Touch. See. Feel.
A Prof’s Manifesto on Paper Planners in a High-Tech World.
November 14 2021
Because all the technology they had was not helping them. With every passing year since returning to teaching in 2007, I saw more and more students struggling to complete their schoolwork. Despite alarms in phones, and the ability to take photos of the blackboard and calendar apps and productivity apps and tablets and Apple pens -- they were getting worse at managing their time, not better. They were getting worse at taking notes despite using a laptop in class, and worse at actually remembering and being able to apply what they learned.
Is it care package time???
September 15 2021
The right thing in a care package can give your college student a little boost. Heck, it might even get you an actual phone call, rather than a text!
Getting Along With Your College Roommate
May 21 2021
The "Less Stress" Roommate Contract. This is a great concept where you and your roommate have an honest talk about what your "living" expectations are - things that you need and things that make you uncomfortable. Then you agree on how you will manage these things when you are sharing a space. Topics can include neatness, guests, food in the room, quiet versus noisy, sleeping schedules etc. Even if it's awkward, establishing these things ahead of time will pave the way for a smooth transition.
THE REAL DEAL FROM A PROF: Ratemyprofessors (.com), Registration, & Drop/Add with Coursicle
May 15 2021
Here's the catch: college students register in reverse order, where existing students with the most credits (closest to graduation) get their first choices. Obviously, this is so they can finish their degree. The last students to register are incoming freshmen. Here is how to use the Coursicle app to get a better schedule using the Drop/Add option at most colleges and universities.
Adjusting to College With Old School Methods?
May 8 2021
More and more research is showing that relying on phone apps for time management doesn't help students as much as writing by hand.
The Secret Weapon of Success in School
August 24 2020
When you write by hand, rather than tap into a laptop or tablet, you slow down just enough to think more about WHAT you are writing. Handwriting activates the thinking part of the brain and helps with memory.
Making Your Mark in A Zoom Classroom
August 24 2020
Meeting and learning via Zoom is hard for students, of course, but there are some things you can do to surf this zoom wave well, and make a positive impression on your teacher!
Enough with Power Point Passivity!
August 14 2020
So what is with all this talk of stickers and markers? What do they actually DO? It turns out, they do A LOT when it comes to learning.
Dealing with Uncertainty During the Coronavirus Pandemic
August 8 2020
If we think of tolerance for uncertainty as a "muscle" we can develop, we can start to build that tolerance and navigate this crisis more effectively.
An Introduction to the planner by its creator, Prof. Ginny Horan
August 1 2020
Find out more about the Centered Student Planner with a video from it's creator, Prof. Ginny Horan
How a Paper Planner can help during a Pandemic
July 31 2020
The problem with fully online classes is that we fall victim to the "out of sight, out of mind" phenomenon.
Planning to be Happy?
July 14 2020
By learning to manage your time, you reduce your stress. When you reduce your stress, you feel better.
Hey Student: Here's How To Use Your Planner
June 27 2020
Most people are visual learners so "seeing" what they need to do, written in a planner, helps them remember. Writing tasks and appointments down by hand also activates the brain and increases recall.
Don't give yourself choices you don't actually have!
June 8 2020
Far too many college students get into trouble by giving themselves choices they don't REALLY have. That means if you registered for a class, why would you presume that attendance is optional? You already MADE the decision so follow through.
The Ups and Downs of Young Love
May 25 2020
College is where you will make very deep friendships that will sustain you far more than any romance, so focus on your friends as much as you can. This is a precious few years for most college students and real life is just around the corner. Honor yourself. Value yourself. Don't let love derail you at this amazing point in your life.
Rock, paper, screen?
May 25 2020
One of the biggest problems college students face is time management. In fact 28% of US college students drop out in their first year but it isn’t from a lack of ability or intelligence. It’s usually about smaller hurdles that build up over time, like procrastination and feeling overwhelmed by the sudden shift to being fully responsible for their learning. I wanted to know more, so I worked with college seminar students to figure out why, with the abundance of smart phones and apps, they had such a hard time getting their work done, attending all their classes and balancing their lives. Well, it turns out that paper beats screen!
Stress Busters for Finals Week
May 25 2020
For many college students, this is finals week and taking exams remotely and finishing papers from home during the pandemic adds a whole additional layer of stress. Students feel distracted, overwhelmed and exhausted from all the screen-based, self-directed learning.
Don't Accept it! Remote Instruction does not mean teach yourself!
May 25 2020
Don't Accept it! Remote Instruction does not mean teach yourself!
An Essay is like a Krabby Patty
May 25 2020
If you are a student whose heart sinks when you hear the word essay, take heart. The key to writi...
Who is the centered student?
May 25 2020
The Centered Student Planner was designed by me, a college professor for almost 30 years, to weave together a time management system with academic coaching and support. The support is aligned with the semester itself, so early weeks focus on how to break down a syllabi, plan for assignments and take effective notes. Later, students learn how to manage the stress of midterms and various study techniques. Along the way, we address balancing a social life with school, the importance of sleep and self care, how to approach professors, and advocate for yourself as a student.
But what about our high school seniors???
May 1 2020
Time will tell, as it always does, but I foresee great things ahead for this Class of 2020. All the things we know they need to be successful in life - resilience, grit, optimism, delaying gratification - are growing in them right this minute.
A Professor's Top Ten Tips for Succeeding in Online Learning
April 4 2020
You got this! Doing Well in Online Classes
by Virginia Horan
It is one thing to choose to take ...
College and COVID19...How to Cope
April 1 2020
College and COVID19. Typically this time of the semester is very stressful as students face finals, but the present crisis has quadrupled that stress. Here is what you can do as a college student.