Upon their return from Thanksgiving Break, students often begin to feel anxious as exams approach. Although mid-terms may seem daunting, there are many resources available on campus to help students feel confident and prepared.
The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) is one such resource. The TLC staff – Ms. Kelly Churchill, academic coach, Mrs. Lisa Fenton, learning specialist, and Mrs. Jane Herold, P’17, ’20, study skills coordinator – help students prepare for exams. Mrs. Herold said, “Coming in to see us helps students think about what their tasks [are] and how to [organize] the time that is available to them.”
The TLC held two drop-in sessions for students on effective study habits. Mrs. Herold recommends making flashcards and connecting with study buddies. These sessions often attract new students, especially those who feel nervous taking exams for the first time.
The TLC also provides an exam-planning template which allows students to create an hour-by-hour schedule for exam week in which they can plot out time for exams, studying, meals, sleep, and exercise. Ms. Herold said, “If you give yourself a task, you are much more likely to use the time effectively, rather than just sitting with your friends in an English classroom chatting for 45 minutes and calling it studying.”
Although the two official sessions were held on Friday, December 6 and Monday, December 9, students can come to the TLC at any time before and during exam week for personalized assistance.
Drop-in math help is also offered by Mr. Alexander Ginzburg and Ms. Bridget Dixon Moon, instructors in mathematics. The Writing Center provides writing help on weeknights and peer tutors are available for help in all subjects.
Exams begin on Friday, December 13 at 8:30 a.m.