their success and allow them to learn how to use various tools to reach their desired goals effectively. Property schools serve as hubs of knowledge and innovation, offering students access to resources and cutting-edge tools to support their academic and professional endeavors. State-of-the-art libraries, specialized databases, and industry-specific software empower students to research, analyze market trends, and explore innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Property schools allow students access to a comprehensive database of property listings, financial models, and market reports, allowing them to conduct in-depth analyses and make informed investment decisions. These resources highlight academic learning practices for the students and give them the upper hand in the future while navigating the property market and thriving against competitors. Such resources will allow students to craft effective rental listings and generate more leads in the future. Furthermore, knowing how to navigate these tools is handy when property managers or real estate agents try to set the correct price for properties.

Moreover, collaboration with faculty members and industry experts further enhances students’ learning experience, providing mentorship, guidance, and practical insights from years of professional experience. Whether seeking advice on career paths, refining business ideas, or navigating regulatory frameworks, students can tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the property school community.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, property schools offer college students more than just academic education; they provide a transformative learning experience that prepares them for success in real estate’s dynamic and multifaceted world. From hands-on learning and networking opportunities to professional development and access to resources, property schools empower students to realize their full potential and make meaningful contributions to the industry and society.

By embracing the practical benefits of property schools, college students can embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and fulfillment, laying the foundation for rewarding careers in property management, development, investment, and beyond. As the demand for skilled professionals in the property sector continues to grow, the importance of holistic education that integrates theory with practice cannot be overstated. With the right blend of academic rigor, experiential learning, and community engagement, property schools are shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators who will drive positive change in real estate.

SEE ALSO: The Impact of Gamification on Students’ Engagement and Motivation

The post Beyond the Books: The Practical Benefits of Property Schools for College appeared first on College News.

Unsurprisingly, research by Taylor & Francis shows that a significant 67% of students find courses delivered through gamification more motivating than traditional methods, highlighting the transformative potential of gamification in education.

Gamification is a fascinating blend of social and technological elements that offers many benefits for college students, including enjoyment, social interaction and increased engagement. This article explores the diverse impact of gamification on students’ engagement and motivation, going beyond academic outcomes.

Understanding Gamification

Riding the wave of digitalisation, many institutions are transforming mundane tasks into engaging, game-like experiences, a trend known as gamification. 

The gamification approach incorporates game elements into non-gaming contexts to captivate and motivate users, primarily to enhance their intrinsic motivation – or their natural desire to learn. 

Different from traditional methods that predominantly use external rewards, gamification makes learning an interactive process, departing from passive teaching methods and enriching students’ engagement and motivation. 

Gamification is designed to improve the psychological outcomes of users, which in turn influences their actions and how much they value the learning experience. Basically, even though the way the system is set up might affect their feelings and behaviours, the developers of these gamified systems – educators and psychologists – can adjust them. By making these adjustments, they can ensure the system helps learners to study better and find more value in what they’re doing.

Ways Gamification Effects Students’ Learning Engagement

What are some effective strategies and their real-world applications to better grasp the gamification impact?

Strengthens Intrinsic Motivation

Gamification makes learning both enjoyable and rewarding, which enhances your motivation from within. For example, imagine a language app that awards points and badges for completing vocabulary exercises and motivates you to engage more deeply, seeking rewards and recognition. 

Promotes Active Involvement

Unlike the passive nature of traditional lectures, gamification requires active participation. An interactive science platform, for instance, might simulate experiments, allowing you to explore concepts like circuit building or chemical reactions firsthand. This active learning approach makes the subject matter more engaging and comprehensible.

Reduces Fear of Failure

Public failure is the worst nightmare of a young student. Gamification reframes failure as a normal part of the learning journey rather than a defeat. For example, a math gaming app might allow infinite attempts at solving problems without negative consequences, encouraging you to resolve challenges and learn from errors. This approach, especially when applied to groups of college students, fosters resilience and a positive attitude toward learning.

Creates Personalised Learning Paths

Gamification tailors learning experiences to your individual performance. Let’s imagine an adaptive learning tool that might adjust the difficulty of math questions in real-time, ensuring that tasks remain appropriately challenging. Personalised platforms together with AI in higher education prevent you from feeling either overwhelmed or under-challenged, enhancing overall learning effectiveness.

Provides Immediate Feedback

Instant feedback is a hallmark of gamified learning, allowing you to quickly learn from your mistakes. A history quiz app, for example, might immediately indicate whether an answer is correct, clarifying misunderstandings and reinforcing knowledge instantaneously. Immediate feedback loop accelerates learning and deepens understanding.

Tracks Progress and Sets Goals

Gamification enables you to monitor your own progress and establish goals, giving you a clear view of your achievements and future objectives. A language learning platform could display advancements in various language skills, encouraging you to set specific goals like expanding your vocabulary. Tools like progress bars or points further motivate college students to continue improving.

Fosters Healthy Competition

Incorporating leaderboards and challenges introduces a healthy competitive element, spurring you to excel. A reading app may rank you and your groupmates by the number of books read and quizzes passed. And we all know what power competition has to boost academic success.

Encourages Regular Study Habit

Gamification can help build consistent study routines through daily challenge quests or streaks. For instance, a language learning app, like a well-known Duolingo, might reward you for hitting a 7-day learning streak with extra points. This encourages daily engagement and discipline, making regular study sessions more appealing and rewarding.

Enhances Collaborative Learning

Some gamification platforms introduce team-based challenges, where students work together to achieve common goals. For example, an online project management course could use a game where students form teams to complete a simulated project, earning points for collaboration, problem-solving and timely completion. This way learning becomes more interactive and allows you to develop communication and networking skills.

Offers Customisable Avatars

Allowing students to create and customise their avatars for use within educational games or platforms adds a personal touch to learning. A math puzzle app, for example, could let you design your character, which evolves as you progress through levels or achieve milestones, enhancing the connection between you and the learning material.

Final Thoughts

Gamification is a powerful and user-friendly method, offering various tools to make learning enjoyable for all, including students, teachers and even parents. Everyone likes to play games and gamification taps into this universal enjoyment.

The great thing about gamification is how it encourages everyone to take part. It turns competition, achievement and reward into fun activities. Even when someone fails, gamification makes it easier to try again, promoting persistence and resilience, creating a welcoming environment for learners and motivating you to keep trying and improving.

Considering these benefits, why not explore gamification further? It could transform how you learn, or engage with other college students, making every experience more rewarding and productive.

SEE ALSO: Successfully Navigating Your First Year: The Advantages of Hiring a Private Tutor as a Freshman

The post The Impact of Gamification on Students’ Engagement and Motivation appeared first on College News.

Developing Valuable Skills

The pace of college life can be a major shock for many, with a healthy dose of responsibility resulting in challenges such as improper time management, stress overload, and learning to successfully balance a social life with academics. As a result, students may find themselves quickly falling behind in class, regardless as to the subject. A 2021 Inside Higher Ed post delves into the findings of the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement that year, which noted that 53% of first-year students reported “a substantial increase” in both mental and emotional exhaustion. Of these, it’s pointed out that nearly 70% indicated “high expectations of academic difficulty,” compared to 42% of their peers who didn’t experience greater exhaustion.

A private tutor can help greatly when looking to address specific problem areas, though additional benefits should also be noted. Generally speaking, improving academic performance, encouraging self-directed learning, and even helping a student to improve their attitude towards learning are all advantages of hiring a private tutor, according to Oxford Learning. For college students, a private tutor can also help in developing valuable academic skills that can be carried throughout their time on campus. For many first year college students, lacking basic academic skills that may not have been developed in high school (like knowing how to effectively study for an exam) can be a great reason to hire a private tutor. One Florida State University page highlights the value of study skills tutoring, a specific type of tutoring that can offer students assistance in several key areas, such as learning proper time management, effective study and motivation strategies, and addressing challenges such as anxiety, stress, and procrastination.

At Florida State University, study skills tutoring is noted to be located alongside coursed-based tutoring in the Learning Studio during open hours, with study skills tutors available by appointment or walk-in. While this type of tutoring may not be available at your institution, hiring a tutor that specializes in such skills can be a major advantage. General study skills, problem solving in regard to academics, and gaining confidence for an upcoming exam or assignment are all advantages that can come from a university tutor. It’s worth noting that when a tutor is a college student themselves, developing a peer-to-peer academic relationship can also be beneficial when aiming to pick up on valuable skills that will serve a student well throughout their time on campus.

Addressing the Pitfalls of Online Learning

In recent years, online classes have been a staple for college students — though the virtual classroom can present academic challenges on its own. “Many college students find themselves disappointed with the quality of the academic instruction they receive via online lectures,” highlights a post from Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health. “Some students report that they have very little direct instruction from professors, relying instead on reading material, pre-recorded lectures and written assignments.” Due to the nature of online learning, many may find it difficult to retain information, while the learning style itself can present a major adjustment when it comes to the style of asynchronous classes that limit real-time participation. For example, students who typically thrive from live feedback, classroom discussion, and the ability to ask questions in the moment can find it challenging to succeed in a virtual environment.

A private tutor can help immensely by bridging the gap that online learning methods bring. Meeting with a tutor once a week while taking an online class, for example, will provide the in-person element that many may crave, though it can also serve as an opportunity to ask questions, receive feedback in real time, and supplement ‘unhelpful’ methods with those that a student can utilize to their advantage (having a tutor walk you through an exercise, for example, can be more helpful to some than listening to a pre-recorded lecture). Meeting with a tutor in person can also give you the chance to dive deeper into a topic, have meaningful and thought-provoking discussions, and address any questions that may come up immediately, highlighting the many benefits for those who may struggle with online instruction.

Finding the Right Tutor

When looking to find a tutor while in university, contacting your school’s student services is a great place to start — this can be especially helpful when determining whether or not your school has qualified tutors or a tutoring program available. Asking other students or even your professor can present additional resources, while finding a tutor online is another option that can allow for flexibility when managing a busy schedule. When it comes to selecting the right individual, determining your goals ahead of time will allow you to communicate what you’re looking for, whether it’s help with one subject, general study skills, or something else entirely.

When looking to hire a private tutor that is not associated with your school, carrying out a few simple steps can help ensure that you’re hiring the right individual. The right qualifications, experience, and a positive demeanor are all necessary characteristics, though assessing additional factors — such as safety — should be a top priority. A simple online search and criminal background check, for example, will help you to determine that a tutor is who they claim to be, though an interview is equally as essential in ensuring that a candidate is fit for the job. Apart from providing the space to address any concerns or questions, an interview can help you determine whether or not a good working relationship can be established depending on whether a good rapport is present. Additionally, holding at least one interview before hiring a private tutor will help in revealing any red flags (if there are any), such as showing up late, last-minute cancellations, or refusing to answer any important questions. From there, arranging a second, more informal preliminary meeting can be used to discuss money and fees, additional costs, and logistics.

Enlisting the help of a private tutor may sound unnecessary to many first year college students, especially when aiming to successfully balance academics on your own. However, private tutoring can make a world of difference, from better navigating the academic ins and outs of college life to addressing gaps that may need to be filled when taking online courses.

SEE ALSO: How to Build Marketable Skills Alongside Your College Studies

The post Successfully Navigating Your First Year: The Advantages of Hiring a Private Tutor as a Freshman appeared first on College News.

This article will show you innovative ways to learn skills in college. That way, when you finish, you will have a degree and skills that bosses want.

Step 1. Find Marketable Skills

Start by finding out which skills are in demand for your field. Look on job websites, read industry reports, and talk to people in the field. At the same time, think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing.

Understanding your strengths and interests is the first step in building skills. Also, think about skills that work in different industries. This way, you appeal to more employers. This approach helps you focus on skills that match your studies and what the job market wants.

Step 2. Integrate Skill Development into College Studies

Combine skill-building with your college studies by picking relevant courses. Ensure the subjects you choose match the skills you want to develop so your classes help you gain hands-on knowledge.

Outside regular classes, look for activities and projects that let you use what you learn in real life. Join clubs, attend workshops, and work on team projects to improve your skills and show employers you’re proactive.

Also, take advantage of internships and programs that offer practical experience. These opportunities help connect what you learn in theory to real-world situations, making you more attractive to employers when you finish college.

Step 3. Utilize Online Resources

Learn online to improve your skills. Take online subjects like academic or language courses and earn certificates. This way, you gain specific knowledge and stay informed about things, even those unrelated to your field.

Join virtual workshops and webinars to learn from experts. It will expand your knowledge of how things work in real life. Also, participate in online threads and communities related to your field. It will allow you to connect with people, share ideas, and stay updated on what’s new.

The online world is a great place for ongoing learning and making connections, going beyond what you learn in your regular classes.

Step 4. Practice Networking and Mentorship

Connect with others for career growth. Join student groups in your field and participate in events where you can meet classmates, teachers, and professionals. Look for chances to get advice and insights from experienced people in your industry by finding a mentor.

Talk to professionals through interviews, workshops, and online platforms. They can give you helpful guidance and lead to opportunities. A strong network makes you more visible and can open doors to collaborations or job possibilities beyond your college studies.

Step 5. Create a Personal Development Plan

Make a clear plan for your personal development to reach your skill-building goals. Set both short- and long-term targets that align with your career goals. Create a practical schedule for learning each skill, breaking it down into small steps.

Keep checking and changing your plan when necessary. Consider your school responsibilities, industry changes, and personal growth. A well-organized and flexible plan acts like a map, helping you move forward in gaining skills that employers want and making you more likely to get hired.

Step 6. Showcase Skills on Resumes and Portfolios

Showcasing your skills well is essential when applying for jobs. Make an online portfolio that looks professional and shows off your projects, accomplishments, and how you’ve used your skills in real situations. Describe your projects in detail to explain how you applied your knowledge.

Also, ensure your resume and cover letter discuss your skills and how they match your desired job. Employers want to see what you learned and how you can use it. By smartly presenting your skills, you increase your chances of catching the attention of potential bosses in a tough job market.

Step 7. Balance Academic and Skill Development Commitments

Good time management is essential for balancing school and skills development. Create a detailed schedule, use tools to stay focused, and set clear priorities to manage both well. Focus on tasks based on their significance and deadlines.

Ask for help from advisors and mentors at school. They can guide you in managing your workload while also developing your skills. Talking openly and working with mentors improves your college experience, helping you do well in your studies and future careers.

Takeaways

In summary, adding practical skills to your college studies is a wise investment in your future success. The stats above show that people with various skills have better chances of getting good jobs. Take charge of your personal growth by finding, combining, and showing off your skills during school years.

Remember, building these skills requires time and effort. Stay committed and be ready to adapt. Strategical thinking makes you more likely to get hired and positions you as a valuable asset in a competitive job market. Grab the chance to shape your future by actively developing the skills that make you stand out and lead you to a satisfying career.

SEE ALSO: Cultivating Student Resilience: The Power of Group Work

The post How to Build Marketable Skills Alongside Your College Studies appeared first on College News.