Gretchen Burns | Collegio Writer

Some students aren’t sure how to effectively study, while others are unsure of how to get the most out of their textbooks. For these students and others, the First Year Program presents several workshops for students to learn how to succeed in classes and most effectively utilize their resources.
“Ultimately, my goal is to prepare you for your lectures and hopefully help you prepare for you college courses and beyond,” said Ashley Conyers, student success counselor.
Conyers presented Wednesday’s workshop, “Use Your Textbooks as a Success Tool: Reading Effectively for Academic Success.”
Conyers focused on different methods that students could use to focus and remember information.
Conyers touched upon different types of reading, such as scanning, skimming, study reading, critical reading and how they pertain to different forms of studying. She says one of her biggest tips is for students to keep a dictionary near them so they can understand unfamiliar terminology or vocabulary.
Nicholas Treaster says he thought the workshop was helpful for students who were trying to improve on knowledge retention through their textbooks.
“I thought it was very helpful for anyone coming into the university for the first time,” said Treaster, freshman in automotive technology.
Although the workshop could be useful for any student, regardless of class standing, Conyers says the majority of students who show up to the workshops are first year students, freshmen, transfer students or international students who have been encouraged to attend the workshops to learn additional ways to understand English.
“It was great because English is my second language,” said Ada Chang, sophomore in English. “It’s nice to learn how to study so I can understand what I am reading.”
Even though attendance at the workshops can be small, Conyers is always glad when students do show up.
“If even one student turns out, that means I can help and teach that one student better study habits,” Conyers said.
Conyers says that multiple workshops are scheduled up through the middle of November. She says these workshops will include topics such as: time management, research skills, raising mid-term grades and preparing for finals.
The next scheduled workshop will be from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 12, in room 301 Russ Hall. The subject of that workshop will be note-taking, and is entitled: “Great Grades Begin with Great Notes: Effective Note-Taking Skills.”