A Bear's Life: Student Stories

Student stories from our peer counselors

Archives for September 2024

How to Read Online Textbooks Effectively (Fall 2024, Week 6)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! For this week’s blog post, I wanted to focus on a study tip for academic success that highlights modern-day technologies. In the twenty-first century, we are faced with more and more technological advancements, especially in the world of education. One lead change I’ve seen is the change from physical to online textbooks. While the content is the same, how you access and measure your understanding can look different. 

 

Utilize All of the Tools Provided

A common feature of online textbooks is the toolbar or functions that are available while reading. The first helpful tool is the “quick search tab” where readers can search keywords or topics to be directed to pages that cover the subject. This can speed up the pace of reading or help relocate information that needs to be referenced again. 

Note-taking should always be practiced when reading your textbook and that is no different when reading on a screen. Clicking on a line of text or selecting the notes icon allows readers to make a direct note in the section of their choice. Flashcards are less frequent but a great tool if available on your platform because it quizzes your knowledge. Some flashcards may be premade and others may allow you to create your own with frequent vocabulary words you find necessary to review. 

The last tool I want to talk about is the audio function. One of my favorite ways to read my online textbooks is while I’m cleaning so that I can listen to the content while actively getting other tasks completed.

 

Make Adjustments Where Needed

If reading online textbooks is new to you or if you feel like you aren’t getting the most out of the experience, my next tip is to make adjustments to how the text is displayed and/or how you access the text. Here are some adjustments that have made a difference in my enjoyment and memory recall and may help increase your success in your classes. First, I recommend adjusting the brightness, line spacing, and font styles so that you have enhanced visibility as needed. Second, have the text read aloud to you so that you can read and hear the information together to further your understanding. Lastly, find out if completing mindless tasks or eliminating all distractions works best for you. I work better when my hands are moving and I’m busy with a task such as cleaning but others may need to zone in and close out other tabs to focus. Discover what works best for you and stick with it!

 

Takeaways

Textbooks are a resource for each of your classes and should guide you in your learning. Understanding the content and getting the most out of a textbook is important for the applied knowledge in the class. If you want more tips for academic success or need guidance in your study habits, visit with the Center for Academic Success and Transition office to meet with a Peer Mentor or a Success Coach. You can request to meet or stop by during drop-in hours. (Drop-in hours change every semester; see the Student Academic Assistance page for this semester’s hours.)

~Aubrey

(Bio: My name is Aubrey Hardy, and I am a senior studying special needs education. Fun fact: I’ve read over 15 books this year!)

Supporting Student Activities (Fall 2024, Week 5)

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Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! This past weekend the Missouri State football team celebrated a winning first home game of the season. I stayed for the entire game and even watched the drone show at the end. Coming together as a student body to support our athletics, band, student organizations, and clubs I was inspired to find other activities to support. Some of my best memories on campus have come from attending events and watching my peers do what they love or having the same people attend my events to support me. Missouri State offers many avenues to find organizations and teams to support but how can you take part?

 

What Organizations and Teams Can I Support?

If you are looking for events to attend on campus or want to dive into the university experience and explore all there is, the Missouri State Calendar is the place to go. On this page, you can find galleries, career expos, panels, recitals, fairs, plays, games, concerts, and more. If you find space on your calendar I recommend visiting this page and finding a friend to bring along with you to experience the activity you chose. In addition to this page, there are also flyers posted throughout residence halls and academic buildings, chalk art, or social media pages so always keep an eye out!

 

Why Should I Support Student Activities?

Community engagement is one of three pillars of the Missouri State Public Affairs Mission. Engaging in student activities will not only grow you but also the community around you on campus. For example, if you attend a play under the Theater and Dance department you might learn something you would have never otherwise known or you may meet someone new. For activities such as sports that encourage crowd participation, you can play a part in getting the team excited for their games. Lastly, some student activities that are smaller in member participation may need outside support to continue in their programming. Playing your part in supporting student activities is what you make it but think about the bigger picture and the impact you could make. 

 

Takeaways

Missouri State University has a full calendar of events ranging in forms of interest all year long. Events are open for student body attendance and all information can be located on various platforms. Supporting fellow students is a chance to learn something new and connect with others. Bears supporting bears is a sure way to create a campus everyone would be happy to attend.

Need help finding events to attend, student activities to support, or ways to get involved at MSU? Meet with a Peer Mentor!

 

~Aubrey

(Bio: My name is Aubrey Hardy, and I am a senior studying special needs education. Fun fact: I’ve read over 15 books this year!)

The Power of Active Learning (Fall 2024, Week 4)

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Welcome back bears! I hope the first weeks back at school have treated you well and that you’re starting to find a rhythm in your classes. As a university, we are at a point in the academic schedule where test materials, essay drafts, and project assignments are starting to be assigned for the weeks ahead. We have several blog posts from previous semesters that cover these topics (Finals / Test Taking and Study Tips) but I wanted to write about strategies for engaging in the college classroom before the midterm point. Engagement is achieved through both active listening and learning in the classroom so the terms have been used interchangeably in this post. 

What are Practical Ways I Can Start Actively Listening?

I wanted to break down three practical steps you can apply to your learning this week:

  1. Participate in class discussions. If you find that your instructor relies heavily on discussions and breakout groups then you can start prepping before class with the provided materials if you were assigned a reading the week before to analyze it and create discussion questions to share with your group or to carry the conversation with an instructor. 
  2.  Ask your instructor questions. Arriving early to class, staying after, or utilizing office hours shouldn’t feel like an intrusion because they are there for you to succeed. If something isn’t making sense, you want to seek clarification on an assignment or a grade. If you have school/career-related questions, take advantage of the opportunity to ask an expert—your instructor!
  3.  Follow along at the pace of the course. Attending each class and following along with lecture notes and assignments will keep you on track making it easier to listen. If you fall behind or skip a class period you’ll be playing catch up as opposed to coming in prepared to learn new material. 

How Engaging In The Classroom Will Impact You Outside The Classroom

Each of the actions I listed will push you as a student to become more academically driven as you grow more comfortable in these practices. Connecting with classmates and instructors is a networking technique that will advance your career opportunities. In addition, practicing now will set you up for success in the post-grad world where collaborating with others and participating in discussion is the expectation. Lastly, active listening is a key component in relationships of all kinds.

Takeaways

Active learning is not something that will come easily especially if it’s not already a common practice for you but starting somewhere is important. I challenge you to try one of the tips I listed to listen in the classroom and see if you note any differences. I hope that this blog post served as a motivation to put your best foot forward and take charge of your education. If you want more advice on what success in the classroom looks like, the Center for Academic Success and Transition Success Coaches and Peer Mentors would be a great resource to contact. 

 

~Aubrey

(Bio: My name is Aubrey Hardy, and I am a senior studying special needs education. Fun fact: I’ve read over 15 books this year!)

Senior Year Perspective  (Fall 2024, Week 3)

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Welcome back to campus, Missouri State Bears! School is back in session for the Fall 2024 semester and I am so excited to be writing blogs once again. This year is extra special as I am a senior. I wanted to take the time to reflect on my past years at Missouri State and set the tone for the year ahead. As you read I encourage you to reflect on your own school year ahead. 

 

My Time at Missouri State

I started at Missouri State University in the Fall of 2021 and I have loved every second of it since then. I was quick to get involved in fraternity and sorority life, campus ministries, and an organization that aligned with my academic interests. I chose MSU because of the community and I’ve stayed for the same reason. There is a sense of belonging and a knowing that I am welcome anywhere on campus that provides a sense of home. 

Every year has looked different depending on the classes I’ve taken, those I’ve lived with, the leadership positions that I’ve held, and the people I’ve met along the way. My best memories over the years are with the people I’ve met through my involvement on campus and the experiences I have had are all thanks to the university. It excites me to think about all the ways students are bound to fall in love with MSU in the months ahead. I hope that I can help first-year students on campus feel the same way. 

 

Going into Senior Year

I am so fortunate to be going into my last year with a community stronger than one I’ve ever known before. The support and guidance that I have found have set me up for a great year ahead as I navigate what is next after graduation. The Center for Academic Success and Transition provides this exact avenue of resources and I recommend all students utilize it. Serving as a Peer Mentor has allowed me to connect with students all across campus to help them create their own Missouri Statement just as I did. 

This year I am making the most of every class, campus event, leadership position, and other opportunities that come along. My advice to those who are just starting their college journey is to find people who will celebrate with you, support you, hold you accountable, and adventure with you. Your time in college will be over before you know it but the memories will last a lifetime. Wishing everyone a great school year!

 

~Aubrey

(Bio: My name is Aubrey Hardy, and I am a senior studying special needs education. Fun fact: I’ve read over 15 books this year!)