UBC Science Peer Academic Coaches (SPAC)

04/14/2018

I like to move it move it 😅😂.

Feel like you need a break while studying for these finals? Move!

With exam time around the corner, this can become harder to do as prioritizing stationary studying over active movement seems like the better choice. However, even this notoriously stagnant individual has come up with 4 easy ways to incorporate movement into studying.

04/10/2018

Hey UBC Science - we are here for you. Check out this exam resource guide put together by UBC fyi.

Good luck on those exams 💪🏼

This might not be your first finals rodeo. But, with all the free resources and support services on campus, it always helps to know where to go for some academic support, stress relief, and study tips.

04/09/2018

Study Smart. 4 Neuroscience proven ways to study more effectively with Dr. Todd Handy

"The smart student starts anticipating what the questions are going to be like, what the exam is going to be like. And that might require doing something a little different than how you're currently studying.”

Dr. Todd Handy is a professor in the Department of Psychology who specializes in cognitive neuroscience. He’s also the kind of prof you’d like to have a coffee with.

04/03/2018

Exam prep right before an exam:
You've put all that time into making sure you know everything for your exam. With the last few hours leading up to the exam, you want your mind and body to be at peak state so you can perform at your best. Here are three exam prep tips for right before an exam:

1. Preparing things the night before the exam: This can help destress your morning and make sure you can get ready with ease. Have your pens, pencils, student card, water bottle, and any other supplies packed and ready to go, so you know you won't forget anything for the exam.

2. Wake up your mind: Put on a playlist of your most energizing jams while you’re showering or getting ready to really wake up your mind and body. Singing along with the lyrics also helps prepare your brain for processing and remembering information!

3. Eating a smart breakfast: A great breakfast prior to a long exam is essential to avoid being distracted by hunger during the exam. However, you also don't want to eat too much that you start feeling sleepy. Go for options such as bagels, oats, and greek yogurt which keep you fuller for longer, while avoiding foods with high sodium and fat that can make you feel sleepy.

03/27/2018

What should I do when I don't know how to answer a question on my exam?

It can be a flustering moment when you run into a question you don't know how to answer. If you find yourself in this situation, it can be hard to move past it and you can easily find yourself spending too much time trying to solve the question.

A common strategy to overcome this situation is to go back to the difficult questions and do the questions that you know how to do first. It helps warm up your brain while you do the questions that you already know how to do. Also, later questions on the test may give you hints on how to answer the more difficult questions.

If you want to hear more strategies on to succeed during your exam, visit a coach for Exam Success in 15 Minutes or Less in Coaches Corner from Monday, March 26th to Friday, April 6th!

Photo by Alberto G. on Flickr.

03/23/2018

Time Management Thursday - How do I plan ahead for finals?

"I start out by making a list of all the chapters and materials I need to study such as notes and practice questions. This helps me plan out how much I need to study and how much time I should dedicate to each topic. Then, I like to schedule in my calendar a few hours for reviewing my notes and/or doing practice problems to test myself the next day."
- Alyssa, Science Peer Academic Coach

To learn more about strategies for planning ahead and time management or to discuss your current study schedule, visit us for Exam Success in 15 Minutes or Less! This event starts next week on Monday, March 26th and runs until Friday, April 6th.

03/21/2018

Our friends at UBC fyi have the same vision as we do - we want to find ways for you to improve your marks and get the best possible grade!

Check out this quick article when you have a chance to see how participation can lead to a higher mark in the end!

As the term comes to an end, there’s one way to boost your final marks that you may not be thinking of right now: participation.

03/19/2018

Motivation Monday - How do I stay motivated?

Pointing out highlights in my day, week, or term reminds me of my long-term goals and motivates me to make this day better than the last.

While it's easy to forget to self-reflect, starting out with the intent of self-reflecting can soon turn into a habit that will inspire and motivate you to be your best self.

The end of term is near, but there is time to consider: "What is it that you want to achieve this term? Where should I start to get to where I want to be by the end of this term?"

If you're having trouble answering these questions or would like to speak about motivation and exams further, visit us for Exam Success in 15 Minutes or Less! This event will run from Monday, March 26th to Friday, April 6th.

Photo by Robert Baker on Unsplash