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While the negative effects of social media are well documented, a new paper published by researchers at Macquarie University, La Trobe University and UNSW, has found some surprising benefits for teens who use TikTok.

Associate Professor Jess McLean from the School of Social Sciences conducted a qualitative study with a group of teenagers aged between 13 and 17, and discovered that care was an important theme in their experiences. Using TikTok helped them to nurture relationships, find support, express themselves and become more aware of their privilege and social issues around the globe.

"TikTok is an avenue for extending and building already existing friendships and family relationships," Associate Professor McLean says. "Participants share videos and comment on what they are experiencing on TikTok with friends and siblings to build their connections."

Connection and care during COVID-19

TikTok is the fastest growing social media platform globally, however to date the voices of young people have been mostly absent from studies conducted on the platform.

This prompted Dr McLean to focus on this cohort - along with co-authors Dr Clare Southerton and Professor Deborah Lupton - for their paper Young people and TikTok use in Australia: digital geographies of care in popular culture, which was recently published in leading international journal Social & Cultural Geography.

"We spoke to young people mostly during the 2021 lockdown about their use of TikTok and the affordances the app provided. They could extend care across distance through sharing videos and it was also a part of their self-care routines," Associate Professor McLean says.

"People could scroll through TikTok as a break from doing homework or schoolwork, and it added some diversity to their day. They could also get a sense of what was happening in other parts of the world and broaden their horizons."

Awareness of social issues

Another way that care was evident was through the way in which TikTok broadened the participants world views and created more awareness around social issues, researchers found.

I was also intrigued by how some of the participants thought TikTok helped people understand their privilege.

"What was interesting was that by using TikTok, there was a greater awareness of geographic and ethnic diversity," Associate Professor McLean says.

"People observed differences between rural and urban TikTok content creators. One of our respondents talked about how the city is considered the default location by TikTok users, while rural content creators sometimes lampoon urban dwellers.

"It was really interesting as well to hear lots of positive commentary around gender-based solidarity where women were supporting women, and there were a lot of positive opportunities for people to express and assert different identities."

The research participants were mostly situated in Sydney, and Associate Professor McLean says she was surprised by the extent to which TikTok made people aware of their relative privilege.
Representation: TikTok is the fastest growing social media platform globally, says Associate Professor McLean, pictured, but the voices of young people have been mostly absent from studies about the platform.
"I found it really interesting that teenagers engage with content that shows other ways of being and some of the economic constraints that people elsewhere in the world experienced," she says.

"I was also really intrigued by how some of the participants thought TikTok helped people understand their privilege. I wasn't predicting that that would be an outcome of the research."

One 13 year-old participant identified Bader Al Safar, a TikTok star with more than 24 million followers, as his favourite content creator. While Al Safar's content is often centred on playful recipes and hacks, he also posts serious critiques of social injustice.

"To be exposed to those sorts of stories and experiences alongside each other is something that TikTok enables in a very constructive way," she says.

"Also, the length of the TikTok [video] makes it really appealing to children and young people. They can engage with many different viewpoints quite quickly, in a way that centres entertainment, rather than more flat forms of communication that might be more text-based."

Taking a critical view

As popular as TikTok is with teens, they are not engaging with it or viewing it in an uncritical way, the researchers found. Children and young people are aware of its downsides and like to work proactively to improve the experience. They also have an expectation that TikTok will have a duty of care to people using the platform.

"While there was a lot of enthusiasm and enjoyment with using TikTok, there was also recognition of its problems," Associate Professor McLean says.

"For instance, one user said that they would report things that they thought were inappropriate, that should be removed, and other participants were a bit frustrated that there hadn't been any action taken on complaints - that nothing happened as a result of that."

Other aspects the participants saw as negatives included the algorithm being too effective at showing them similar content, which prevented them from being exposed to other topics or ideas. Shadow banning (when a social media platform bans a user's content from showing up without notifying the user), hate speech and cancel culture were other issues that bothered them about using the app.

In terms of time spent on the app, participants reported using TikTok for between 30 minutes and four hours a day during the lockdown.

"I think it's really important to have some constraints on how we use digital technologies, including social media, and the children and young people identified this as an important issue," Associate Professor McLean says.

"The app helps facilitate care, even though there are careless aspects to it as well, just like other platforms. TikTok provides opportunities for children and young people to have fun and build connections with each other - that's really important to keep in mind. And those are all reasons why they keep using TikTok. They also discussed ways TikTok sometimes didn't feel supportive or safe and shared their ideas for ways the app could better enable care for all its users."

Jess McLean is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences.

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The surprising benefits of TikTok for teenagers

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While the negative effects of social media are well documented, a new paper published by researchers at Macquarie University, La Trobe University and UNSW, has found some surprising benefits for teens who use TikTok.

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What Are the Benefits of TikTok? - BrandMentions Wiki

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Nearly tripling in size since 2018, the app is set to reach 1.2 Billion average monthly active international users in 2021. Its main demographic are teenagers and young adults, with around 60% of the users being people between the age of 16 and 24. You can easily see how this audience pool can assist you in:

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I am a psychiatrist who's on TikTok. No wait, it gets grosser: I am over 30. Please let me explain. When the pandemic first hit, the public was isolating and spending more time on their devices, and young people were getting completely devoured by the new phenomenon of TikTok. I, like most human adults, considered this nothing more than an incredible time waster for preteens.

As my work shifted to telehealth sessions, my patients would hold up their devices to the screen to show me the latest TikTok tidbit about mental health. A lot of it would be regarding potential self-diagnosis, and a lot of it was absolute garbage.

However, I marveled at this impressive app that was engaging so many people and bringing mental health out of the shadows. I came to realize this wasn't just a tween fad but a powerful platform for information transmission. Younger people didn't want to read an article or watch a documentary; they wanted these bite-sized pieces of information that educated, entertained, and inspired them.

So in December 2020, I made my first TikTok.

It was weird. I was super self-conscious. My first video, talking about people in my life who would confuse "psychiatrist" with "psychic," probably got 30 views. I didn't dance and wasn't lip-syncing so it was difficult to see an avenue for growth. I nearly gave up, but I wanted to create an "educational safe space" to learn about ADHD, hoping it would at least benefit my existing patients. I also thought it would help me understand my own ADHD brain a little better. I kept at it and in six months had more than 100,000 followers.

I started to really enjoy the creative process of this short-form content. My videos were 15 to 30 seconds long and often took me just two to three minutes to make, from idea to edit. As my follower number grew, I became more invested in putting out higher-quality videos in hopes that it would reach more marginalized populations. TikTok let me interact with people who were grappling with finding a name for their mental health symptoms, who didn't have access to a physician and wanted to change their behavior, who were searching for the next step after recognizing signs of ADHD in their child. I started doing TikTok Live to answer nonclinical questions in real time-how to get help, how to approach loved ones who were struggling, and how to find resources for support groups. I even started mentoring aspiring physicians with ADHD. I did it all after my kids were asleep, from the comfort of my own couch.

I continue to produce content because the ADHD and mental health communities on TikTok are so vocal and supportive and, despite what you hear, endlessly empowering. I will never grow tired of hearing that my content has helped someone feel seen or has made possible a hard conversation. I have struggled with my own ADHD, and making these videos and interacting with followers has been incredibly validating. Through this app, I have met other providers, expanded my creative outlet, and learned about what patients need and want from their psychiatrist.

The true value of TikTok is its immense potential public health impact. Used appropriately, it's one of the most powerful tools we have for scaling information and fighting misinformation.

Being a content generator on TikTok is not something I would've thought about in medical school, but it has impacted how I practice. I am more aware of misconceptions and fears people hold about ADHD, the controversy surrounding its diagnosis, the limitations of seeking care, and the concerns about stigmatization. Many of my patients have first considered a diagnosis because "I saw it on TikTok" and now are able to open up a dialogue about the condition more freely.

Initially, I felt it was undignified for a physician to be on TikTok. Now I recognize that the public needs more people to share engaging but research-backed information in an environment not completely saturated by doctor hubris. I strongly believe TikTok is the pathway to provide a wide population with information that could lead to diagnosis and treatment.

TikTok's true value is its immense potential public health impact. Used appropriately, it's one of the most powerful tools we have for scaling information and fighting misinformation. We fear the negative impacts of social media: perpetuating stereotypes and propagating misinformation, and its addictive nature. But it has powerful benefits and incredible promise for expanding access and education.

Don't forget, social media is still in its infancy-my generation didn't have it growing up. We lack the longitudinal data to make definitive claims about whether social media is "bad" or "good." Maybe it will prove too nuanced to label. What I can tell you now is TikTok is not just a feel-good dancing and lip-syncing app. It could be how future generations get the information they need to feel good about themselves. We need to mitigate its risks and learn how it works, so our patients use it wisely.

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TikTok is a tool for mental health, not a threat to it

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TikTok mental health videos have come under intense scrutiny from some users. We shouldn't jump to conclusions, says one creator.

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Wes Anderson's stylised action-comedy The Grand Budapest Hotel scooped up Oscars for best production design, costume design, makeup and score. As lead graphic designer on the film, Annie Atkins handcrafted Anderson's fictional empire of Zubrowka one postage stamp and pastry box at a time, working closely with production designer Adam Stockhausen and Anderson to bring the cult film-maker's meticulous vision to life.

Atkins has also worked on 's stop-motion masterpiece The Boxtrolls, for which she the incredible Victorian packaging worn by the curious underground creatures.

We caught up with Atkins to find out what it's like to work as a graphic designer in the high-profile world of film. Read on for her top tips, tricks and advice.

01. It's not all about the cinema audience

"When we create graphic props and set pieces, we're not always making them for the cinema audience - these are pieces that are dressed into the sets to create a more authentic experience for the director and actors to work in," says Atkins.

"Every period film you see will have shopfront signage and street posters and offices full of paperwork and maps and documents. These are all items that are made by the show's graphic designers specifically to fit the genre, period, and style of the script. It's about setting up a scene."

For example, the signage for the titular hotel features typesetting inaccuracies taken directly from real references of the period the film was set in.

02. Your props must feel real

The designer's job is to make props that feel authentic for the actor. Remember: what you see on screen isn't what the actors are facing.

"In real life, film sets don't look like they look in the movies - they're full of lights and cables and people standing around in North Face jackets," smiles Atkins. "So anything you can do to give an actor or director a more authentic experience on set is going to go some small way in helping the final cut of the movie."

Wes Anderson wrote every single article found inside the Trans-Alpine Yodel newspaper that features in The Grand Budapest Hotel. His efforts weren't wasted, either. "There's a lot of waiting around on film sets, so people tend to read the fake newspapers," adds Atkins.

03. Set design is all a trick

A film's art department can be huge, with all kinds of specialists from model-makers to painters, scenic artists, draughtsmen and plasterers.

"Design is rarely neglected in filmmaking, but sometimes it seems invisible because an audience assumes that everything they see on a screen was already there," explains Atkins. "They don't think for a second that it was all built up from nothing on a stage in Bray. That's the magic of design for film: you're not always supposed to be aware of it. It's all a trick."

04. Learn the period quickly

"I usually get around 6-8 weeks prep before shooting starts, and that's the essential time I take to become fully immersed in the period I'm working to," says Atkins. Working on a range of projects means it's usual for her to design for the same style or period more than once.

"I knew nothing about nothing about Eastern European 1930s when I started the Grand Budapest Hotel," she continues. "You need a good understanding of the history of the printing press, for example, to be able to imitate it convincingly on a laser jet."

05. Study antique design in the flesh

The one piece of advice Atkins would offer to design students? Study antique graphic design in the flesh. "There's no point doing a Google image search for a telegram. You need to understand the scale of the text and the texture of the paper in your hands, otherwise it's never going to work in an actor's hands."

06. Be prepared to live on set

Although sometimes it's possible to work remotely, there's no substitute for getting on set. "Film sets are very physical environments and you need to be there with the rest of the crew wherever possible, so you can go down to the prop house or nip in to the set to take measurements," says Atkins.

"The prop master and the set decorator need you there, so they can grab you and show you stuff as it's being turned out. You also need to see the textures and weights of materials, and understand the scales of sets."

Practical considerations also have an impact - if you're working from home, you need to factor in time to travel to and from the set when required, which isn't always possible if you're working to a tight schedule.

07. Check your spelling

Atkins has one major regret from her work on The Grand Budapest Hotel: she didn't check the spelling on the iconic Mendl's box before it went to print.

"I'd spelt 'Patisserie' wrong - we only noticed it after we'd shot it a hundred times in various different scenes. I was mortified," she cringes. "We corrected it in post, and Wes was so nice about it, but I burnt bright red when I realised what I'd done, especially as spelling and grammar is something I take quite a lot of pride in and go on and on about to junior designers."

08. Last but not least...

Finally, Atkins has some some quick-fire tips for surviving on a film set. "Never run on a film set - they'll know you've forgotten something. Also: keep your paper supplies high... It's better to be looking at it than looking for it."
Liked this? Try these...

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8 things you didn't know about design for film

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Wes Anderson's stylised action-comedy The Grand Budapest Hotel scooped up Oscars for best production design, costume design, makeup and score. As lead graphic designer on the film, Annie Atkins handcrafted Anderson's fictional empire of Zubrowka one postage stamp and pastry box at a time, working closely with production designer Adam Stockhausen and Anderson to bring the cult film-maker's meticulous vision to life.

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Through My Window

Spanish
A través de mi ventana

Directed by

Marçal Forés

Screenplay by

Eduard Sola

Based on

Through My Window
by Ariana Godoy

Produced by

Starring

Cinematography

Elías M. Félix

Edited by

Verónica Callón

Distributed by
Netflix

116 minutes[1]

Country

Spain

Languages

Through My Window (Spanish: A través de mi ventana) is a 2022 Spanish teen romantic drama film directed by Marçal Forés from a screenplay by Eduard Sola, based on the novel of the same name by Ariana Godoy. The film stars Julio Peña, Clara Galle and Pilar Castro. It was released on Netflix on 4 February 2022.

A sequel titled Through My Window: Across the Sea was released on 23 June 2023.

Raquel starts narrating the story of her life. In a classroom we see her refusing to read her assignment as even though she knows how to write a story, she isn't brave enough to tell it. She then says that her story doesn't start in this classroom, it actually starts in her house.

Her house as she describes is a humble abode that, through ups and downs, ended up surrounded by an empire called the Hidalgo mansion. The Hidalgos are her next door neighbors but their lifestyle is completely different from hers. The Hidalgos own Alpha 3, one of the most influential companies in the country, whose headquarters is the most spectacular building in Barcelona.

Alpha 3 refers to the three heirs to the empire, the Hidalgo brothers, Artemis, Ares and Apolo. Raquel has an unhealthy obsession with Ares but has never said a word to him. She knows everything he does and likes to collect information about him.

Apolo thanks Raquel for letting them use her Wi-Fi as theirs is broken. She is confused and finds out that Ares has hacked into her computer and cracked the Wi-Fi password. The next day Raquel follows Ares into a secluded wooded area, where she confronts him about hacking into her computer. In response, he writes the password on her hand and asks her why it is a code that says, 'Ares, Greek God'. They exchange words which leads to Raquel admitting that she likes him and wants him to fall for her.

At night she unplugs the Wi-Fi to assert that it's her, who is in control of it. But Ares climbs up her window into her room and plugs it back in. They share a steamy moment that leaves Raquel wanting for more. The next day Ares invites her to a party where she seduces him but doesn't let him get what he wants and exclaims that karma is a bitch.

Later, she buys a drink for Apolo who gets too drunk and doesn't want to go back to his place. She takes him to her place with the help of her friend, Daniela. On the way to her place, Apolo accidentally breaks her phone. Ares again climbs up her window and says that until their father goes to work, they can't go back home. Ares opens up to her about his grandfather's death and how he too has allergies just like him. Ares gifts Raquel a new phone but she isn't very pleased with this gesture. So she goes to his house to return the phone but things get too steamy and they end up having sex. But after this, Ares acts indifferent which makes Raquel really angry and she storms off.

She realizes that she has left her locket at his place so she goes back to get it. She ends up staying the night but in the morning he again dismisses her and makes her leave. Raquel's friends, Daniela and Yoshi bring her to a party to help her take her mind off of Ares where she gets drunk. Ares sees her in the street in a vulnerable position and takes her to her house. Ares admits that he has been pushing her away as she makes him feel things and how his father has already set a path for him which he has follow. A path that doesn't involve falling for any girl. Ares tells Raquel that he genuinely does care about her and asks her to give him another chance.

Everything seems to be going well this time. But that is until Ares takes Raquel to a family party to prove a point to his father. There, Raquel feels humiliated when she sees her mother working as a waiter.

Raquel has a heartfelt conversation with her mother where she tells her not to follow in the footsteps of her father. Her father was a great writer but he never had the courage to publish his novel. She encourages her to cut all the drama and just tell Ares how she really feels about him.

Raquel goes to Ares's place to tell him just that but isn't allowed into the house as everyone in his family feels that she is a distraction that will stop him from attaining his goals. Ares disobeys everyone and runs to the prom where he is shunned by Yoshi for breaking Raquel's heart so many times.

Yoshi is furious and doesn't let Ares speak to Raquel. They exchange words that lead to a fight where Yoshi pushes Ares into a partially empty pool, spilling chlorine into as he turns away.

Raquel visits him at the hospital and stays by his side the whole time until he completely recovers. After the scare, Ares's family lets him do what he wants. So, he decided to study medicine in Stockholm.

At the airport, Ares confesses that he had purposefully broken their Wi-Fi so that he could talk to her.

Raquel is finally brave enough to tell her story, so four months later she publishes her book called 'Through My Window'.

The end credits roll as we see Ares climb up her window to surprise her.

Julio Peña as Ares Hidalgo

Clara Galle as Raquel Mendoza

Pilar Castro as Rosa María

Hugo Arbues as Apolo Hidalgo

Rachel Lascar as Sofía Hidalgo

Eric Masip as Artemis Hidalgo

Natalia Azahara as Daniela

Guillermo Lasheras as Yoshi

Marià Casals as Marco

Lucía de la Puerta as Samy

Emilia Lazo as Claudia

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 0% based on six reviews. Janire Zurbano of rated the film with 2 out of 5 stars considering that it featured "sex, attempts of female empowerment and the same old toxic cliches".

In February 2022, Netflix announced the development of two sequels, later revealing the title of the first one to be Through the Sea (), featuring Andrea Chaparro, Iván Lapadula and Carla Tous as cast additions.

Through My Window: Across the Sea was released on 23 June 2023. The third and final instalment, , is set to be released on 23 February 2024.

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Through My Window Spanish A través de mi ventana Directed by Marçal Forés Screenplay by Eduard Sola Based on Through My Window by Ariana Godoy Produced by Starring Cinematography Elías M.

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Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris Universitas Islam Indonesia

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Written by Aureliana Ditasari, Nida Fauziah, and Rifka Indah Nizar

On this day, who doesn't like watching movies? People nowadays are likely to be obsessed with movies. We may find out a lot through watching movies without even realizing it, as long as we manage them effectively. Many people use movies to get rid of negative thoughts or recharge their batteries. Watching movies is fun, especially if we watch movies either with our friends or with family, but did you know that the simple activity that we take for granted could significantly affect our development? Movies are a way to have fun and provide many positive benefits. Here are the top five benefits of watching movies!

Foreign-language movies can help us learn a new language

Do any of you enjoy watching movies in languages other than your native? Movies from Korea, Japan, China, Turkey, Arabic, or many more. Are you aware that watching movies with different language backgrounds will gradually give you some of the vocabularies that frequently appear in the movie's dialogue? Even if we still watch those movies with subtitles, this is one of the advantages of watching movies in languages besides our native language. Sometimes, the brain may unconsciously repeat familiar vocabulary to recognize its meaning or even pronounce it correctly.

For example, we watch movies from western countries,. Fluency in English is crucial for some people, particularly those who did not grow up in a country where English was their first language. Can we merely watch movies to enhance our language skills? How do we do that?

We are not only practicing our listening and speaking skills when watching movies. The brain will effortlessly replicate the dialogue in English movies since almost everyone is familiar with English, an international language. As a result, it is not surprising that we can unconsciously string together a sentence in English during dialogue or find out the meaning of a word just by thinking about it, like in movies we have watched.

In some cases, people may even master a new language only by watching movies. They will be able to watch the movie without having to read subtitles. Maybe not everyone will understand the complicated grammar or the uncommon vocabulary of the country. However, understanding the context of their language, in general, will increase our knowledge beyond our first and second languages. Using subtitles will allow you to understand the content. Concentrate on the key words and take notes as needed to help you remember. As a result, you will retain the information for a long time.

Movies benefit us in learning about new cultures

History buffs have plenty of options when it comes to movies. It can show us new things about the culture that we probably did not know. We gain many things, such as a country's history or a new culture, and then we realize some influential figures in the world. Educating ourselves on a country's history may instill a sense of nationalism in us. It is the same when we watch historical movies from other countries. We may learn a lot from an excellent historical movie by understanding essential issues and events. Not only that, but historical movies are also valuable in the classroom, as teachers may show them to their pupils so that they can better acquire or understand history courses.

Movies could provide both enjoyment and stress reduction

Many people find watching movies both entertaining and a way to reduce stress. Watching movies can make us forget our problems is an alternative to anxiety loss. As previously said, watching movies can have a positive emotional impact. Movies can calm us down and soothe us. We reduce the stress within us by lowering worry, and even watching a movie may turn all negative thoughts into the better, as long as it is enjoyable.

Have you ever read a movie quote over and over again? It indicates the movie has encouraged you to feel more positive and inspired. We may learn a lot by watching movies. Movies may motivate us to make positive changes in our lives, and movies' strong characters can inspire us to do the same. The benefit of watching movies can increase self-motivation to be solid and inflexible in dealing with all the problems. Even though it is just a movie, we can acquire this psychological influence in our life.

Watching movies can help us gain more insight and understanding

Beyond entertainment, movies can likely provide insight into people, with different genres presenting them with many new insights. Watching movies from other countries tells us much about each country's culture and national values. Watching movies can also give a different view to each viewer from the beginning of the story itself. Each movie's plot or characters will provide us with a different perspective than anyone else. It gives us insight into things we did not know before without recognizing them.

There are so many benefits that we can get from watching movies. We need to turn our simple hobby into something productive so that our efforts will not be vain. So, what are you waiting for? Let's find more good movies and reach your goals!

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Five Reasons Why Watching Movies Is Beneficial to Our Personal Development - Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris Universitas Islam Indonesia

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Written by Aureliana Ditasari, Nida Fauziah, and Rifka Indah Nizar On this day, who doesn't like watching movies? People nowadays are likely to be obsessed with movies. We may find out a lot through watching movies without even realizing it, as long as we manage them effectively.

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In 2009, archaeologists excavating a cave in southern Germany uncovered a flute carved from a vulture's wing bone. The delicate artifact is the oldest known musical instrument on earth - indicating that people have been making music for over 40,000 years.

Although we can't be sure exactly when human beings began listening to music, scientists do know something about why we do. Listening to music benefits us individually and collectively. Here's what research tells us about the power of music to improve our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Researchers think one of the most important functions of music is to create a feeling of cohesion or social connectedness.

Evolutionary scientists say human beings may have developed a dependence on music as a communication tool because our ancestors descended from arboreal species - tree-dwellers who called to one another across the canopy.

Music remains a powerful way of uniting people:

national anthems connect crowds at sporting events

protest songs stir a sense of shared purpose during marches

hymns build group identity in houses of worship

love songs help prospective partners bond during courtship

lullabies enable parents and infants to develop secure attachments

How, then, does music benefit us as individuals?

It can lead to better learning

Doctors at Johns Hopkins recommend that you listen to music to stimulate your brain. Scientists know that listening to music engages your brain - they can see the active areas light up in MRI scans.

Researchers now know that just the promise of listening to music can make you want to learn more. In one 2019 study, people were more motivated to learn when they expected to listen to a song as their reward.

It can improve memory

Music also has a positive effect on your ability to memorize.

In one , researchers gave people tasks that required them to read and then recall short lists of words. Those who were listening to classical music outperformed those who worked in silence or with white noise.

The same study tracked how fast people could perform simple processing tasks - matching numbers to geometrical shapes - and a similar benefit showed up. Mozart helped people complete the task faster and more accurately.

Mayo Clinic points out that while music doesn't reverse the memory loss experienced by people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, music has been found to slow cognitive decline, helping people with mild or moderate dementia remember episodes from their lives.

Music memory is one of the brain functions most resistant to dementia. That's why some caregivers have had success using music to calm dementia patients and build trusting connections with them.

It can help treat mental illness

Music literally changes the brain. Neurological researchers have found that listening to music triggers the release of several neurochemicals that play a role in brain function and mental health:

dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and "reward" centers

stress hormones like cortisol

serotonin and other hormones related to immunity

oxytocin, a chemical that fosters the ability to connect to others

Although more research needs to be done to understand precisely how music can be used therapeutically to treat mental illness, some suggest that music therapy can improve the quality of life and social connectedness for people with schizophrenia.

A number of researchers have interviewed groups about why they listen to music. Study participants vary widely in terms of age, gender, and background, but they report strikingly similar reasons.

One of the most common uses of music? It helps people regulate their emotions, researchers found. It has the power to change moods and help people process their feelings.

It can help lower anxiety

There's lots of evidence that listening to music can help calm you in situations where you might feel anxious.

have shown that people in rehab after a stroke are more relaxed once they've listened to music for an hour.

Similar indicate that music blended with nature sounds help people feel less anxious. Even people facing critical illness feel less anxiety after music therapy.

There's conflicting evidence about whether listening to music has an effect on your body's physiological stress response, however. indicated that the body releases less cortisol, a stress hormone, when people listen to music. This same study referenced previous research stating that music had little measurable effect on cortisol levels.

One recent that measured several indicators of stress (not just cortisol) concluded that while listening to music before a stressful event doesn't reduce anxiety, listening to relaxing music after a stressful event can help your nervous system recover faster.

It helps the symptoms of depression

A 2017 research review concluded that listening to music, particularly classical combined with jazz, had a positive effect on depression symptoms, especially when there were several listening sessions conducted by board certified music therapists.

Not into jazz or the classics? You may want to try a group percussion session instead. The same research review found that drum circles also had above-average benefits for people dealing with depression.

It can help your heart health

Music can make you want to move - and the benefits of dancing are well documented. Scientists also know that listening to music can your breath rate, your heart rate, and your blood pressure, depending on the music's intensity and tempo.

It decreases fatigue

Anyone who has ever rolled down car windows and turned up the radio knows that music can be energizing. There's solid science behind that lived experience.

In 2015, researchers at Shanghai University found that relaxing music helped reduce fatigue and maintain muscle endurance when people were engaged in a repetitive task.

Music therapy sessions also lessened fatigue in people receiving cancer treatments and raised the fatigue threshold for people engaged in demanding neuromuscular training, which leads us to the next big benefit.

It boosts exercise performance

Exercise enthusiasts have long known that music enhances their physical performance.

A 2020 research review confirms that working out with music improves your mood, helps your body exercise more efficiently, and cuts down on your awareness of exertion. Working out with music also leads to longer workouts.

In clinical settings, athletes who listened to high-intensity, fast music during warmups were motivated to perform better competitively.

You don't have to be a world-class competitor to benefit: shows that syncing your workout to music can allow you to reach peak performance using less oxygen than if you did the same workout without the beat. Music acts as a metronome in your body, researchers said.

It can help manage pain

Specially trained music therapists use music to help alleviate pain in inpatient and outpatient settings. A 2016 meta-analysis of over 90 studies reported that music helps people manage both acute and chronic pain better than medication alone.

Music exerts a powerful influence on human beings. It can boost memory, build task endurance, lighten your mood, reduce anxiety and depression, stave off fatigue, improve your response to pain, and help you work out more effectively.

Working with a music therapist is one effective way to take advantage of the many benefits music can have on your body, mind, and overall health.

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Benefits of Music on Body, Mind, Relationships & More

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In 2009, archaeologists excavating a cave in southern Germany uncovered a flute carved from a vulture's wing bone. The delicate artifact is the oldest known musical instrument on earth - indicating that people have been making music for over 40,000 years.

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Music can have a profound effect on both the emotions and the body. Faster music can make you feel more alert and concentrate better. Upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive about life. A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day. Music is effective for relaxation and stress management.

Research confirms these personal experiences with music. Current findings indicate that music around 60 beats per minute can cause the brain to synchronize with the beat causing alpha brainwaves (frequencies from 8 - 14 hertz or cycles per second). This alpha brainwave is what is present when we are relaxed and conscious. To induce sleep (a delta brainwave of 5 hertz), a person may need to devote at least 45 minutes, in a relaxed position, listening to calming music. Researchers at Stanford University have said that "listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication." They noted that music is something that almost anybody can access and makes it an easy stress reduction tool.

So what type of music reduces stress the best? A bit surprising is that Native American, Celtic, Indian stringed-instruments, drums, and flutes are very effective at relaxing the mind even when played moderately loud. Sounds of rain, thunder, and nature sounds may also be relaxing particularly when mixed with other music, such as light jazz, classical (the "largo" movement), and easy listening music. Since with music we are rarely told the beats per minute, how do you choose the relaxation music that is best for you? The answer partly rests with you: You must first like the music being played, and then it must relax you. You could start by simply exploring the music on this web page. Some may relax you, some may not. Forcing yourself to listen to relaxation music that irritates you can create tension, not reduce it. If that happens, try looking for alternatives on the internet or consult with Counseling Service staff for other musical suggestions. It is important to remember that quieting your mind does not mean you will automatically feel sleepy. It means your brain and body are relaxed, and with your new calm self, you can then function at your best in many activities.

Experiment now. Experience a "sound bath" and let the music carry you away

The links below each open relaxing musical selections in YouTube.

A Moment of Peace Meditation
Aneal & Bradfield, "Heaven and Earth Spirits" track from Life & Love). Lovely contemporary piano music with accompanying instruments and nature scenes.

Echoes of Time
C. Carlos Nakai from the Canyon Trilogy. Serene Native American flute music, with a picture of Nakai backlit by the sun at the Grand Canyon.

The Winding Path
Ken Kern from The Winding Path. Highly rated, beautiful piano music with accompanying instruments with pictures of exquisite flowers and plants.

Classical Indian Music for Healing and Relaxing
Gayatri Govindarajan, "Pure Deep Meditation" track. Lovely and rhythmic music played on the veena, the most ancient of the Indian plucked-instruments, with nature scenes.

Angels of Venice
Angels of Venice from Music for Harp, Flute and Cello. Classical with 3 instruments with nature pictures.

Earth Drum
"Spirit Vision," (David & Steve Gordon. Serene and lovely contemporary Native American informed-drumming music utilizing Taos Log Drum and Incan Pan along with other instruments and ocean/forest nature scenes.

Buddha Spirit
Aneal & Bradfield from Light & Love. Reflective but strong contemporary music utilizing various instruments and occasional humming voices with colorful oscillating fractals

Spa Relaxing Music
Tranquil contemporary instrumental with piano and a fixed candle light.

Relaxation Music: 1-Hour Meditation Candle
Serene contemporary instrumental with piano and one flickering candle.

Sleep Deeply
Dan Gibson. Nature sounds and instrumental, tranquil sleep music.

Weightless
Marconi Union. The sounds on this video are carefully arranged harmonies, rhythms, and bass lines that help slow a listener's heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and lower levels of the cortisol stress hormone.

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Releasing Stress Through the Power of Music | Counseling Services

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Music can have a profound effect on both the emotions and the body. Faster music can make you feel more alert and concentrate better. Learn how to use music's power to relax and release stress.

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Have you ever been hanging out with your friends as they discuss interesting topics - only to realize you don't have any exciting facts to contribute to the conversation? We've all been there at some point.

Luckily, we have just what you need to redeem yourself - interesting facts about music and famous musicians. Whether your crowd listens to pop stars like Beyonce or violinists like Lindsey Stirling, they're sure to enjoy some fun facts.

After all, music is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, creating connections and enriching lives. With these fun facts, you can all develop a better understanding and appreciation of all different types of music.

1. Plants can grow faster if music is playing

Now, before you get your speakers out to test this theory, let's explain - it's not music specifically that makes plants grow, but rather sounds.

Sound frequencies of 125 Hz and 250 Hz induce the production of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (ald) and Rubisco small sub-unit (rbcS) genes, which are vital for photosynthesis. And, as you already know, photosynthesis results in energy, which translates to growth.

Further, green music (sounds like rainfall and birds chirping) and classical music promote seed germination, increased stress tolerance, and higher yields. So, don't be surprised if you hear music playing in your neighbor's garden.

2. The oldest known musical instrument is 50,000 years old

While it may come as a surprise, homosapiens weren't the first species to play music. The proof is in the Neanderthal Flute made of cave bear bones, discovered in Slovenia in 1995.

Experts believe it to be at least 50,000 years old, making it the oldest instrument ever found - so far, at least. So, while legendary violinists like David Oistrakh and famous composers like Mozart may have popularized music, it's always been in our genes.

3. A Canadian astronaut released an album of songs all recorded in space

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield proved that you don't need a million-dollar studio to produce music by releasing an album of songs in space. The album - Space Sessions: Songs from a Tin Can - comprises original songs and a cover of David Bowie's "Space Oddity." We can only describe it as "out of this world" (pun intended).

4. The Beatles didn't know how to read or write sheet music

Knowing how to read and write sheet music is great, but t's not entirely necessary - even if you want to make it in the music industry and produce number-one hit songs. In a 60 Minutes interview, Paul McCartney revealed that neither he nor his songwriting bandmates could read sheet music.

So how did the band amass such success without knowing how to read and write music? The answer lies in ear training.

The bandmates would hum tunes, commit them to memory, and reproduce their pitch. As you can likely guess, many tunes didn't make it to the public stage.

However, those that did had a catchy element that not only made it easy for the musicians to remember but also ingrained itself in listeners' minds, propelling the band to stardom.

5. The world's longest musical performance is taking place right now

Do you think a five-hour concert is long? For John Cage fans, that's nothing. They have been holding an "ORGAN2/ASLSP" performance since 2001 in Halberstadt, Germany. They expect to finish the eight-page score in 2640 - 639 years after the first chord was played.

So why is an eight-page performance taking this long? John Cage left instructions to play the piece as slowly as possible, and his music fans accepted the challenge. So far, only a few tone changes have occurred, and there's a long way to go to complete the piece.

6. Ludwig van Beethoven was almost completely deaf by the time he composed his most famous works

Ludwig van Beethoven's story is legendary. The piano virtuoso started to go deaf in his 20s and was almost completely deaf by age 44. Still, he composed numerous legendary concertos, including Symphony No. 5, Große Fuge, Op. 133, and Symphony No. 9.

While Beethoven used the hearing aids available to him (like ear trumpets), he often used his "inner ears" and musical memory to assess how his compositions would sound, a fact that makes him one of the most iconic composers of all time.

7. Metallica was the first band to play on all 7 continents

Metallica secured its place as the first band to play on all seven continents after performing in Antarctica in 2013. The "Freeze 'Em All" concert, which earned them a spot in the Guinness World Records, had 120 attendees - scientists and South American fans who had won a Coca-Cola contest.

8. The Seikilos epitaph is the oldest musical composition

The "Song of Seikilos" dates back to the 1st or 2nd century CE, making it the oldest musical composition ever discovered. Engraved on a tombstone in Turkey, it carries themes of life and death, encouraging listeners to live life fully as our time here is limited.

Bonus fact: The tombstone with the song was missing for a time - until it was found serving as a pedestal for a flower pot. It's now safely displayed in a museum in Denmark.

9. The Spice Girls didn't choose their own names

Who said stage names have to be carefully thought out to stick? Certainly not Peter Loraine, the Top of the Pops editor who gave the British dance-pop music stars the Spice Girls their iconic nicknames. The nicknames were based on each member's character or habits. Here's a breakdown:

Victoria Beckham became Posh because she always looked sophisticated.

Melanie Brown became Scary Spice because of her loud personality.

Geri Halliwell became Ginger because of her flaming red hair.

Emma Bunton became Baby Spice because she was the youngest member.

Melanie Chisholm became Sporty because she was athletic and often wore tracksuits.

10. Famous pianist Franz Liszt experienced rabid "Lisztomania" fandom

Modern-day musicians have certainly experienced their fair share of extreme obsession, with music fans going as far as to follow them wherever they go. But, contrary to common belief, excessive fandom isn't a new phenomenon.

In fact, in the 19th century, Franz Liszt's piano mastery elevated him to rock-star status. So much so that his infatuated fans would try to pluck a strand of his hair after performances, just to have a piece of him.

To prevent balding (and undoubtedly the pain that came with the hair plucking), the legendary pianist bought a dog with the same colored fur as his hair. Then he started handing out dog hairs instead of his own. Quite ingenious, right?

Discover more of music's wonders with Trala

These fun facts will undoubtedly make you a hit at your next music trivia night. The world of music is unbelievably vast, fascinating, and full of surprises.

With Trala, you can discover more intriguing wonders that help you develop your appreciation for the seemingly simple tunes you listen to daily. Trala makes music education accessible and enjoyable for everyone by providing easy access to professional music instructors and resources.
Ready to explore the world that has captivated people for centuries? Sign up for your first lesson with Trala today.

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10 Amazing Facts about Music and Musicians That You'll Love | Trala

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Enhance your musical knowledge with 10 fun music facts. These are essential facts for anyone interested in the fascinating and diverse world of music.

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We explore whether the benefits of a college degree outweigh the costs.

Although most California parents want their children to graduate from college with at least a bachelor's degree, roughly three-quarters worry about being able to afford a college education. Sticker shock and an understandable reluctance to take on debt lead many students and parents alike to wonder if college will actually yield higher earnings, better jobs, and a brighter future down the road.

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Rising college costs and a reluctance to take on debt lead many students and families to wonder if college will actually yield a brighter future with higher earnings and better jobs. In this explainer, we explore whether the benefits of a college degree outweigh the costs.

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When it comes to making decisions about your future, there are a lot of factors to consider. One of the most important decisions you will ever make is whether to go to college. Some people might say that college is no longer important, a poor investment or that you can get a well-paying job without going to college.

We disagree.

If you're wondering how college helps your career, here are our top 15 reasons why college is still an important step in your career.

1. College prepares you for the workforce

While some people may argue that college is not necessary in preparation for the workforce, the reality is that attending college can give you a significant advantage when applying for jobs. A college education shows potential employers you can complete a long-term project, you can think critically, solve problems , and have the capacity to learn new things.

Most jobs now require at least some college experience; without a degree , you will likely be at a disadvantage when competing against other applicants. Even if you choose not to pursue a traditional four-year degree, there are many shorter programs, certificates and courses that can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's workplace.

2. College can help you network with other professionals

Networking is an important part of any professional's life. It can help you meet new people, learn about new opportunities , and build important relationships.

College is a great place to start networking.

Not only will you meet other students with similar interests, you'll also have the chance to network with your professors and other professionals. Attending college career fairs, joining professional organizations, studying with fellow students , and taking advantage of other networking opportunities are all steps you can take to build a strong network in college to be better prepared for your future career.

3. College can teach you how to think critically and solve problems

Many people believe the primary purpose of college is to prepare students for a specific career. While it is true that colleges do offer many programs that can lead to a successful career, there is more to a college education than just getting a job. One of the most important things that college can teach you is how to think critically and solve problems.

In the real world, you won't always have someone there to give you the answer to a problem. You need to be able to figure things out on your own and that's something college can help you with. Critical thinking skills are essential for success in school as well as success in life.

If you want to be successful, you need to learn how to think for yourself and find solutions to problems. College can teach you how to do that.

4. College can help you stand out from other applicants for high-level jobs

In today's competitive job market, a college degree can give you the edge you need to stand out from other applicants. Although some high-level jobs may only require a high school diploma, employers often prefer candidates with a college education. College coursework provides valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied in the workplace. Taking classes in writing, communication , and critical thinking that will help you excel in your career.

Additionally, most colleges offer internships and other experiential learning opportunities that can give you a taste of your future profession. As a result, completing a college degree can help you stand out to future potential employers.

5. College can help you stay up to date on the latest trends in your industry

Being up to date on the latest trends in your industry is one of the important benefits of going to college. For one, it can help you be more effective in your current role. If you're aware of the latest developments, you can implement them in your work and potentially improve productivity.

Staying up to date can make you more marketable if you decide to switch jobs. Employers will be impressed by your knowledge of the latest trends and technologies, giving you a leg up in the job search process. Fortunately, pursuing a college degree can help you stay abreast of the latest trends in your field. College professors are typically well-connected and informed about the latest industry developments.

Most colleges offer relevant courses that can teach you about the latest trends. By taking advantage of these resources, you can make sure that you're always up to date on the latest industry trends.

6. College can give you access to valuable resources, such as libraries and career centers

College can give you access to several valuable resources, both during your time in school and after you graduate.

One of the most obvious examples is the library. College libraries often have a much wider selection of books and other materials than public libraries. They also offer research assistance from librarians who are experts in finding the information you need.

Another valuable resource is the career center. Many colleges have career centers that can help you with everything from writing your resume to practicing for job interviews. They may also have job listings and internships available.

Taking advantage of these resources can help you make the most of your college experience.

7. College can help you find your dream job or career

Many people choose to go to college to prepare for a specific career. However, college can also be a helpful steppingstone if you are unsure of what you want to do with your life

By taking a variety of courses and exploring different fields of study, you can learn more about your interests and identify which fields you might like to pursue further.

Whether you know exactly what you want to do after graduation or are still trying to figure it out, college can be a great way to explore your options to find your dream job or career.

8. College can help you develop your personal and professional skills

College can offer students a lot more than just academic learning. In addition to providing an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in a chosen field, college can also be a great place to develop personal and professional skills.

Effective communication and time management skills are essential for success in any career. Whether through class presentations, group projects, or part-time jobs, college provides students with plenty of opportunities to hone these skills.

Extracurricular activities can help students develop leadership skills, teamwork skills and a sense of community involvement. College has a lot to offer where students can hone the skills they need to succeed in their chosen field.

9. College allows you to meet new people from all over the world

College is a time to expand your horizons and meet new people from all walks of life. With students coming from every corner of the globe, college provides an opportunity to learn about new cultures and perspectives.

You might have the chance to live with a student from another country or take a class taught by a professor with an international background. These experiences can help you develop a better understanding of the world around you and build relationships that last a lifetime. So, if you're looking to meet new people and learn about different cultures, college is the perfect place to start.

10. College is a time to explore your interests and passions

With so many different courses and activities available, there are endless opportunities to try new things and figure out what you love. For some students, this process happens right away , and they immediately know what they want to study. Others may take a little longer to figure it out, and that's okay.

The important thing is that you take the time to explore all that college has to offer. Talk to your professors, get involved in extracurriculars , and try out different clubs and organizations. By doing so, you'll be more likely to find something you're passionate about and can see yourself pursuing long-term. Who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent you never knew you had!

So don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone during college - it just might be the best decision you ever made.

11. College can provide you with opportunities to travel and learn about other cultures

One of the great advantages of attending college is the opportunity to travel and learn about other cultures. Many colleges offer study abroad programs that allow students to spend a semester or even a year living in another country. This can be an immensely valuable experience, providing students with first-hand exposure to new customs and perspectives.

Additionally, many colleges now offer online courses that make it possible to study from anywhere in the world.

As more and more businesses become globalized, it is increasingly important for students to understand different cultures. College provides an excellent opportunity to gain this valuable skillset.

12. College can give you the chance to specialize in a particular area of study

College can be a great opportunity to explore different areas of academic interest and to find a specialization that fits your skills and interests. In most cases, college students have the chance to take a variety of classes before declaring a major. This can be a great way to learn about different subject areas and to find out what you're passionate about. Once you've decided on a major, you can start taking more specialized classes that will prepare you for a career in that field.

Most colleges offer internship and research opportunities that can give you real-world experience in your chosen field. As a result, college can be the perfect time to discover your academic niche and begin pursuing a career path that is both personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding.

13. College is a great place to make friends and meet people with similar interests

College can be a great place to meet new people. With so many students and faculty members from all different backgrounds, you're sure to find someone who shares your passions. Whether you're looking for a study buddy, someone to grab coffee with or a new best friend, college is a great place to start your search

There are also plenty of ways to get involved on campus and meet people with similar interests. Get involved in a club or organization, join a sports team, or participate in campus events. You'll not only meet new people, but you'll also learn more about yourself and what you're passionate about. So don't be afraid to put yourself out there and start meeting new people in college!

14. College can help increase your earning potential

Most people know that a college education can lead to a better job and a higher salary. What many don't realize is just how big the difference can be

According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median earnings for workers with a bachelor's degree is nearly $60,000 per year, compared to just over $30,000 for those with only a high school diploma. Simply put, college graduates earn about twice as much as their non-college-educated counterparts.

College graduates are also less likely to be unemployed and have better health insurance and retirement benefits. The sometimes-high cost of tuition can be a barrier for some people considering college, but your increased earning potential should more than make up for it. So, if you're looking for ways to increase your earning potential, college is definitely worth considering.

15. College is the perfect place to gain your independence and develop your identity

There's no doubt that college is a time of huge transition. For many students, it's the first time they're living away from home and making their own decisions. It can be a big adjustment, but it's also an exciting time to gain your independence and start figuring out who you are.

One of the great things about college is that there are so many opportunities to explore new things and find out what you're passionate about. As you grow and change, you'll learn more about who you are and what you want in life. So, if you're feeling a little lost or uncertain about the future and what you want to do for a career, don't worry-college is the perfect place to find yourself and figure it out.

Metropolitan State University of Denver has a number of excellent programs designed for any kind of college student. We offer a number of  online programs  that provide the flexibility adult learners need as well as  campus-based programs  for those who have the time and freedom needed to attend school face-to-face. Talk to one of our friendly  admissions counselors  to learn more about these programs and see which is the best fit for you.

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15 Reasons Why College is Important for Your Career - MSU Denver

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If you're wondering how college helps your career, here are our top 15 reasons why college is still an important step in your career.

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Career planning is learning about yourself and the world of work and then planning your career choices based on what you've learned. Knowing what you know about yourself, how do various occupations match up with your interests, skills, personality, and values?

An effective career planner is someone who:

Views a plan as subject to change.

Equates career success with personal satisfaction.

Believes goals are independent of age.

Assumes responsibility for his/her own career direction.

- Robert Barner, The Futurist

Career planning helps you to:

Decide what type of job you want.

Determine the skills you need to attain the ideal job.

Discover how to obtain those skills.

Develop ways to implement your plan.

To begin the process, ask yourself: What are my goals for the future?

Keep in Mind That...

The working world is changing rapidly.

You need goals and strategies to make your dreams come true.

You are in charge of your career.

You will need to be proactive in your career search.

Employers are looking for employees who will enjoy their work.

Career Exploration

Fortunately, you do not have to go through all the career options in the world to find a suitable occupation. In order to start your career exploration, you need to create a list of different occupations that might match your interests and skills. Before you begin narrowing down your possibilities, do some brainstorming to broaden your options.

Brainstorm on Your Own

Libraries, Career Services, and Employment Offices

Labor market information: www.bls.gov/ooh/

Look back at your list of interests, skills, values, and traits that you possess

Brainstorm with Others
Talk with friends, parents, teachers, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, etc. Tell them you are trying to figure out what to do with your life. They will probably jump at the chance to throw in their two cents. Keep in mind you are trying to come up with a master list of possibilities. Do not dismiss any suggestions. Do not make any commitments, either.

Career Assessments

Focus2 Career Exploration

Reality Check - What can you earn?

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

Candid Career

Career Descision-Making Difficulties Questionnaire

Gather Information

There are many methods of research that you can use to gather information about potential careers. The list below begins with the least time-consuming method. As you narrow down your options however, use methods that require more time.

The Internet: There are plenty of Internet resources that contain useful occupational information. You can even research individual occupations through search sites. Many useful websites can be found on Career Services website.

Narrowing the Field

Now it's time to evaluate each of the options that you have identified and narrow your possible career options to a few. In order to evaluate your choices you should:

(Once Again) Surf the Net: Now that you have a list of interesting occupations, the Internet can help explain those professions in even more detail. Some sites recommended to help narrow your scope are:

Make a Decision

You have now come to the point where you need to make some choices. This may be more painful than the research. Follow these steps to help you through the process of making a decision.

Name the Decision: Stating precisely what it is that you need to decide may help give you some perspective on the situation. What exactly is it that you need to know? What does a career mean to you in the first place? Five years?

List the Alternatives: Write down at least two occupations that stood out during your search.

Test Your Choice: Think of ways to test the alternatives you have chosen.

Evaluate your Decision: How well did your choice work? If you need to, you can begin the process again.

Plan for the Future

Having chosen one of the career options, you can now begin developing and implementing a plan of action through internships, cooperative education, relevant summer employment, volunteer work, and campus activities. Some additional steps that you will need to take are:

1. Investigate Any Additional Education or Training Needed: Does the career path require additional courses and are you willing to complete these?

2. Develop a Job Search Strategy: Plan how you will find a job once you meet the requirements. Networking and gaining experience can help get your foot in the door.

3. Write Your Resume and Compose a Cover Letter: Career Services has 48-hour resume and cover letter critiquing, as well as Career Counselors/Educator that can give professional advice.

4. Prepare For a Job Interview: Draft answers to difficult questions that you could be asked. Career Services is available for mock interviews throughout the year.

5. Gather Company Information: Investigate a potential employer to prepare for the interview, as well as to ensure that it is a workplace that fits your needs.

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The College Student's Guide to Career Planning

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Career planning is learning about yourself and the world of work and then planning your career choices based on what you've learned. Knowing what you know about yourself, how do various occupations match up with your interests, skills, personality, and values? An effective career planner is someone who: Views a plan as subject to change.

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Do you ever feel like your study habits simply aren't cutting it? Do you wonder what you could be doing to perform better in class and on exams? Many students realize that their high school study habits aren't very effective in college. This is understandable, as college is quite different from high school. The professors are less personally involved, classes are bigger, exams are worth more, reading is more intense, and classes are much more rigorous. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you; it just means you need to learn some more effective study skills. Fortunately, there are many active, effective study strategies that are shown to be effective in college classes.

This handout offers several tips on effective studying. Implementing these tips into your regular study routine will help you to efficiently and effectively learn course material. Experiment with them and find some that work for you.

Reading is not studying

Simply reading and re-reading texts or notes is not actively engaging in the material. It is simply re-reading your notes. Only 'doing' the readings for class is not studying. It is simply doing the reading for class. Re-reading leads to quick forgetting.

Think of reading as an important part of pre-studying, but learning information requires actively engaging in the material (Edwards, 2014). Active engagement is the process of constructing meaning from text that involves making connections to lectures, forming examples, and regulating your own learning (Davis, 2007). Active studying does not mean highlighting or underlining text, re-reading, or rote memorization. Though these activities may help to keep you engaged in the task, they are not considered active studying techniques and are weakly related to improved learning (Mackenzie, 1994).

Ideas for active studying include:

Create a study guide by topic. Formulate questions and problems and write complete answers. Create your own quiz.

Become a teacher. Say the information aloud in your own words as if you are the instructor and teaching the concepts to a class.

Derive examples that relate to your own experiences.

Create concept maps or diagrams that explain the material.

Develop symbols that represent concepts.

For non-technical classes (e.g., English, History, Psychology), figure out the big ideas so you can explain, contrast, and re-evaluate them.

For technical classes, work the problems and explain the steps and why they work.

Study in terms of question, evidence, and conclusion: What is the question posed by the instructor/author? What is the evidence that they present? What is the conclusion?

Organization and planning will help you to actively study for your courses. When studying for a test, organize your materials first and then begin your active reviewing by topic (Newport, 2007). Often professors provide subtopics on the syllabi. Use them as a guide to help organize your materials. For example, gather all of the materials for one topic (e.g., PowerPoint notes, text book notes, articles, homework, etc.) and put them together in a pile. Label each pile with the topic and study by topics.

For more information on the principle behind active studying, check out our tipsheet on metacognition.

Understand the Study Cycle

The Study Cycle, developed by Frank Christ, breaks down the different parts of studying: previewing, attending class, reviewing, studying, and checking your understanding. Although each step may seem obvious at a glance, all too often students try to take shortcuts and miss opportunities for good learning. For example, you may skip a reading before class because the professor covers the same material in class; doing so misses a key opportunity to learn in different modes (reading and listening) and to benefit from the repetition and distributed practice (see #3 below) that you'll get from both reading ahead and attending class. Understanding the importance of all stages of this cycle will help make sure you don't miss opportunities to learn effectively.

Spacing out is good

One of the most impactful learning strategies is "distributed practice"-spacing out your studying over several short periods of time over several days and weeks (Newport, 2007). The most effective practice is to work a short time on each class every day. The total amount of time spent studying will be the same (or less) than one or two marathon library sessions, but you will learn the information more deeply and retain much more for the long term-which will help get you an A on the final. The important thing is how you use your study time, not how long you study. Long study sessions lead to a lack of concentration and thus a lack of learning and retention.

In order to spread out studying over short periods of time across several days and weeks, you need control over your schedule. Keeping a list of tasks to complete on a daily basis will help you to include regular active studying sessions for each class. Try to do something for each class each day. Be specific and realistic regarding how long you plan to spend on each task-you should not have more tasks on your list than you can reasonably complete during the day.

For example, you may do a few problems per day in math rather than all of them the hour before class. In history, you can spend 15-20 minutes each day actively studying your class notes. Thus, your studying time may still be the same length, but rather than only preparing for one class, you will be preparing for all of your classes in short stretches. This will help focus, stay on top of your work, and retain information.

In addition to learning the material more deeply, spacing out your work helps stave off procrastination. Rather than having to face the dreaded project for four hours on Monday, you can face the dreaded project for 30 minutes each day. The shorter, more consistent time to work on a dreaded project is likely to be more acceptable and less likely to be delayed to the last minute. Finally, if you have to memorize material for class (names, dates, formulas), it is best to make flashcards for this material and review periodically throughout the day rather than one long, memorization session (Wissman and Rawson, 2012). See our handout on memorization strategies to learn more.

It's good to be intense

Not all studying is equal. You will accomplish more if you study intensively. Intensive study sessions are short and will allow you to get work done with minimal wasted effort. Shorter, intensive study times are more effective than drawn out studying.

In fact, one of the most impactful study strategies is distributing studying over multiple sessions (Newport, 2007). Intensive study sessions can last 30 or 45-minute sessions and include active studying strategies. For example, self-testing is an active study strategy that improves the intensity of studying and efficiency of learning. However, planning to spend hours on end self-testing is likely to cause you to become distracted and lose your attention.

On the other hand, if you plan to quiz yourself on the course material for 45 minutes and then take a break, you are much more likely to maintain your attention and retain the information. Furthermore, the shorter, more intense sessions will likely put the pressure on that is needed to prevent procrastination.

Silence isn't golden

Know where you study best. The silence of a library may not be the best place for you. It's important to consider what noise environment works best for you. You might find that you concentrate better with some background noise. Some people find that listening to classical music while studying helps them concentrate, while others find this highly distracting. The point is that the silence of the library may be just as distracting (or more) than the noise of a gymnasium. Thus, if silence is distracting, but you prefer to study in the library, try the first or second floors where there is more background 'buzz.'

Keep in mind that active studying is rarely silent as it often requires saying the material aloud.

Problems are your friend

Working and re-working problems is important for technical courses (e.g., math, economics). Be able to explain the steps of the problems and why they work.

In technical courses, it is usually more important to work problems than read the text (Newport, 2007). In class, write down in detail the practice problems demonstrated by the professor. Annotate each step and ask questions if you are confused. At the very least, record the question and the answer (even if you miss the steps).

When preparing for tests, put together a large list of problems from the course materials and lectures. Work the problems and explain the steps and why they work (Carrier, 2003).

Reconsider multitasking

A significant amount of research indicates that multi-tasking does not improve efficiency and actually negatively affects results (Junco, 2012).

In order to study smarter, not harder, you will need to eliminate distractions during your study sessions. Social media, web browsing, game playing, texting, etc. will severely affect the intensity of your study sessions if you allow them! Research is clear that multi-tasking (e.g., responding to texts, while studying), increases the amount of time needed to learn material and decreases the quality of the learning (Junco, 2012).

Eliminating the distractions will allow you to fully engage during your study sessions. If you don't need your computer for homework, then don't use it. Use apps to help you set limits on the amount of time you can spend at certain sites during the day. Turn your phone off. Reward intensive studying with a social-media break (but make sure you time your break!) See our handout on managing technology for more tips and strategies.

Switch up your setting

Find several places to study in and around campus and change up your space if you find that it is no longer a working space for you.

Know when and where you study best. It may be that your focus at 10:00 PM. is not as sharp as at 10:00 AM. Perhaps you are more productive at a coffee shop with background noise, or in the study lounge in your residence hall. Perhaps when you study on your bed, you fall asleep.

Have a variety of places in and around campus that are good study environments for you. That way wherever you are, you can find your perfect study spot. After a while, you might find that your spot is too comfortable and no longer is a good place to study, so it's time to hop to a new spot!

Become a teacher

Try to explain the material in your own words, as if you are the teacher. You can do this in a study group, with a study partner, or on your own. Saying the material aloud will point out where you are confused and need more information and will help you retain the information. As you are explaining the material, use examples and make connections between concepts (just as a teacher does). It is okay (even encouraged) to do this with your notes in your hands. At first you may need to rely on your notes to explain the material, but eventually you'll be able to teach it without your notes.

Creating a quiz for yourself will help you to think like your professor. What does your professor want you to know? Quizzing yourself is a highly effective study technique. Make a study guide and carry it with you so you can review the questions and answers periodically throughout the day and across several days. Identify the questions that you don't know and quiz yourself on only those questions. Say your answers aloud. This will help you to retain the information and make corrections where they are needed. For technical courses, do the sample problems and explain how you got from the question to the answer. Re-do the problems that give you trouble. Learning the material in this way actively engages your brain and will significantly improve your memory (Craik, 1975).

Take control of your calendar

Controlling your schedule and your distractions will help you to accomplish your goals.

If you are in control of your calendar, you will be able to complete your assignments and stay on top of your coursework. The following are steps to getting control of your calendar:

1. On the same day each week, (perhaps Sunday nights or Saturday mornings) plan out your schedule for the week.

2. Go through each class and write down what you'd like to get completed for each class that week.

3. Look at your calendar and determine how many hours you have to complete your work.

4. Determine whether your list can be completed in the amount of time that you have available. (You may want to put the amount of time expected to complete each assignment.) Make adjustments as needed. For example, if you find that it will take more hours to complete your work than you have available, you will likely need to triage your readings. Completing all of the readings is a luxury. You will need to make decisions about your readings based on what is covered in class. You should read and take notes on all of the assignments from the favored class source (the one that is used a lot in the class). This may be the textbook or a reading that directly addresses the topic for the day. You can likely skim supplemental readings.

5. Pencil into your calendar when you plan to get assignments completed.

6. Before going to bed each night, make your plan for the next day. Waking up with a plan will make you more productive.

See our handout on calendars and college for more tips on using calendars as time management.

Use downtime to your advantage

Beware of 'easy' weeks. This is the calm before the storm. Lighter work weeks are a great time to get ahead on work or to start long projects. Use the extra hours to get ahead on assignments or start big projects or papers. You should plan to work on every class every week even if you don't have anything due. In fact, it is preferable to do some work for each of your classes every day. Spending 30 minutes per class each day will add up to three hours per week, but spreading this time out over six days is more effective than cramming it all in during one long three-hour session. If you have completed all of the work for a particular class, then use the 30 minutes to get ahead or start a longer project.

Use all your resources

Remember that you can make an appointment with an academic coach to work on implementing any of the strategies suggested in this handout.

Works consulted

Carrier, L. M. (2003). College students' choices of study strategies. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 96(1), 54-56.

Craik, F. I., & Tulving, E. (1975). Depth of processing and the retention of words in episodic memory. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 104(3), 268.

Davis, S. G., & Gray, E. S. (2007). Going beyond test-taking strategies: Building self-regulated students and teachers. Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, 1(1), 31-47.

Edwards, A. J., Weinstein, C. E., Goetz, E. T., & Alexander, P. A. (2014). Learning and study strategies: Issues in assessment, instruction, and evaluation. Elsevier.

Junco, R., & Cotten, S. R. (2012). No A 4 U: The relationship between multitasking and academic performance. Computers & Education, 59(2), 505-514.

Mackenzie, A. M. (1994). Examination preparation, anxiety and examination performance in a group of adult students. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 13(5), 373-388.

McGuire, S.Y. & McGuire, S. (2016). Teach Students How to Learn: Strategies You Can Incorporate in Any Course to Improve Student Metacognition, Study Skills, and Motivation. Stylus Publishing, LLC.

Newport, C. (2006). How to become a straight-a student: the unconventional strategies real college students use to score high while studying less. Three Rivers Press.

Paul, K. (1996). Study smarter, not harder. Self Counsel Press.

Robinson, A. (1993). What smart students know: maximum grades, optimum learning, minimum time. Crown trade paperbacks.

Wissman, K. T., Rawson, K. A., & Pyc, M. A. (2012). How and when do students use flashcards? Memory, 20, 568-579.

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Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder - Learning Center

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Do you ever feel like your study habits simply aren't cutting it? Do you wonder what you could be doing to perform better in class and on exams? Many students realize that their high school study habits aren't very effective ... Read more

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Proven tips and techniques for studying smarter... not harder.

Study Skills Guides

Struggling to be a successful student? Don't get discouraged, it isn't magic! But it does require desire, dedication and a lot of work. If you want to learn how to become a successful student, then you've come to the right place.

Our study skills guides for students will provide you everything you need in order to learn how to learn more effectively.

Active listening, reading comprehension, note taking, stress management, time management, testing taking, and memorization are only a few of the topics addressed in our study skills guides for students. If you'll take the time to learn and apply the study skills concepts and principles taught in our guides you'll not only improve your performance in school but also your ability to learn in general - and that will benefit you the rest of your life!

Whether you're a freshman in college looking to get ahead, a teacher seeking study skills resources for your pupils, or a high school student just trying to survive, you'll find the study skills guides, tutorials, and resources you need right below.

To get started select a category link below.

Or scroll down to browse all our study skills resources and tutorials.

General Study Skills Guides

The following are general study skills guides, tutorials and articles for students, parents and teachers that offer proven tips and strategies for improving study skills habits, effectiveness and learning ability. Topics covered include time management, learning style, note taking, reading, math, vocabulary, writing, and listening, among others.

Test Taking Guides

Test taking is a skill in and of itself. Even some of the brightest students struggle when it comes to test taking. Learning how to take tests is an important aspect of educational performance, development and progression. Below we'll explore both general and specific tips and strategies for taking and enhancing performance on various types of tests, including short answer, multiple choice, essay, oral, openbook, and standardized.

Study Skills Resources by Subject

Understanding general, yet proven, strategies for studying and test taking is the first step to becoming an effective learner and student. However, each subject you study is unique and requires a slightly different learning approach. For example, learning how to do calculus is very different from studying American heritage. While both subjects require good study habits, effective listening, and reading comprehension skills, each requires a different approach to learning. Below we'll explore specific study skills and strategies as they relate to performance within individual subject areas.

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Study Skills Guide: Study Tips, Strategies & Lessons

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A study skills guide for students providing study skills tips, strategies and lessons aimed at improving study habits, reading comprehension, writing and test taking ability.

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It's not an exaggeration to say that study skills are life skills. Taking good notes, creating a focused workspace, managing distractions, making plans-any and all of these are skills people of all ages use every single day. Taking time to teach good study skills up front can equip students to succeed in school and beyond.

We've broken down many of the top study skills students need, including examples by grade level. Remember that there are a lot of different ways to study successfully. Offer students options and help them find the strategies that work best for them.

Jump to:

Study Spaces

Choosing the right place to study is the first step to good study skills. Teach students to consider these elements.

Choose Your Space

For some students, this means a dedicated study space like a desk in their room. Others may prefer to curl up in a chair with a lap desk or work at a table in a common space. Whichever they choose, it should be an area that's dedicated to study while they're using it.

Source: organizeandarrangeit/Instagram

Make Yourself Comfortable

"Comfortable" looks different for every person, so don't assume all kids need to be sitting at a desk to work well. At the same time, they shouldn't be so comfortable that they'll fall asleep!

Elementary School: When kids are doing independent reading, let them choose any spot they like. For other work, make sure they have a sturdy writing surface, like a table or lap desk. Ensure they have enough light to see what they're doing, and teach them good posture if they're sitting in a chair so they don't develop stiff muscles.

Middle and High School: Show them how to adjust the font size on screens so they're not squinting to read. Encourage them to use blue light filters if they're spending a lot of time on computers.

Manage Distractions

Learning to concentrate while ignoring distractions is a key life skill, and one that we all need to develop. Some students will have no trouble tuning things out, while others are going to need a lot of help with this one.

Gather Your Supplies

One way to eliminate distractions is to ensure you have everything you need in place before you start. This includes books, notes, office supplies, and more. All kids should have water and some healthy snacks on hand too.

Source: jugglingactmama/Instagram

Organization and Time Management Study Skills

These two study skills are also vital life skills, so the sooner kids learn them, the better. They'll be grateful later in life!

Use a Homework Planner

As soon as kids starting having any kind of homework, they need a planner. For younger students, this could be a daily take-home folder, while older kids will need a more sophisticated system. Either way, use it consistently so it becomes a habit.

Elementary School: Take-home folders are perfect for organizing worksheets and other assignments. Put unfinished work on the left and finished work on the right. Use sticky notes on the worksheets or the front of the folder to write reminders about what needs to be done, including any due dates. Parents of younger students can review these folders each day, while upper elementary kids should mostly be able to keep track of things on their own.

Source: Busy Classroom

Middle School: Use a planner notebook that includes calendars to help keep track of long-term assignments, with pages for daily notes and to-do lists. Teach students to make notes in them during class or immediately after, and start every study session by reviewing any current assignments and their due dates.

Source: Starts at Eight

High School: Kids can continue using paper planners, or transition to online calendars or apps. Show them how to set useful reminders online, so things don't slip through the cracks.

Source: LP Tutoring

Create a Daily Study Plan

When kids sit down to tackle the day's work, encourage them to begin by making a plan. Assess what needs to be done, estimate the amount of time it will take, and decide what to do first.

Source: Beyond Booksmart

Elementary School: Parents and young kids should sit down together to look over the day's assignments and talk about what to work on first. Some students might like to get easy tasks out of the way before settling in to harder ones, while others prefer to handle more difficult things first. Help them find the method that works best for them.

Middle School and High School: This age brings a higher amount of homework, so students should always start by determining how much time they'll need to complete it. Let them experiment a bit-do they work best by completely finishing one assignment before moving on to the next, or do they like to do a little bit of each and take some breaks in between? Over time, they'll find the methods they like best.

Chose the Best Study Time

Kids' days are often jam-packed with activities, leaving homework and studying to get squeezed in whenever it fits. Take time to find out what time of day kids are at their best, and prioritize that time for study. For instance, if a student seems to learn better if they do their homework right after school, try to choose extracurriculars that meet in the evenings or weekends instead. Some students might even prefer to get up early in the morning and work, and that's OK too as long as they're getting enough sleep.

Elementary School: Let kids try doing their homework at different times throughout the day, and see if there are times when they're better at concentrating. If so, teach them to schedule their schoolwork during those times, and make extracurricular choices for them accordingly.

Middle and High School: Students probably know by now when they work best, but busy schedules can make that more difficult to accommodate. Remind them to try to make smart choices and to tackle schoolwork when they're feeling as fresh and alert as possible.

Keep Materials Neat and Organized

Some adults thrive in messy work spaces, and that's OK. But kids should make an effort to keep their spaces and materials organized so they have fewer excuses for not getting things done.

Source: mywallpro/Instagram

Take Breaks

Students need both physical and mental brain breaks while they study! Remind kids to get up and move around regularly, rest their eyes, and give their brain a break for a few minutes every so often.

Learning Styles

All students use different learning methods to retain and understand the same information. Some like written words, some prefer to hear it and talk about it. Others need to do something with their hands or see images and diagrams. These are known as learning styles. While it's important not to pigeonhole students into any one style, kids should be aware of any strengths they have and use them to create strong study skills.

Source: Nnenna Walters

Know Your Style

There are four generally accepted styles: visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic (movement). You can learn more about them here. It's worth taking time to understand which (if any) style appeals to a student more.

Elementary School: Most kids are exposed to a wide array of learning activities, strategies, and methods here and will slowly form preferences. If parents or teachers notice that kids aren't learning well using one method (e.g., flash cards to learn math facts), have students try activities from different styles instead (like videos or songs).

Middle School: At this age, students should have some idea of which study methods fit their learning styles. They should continue to experiment, especially in subjects where they struggle to master the material.

High School: Kids in these grades who still don't understand how they learn best may benefit from taking the VARK questionnaire. It will point them in the right direction and help them find the best study methods.

Choose Appropriate Study Materials

Here are some examples of study materials and activities that appeal to different learning styles, no matter the age or grade level.

Source: Elementary Shenanigans

Visual: Diagrams; charts; graphs; maps; videos with or without sound; photos and other images; graphic organizers and sketchnotes

Auditory: Lectures; audiobooks; videos with sound; music and songs; text-to-speech translation; discussion and debate; teaching others

Read/Write: Reading textbooks, articles, and handouts; watching video with subtitles turned on; using speech-to-text translation and transcripts; making lists; writing answers to questions

Kinesthetic: Hands-on practice; educational craft projects; experiments and demonstrations; trial and error; moving and playing games while learning

Taking and Using Notes

Study after study have shown the importance of actively taking notes rather than passively reading a handout later on. The act of writing engages different parts of the brain, forging new pathways that help students retain information in long-term memory. Taking good notes and using them properly are study skills every student needs to master.

Learn Different Note-Taking Strategies

There are a variety of good strategies, like outlines, the Cornell Method, sketchnotes, and more. There's no one best method; it often depends on the material and the learner.

Elementary School: Actively teach kids how to take notes in a variety of styles. Learn about seven top note-taking strategies here, and share them with your students. Teachers can start with handouts and graphic organizers but should slowly transition to more independent methods.

Middle School: Students should be mastering the skill of taking their own notes, choosing a style that works best for them. They may need reminders of key points to capture but should now be able to isolate the important info.

High School: Note-taking should be automatic by now, and many students will have developed preferred styles. Teachers should not insist on a specific note-taking strategy, but should ensure kids are capturing the information they need.

Organize and Review

Taking notes is just one part of the process. Students with good study skills also know how to use them effectively.

Source: The Mad Scientist

Effective Reading Study Skills

"Read chapter three for homework tonight." Sounds simple enough, right? But there's a big difference between skimming the material and actually learning from it. Here are the study skills students need to learn while they read.

Highlighting

Everybody loves a handful of colorful highlighters, but using them effectively is a study skill all on its own. Kids can highlight both texts and their own notes.

Source: cozmic_mae/Instagram

Elementary School: Read material with students, showing them how to highlight key words and phrases instead of whole blocks of text. Show them color-coding strategies for organizing the information. Give them practice passages specifically for learning these skills.

Middle School: Introduce students to online highlighting tools, since many of the texts they'll be reading are digital. If necessary, they can print out reading material to highlight physically instead.

High School: Kids should be pretty expert at highlighting by now, but watch for students who are still highlighting whole blocks without really knowing why, and show them the fundamentals.

Rereading and Taking Notes

In a lot of cases, reading something once simply isn't enough. All students should learn to reread materials, using that time to highlight and take notes.

Source: SERC

Completing Assignments

Kids need to learn how to thoroughly complete an assignment, whether it's a worksheet, an essay, or a term-long research project. These are the study skills they should know.

Understand the Assignment

Having a clear understanding of what's being asked is so important. Otherwise, kids might wind up doing the wrong work, then having to tackle it all over again.

Make a Plan

Once they know the expectations, students should plan how they'll do the work.

Save Your Work

Such a basic study skill, and so extremely important!

Elementary School: Help students ensure all assignments go back into the appropriate folders and all folders make it into their backpack when they're done. Don't leave things lying around where they can get lost.

Middle and High School: In addition to keeping physical papers in order, be sure kids know how to save files online, including backing up their work. Many programs save automatically, but that's not always the case. Show them how to keep backed-up files on an external drive or in the cloud, in case their hardware fails.

Review and Revise

Finishing the last problem on the page or typing the final word on a paper doesn't mean you're done. Good study skills means going back to review your work and make revisions.

Source: EnglishWritingTeacher.com

Test Taking

Some kids naturally do well on tests, but others freeze up and forget everything they've learned. Fortunately, test-taking study skills are something kids can learn over time.

Source: Tammy DeShaw/The Owl Teacher

Review the Material

Kids should develop a variety of strategies for reviewing for a test, including review questions, flash cards, discussions, looking over notes, and more. It's also important to follow a regular study schedule on any subject, instead of leaving all the review to the last minute.

Get Rest and Eat Well

At any age, feeling your best is key to acing a test. Discourage students from staying up late to cram, and see that they have healthy meals and snacks on the day of the test. If they're allowed, be sure they have bottled water on hand to stay hydrated before and during the test itself.

Tackle Easy Questions First

This one is especially important for students who have difficulty managing their time, or those who get incredibly nervous about tests. Focus on showing what you know, and build confidence as you go along.

Watch the Time

It's a simple skill but a valuable one. Get kids used to glancing at the clock, but not obsessing over how much time is left.

Review Before Submitting

Just like with assignments, students should try to make time to review test answers before they turn it in. (And to make sure they put their names on their paper!)

Finding Help

Even when you have terrific study skills, sometimes you need some assistance. Asking for help when you need it is something everyone needs to be able to do. While kids can't expect adults to walk them through every step of the process, they should feel free to reach out for guidance when they need it.

Know How and When To Contact Teachers

Help students keep contact information handy and know the appropriate ways to contact their teachers as needed.

Source: StudentSavvy/Teachers Pay Teachers

Create Study Groups

While some kids work best on their own, many others thrive working with others to keep them on track and motivated. Setting up study buddies or groups enhances everyone's study skills.

Source: MiddleWeb

Use Resource Tools

There are more ways to learn and study than ever before. Help students find the right options to support their studies.

How do you teach study skills in your classroom? Come share your ideas and ask for advice in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook!

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Ultimate Study Skills Guide: Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Every Grade

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We rarely teach students study skills, but they're key to success. Show kids how to set up a study space, take and use good notes, and more.