Students blog

Did you know Vector Space Axiom #5 states that for all x included in a vector field V, 1•x = x? Well, I didn’t either prior to using Pearson+ Flashcards. That is just one axiom out of eight that I had to memorize for my Linear Algebra Class. For me, memorization is hard. It takes me a lot of time, energy, and concentration to memorize even just a short list of definitions. I find that making flashcards is a great way to practice and make sure I’m ready for my next exam, and where better to turn to than Pearson+!

Efficient Active Learning

With Pearson+ flashcards, I can engage in active recall. Active recall is essential for long-term retention, and flashcards make for efficient, targeted learning for busy college students! There are numerous ways to practice with these digital flashcards including selecting from multiple-choice options, typing in an answer, or the traditional “flip” to view the answer. The options vary each time you practice a set to guarantee you master your vocabulary! You can even have some fun and play a matching game!

Self-Paced Learning

Everyone learns at a different pace – no need to fear timers or alarm bells! I love that I can take my time with each flashcard and think about my answer before checking if I’m correct. Since flashcards allow for instant feedback, I can focus on the material I find most challenging and review it until I reach a point of mastery, creating a more personalized learning experience. And don’t worry, you can always add, delete, or edit your flashcards with exact about of information as you see fit!

Portability

The best feature of all is that no matter where I go, I can take my flashcards with me! Rather than having to carry around different sets for all my classes, everything is now in one place and just a click away. Whether I’m sitting on the bus on my way to class or looking for a way to pass the time between classes, I can conveniently access my flashcards on my computer, tablet, or phone.

Check out this helpful video on Pearson+ flashcards and make your studying easier by taking your flashcards to the next level with Pearson+!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

The weight of an exam creeping up can be daunting. We spend so much time in our classes, and seeing the effort paying off is a rewarding feeling for any student. Setting ourselves up for success doesn’t need to be a negative experience. Sometimes it may be hard to push ourselves to do the work, but there are some steps that I’ve found to be beneficial when studying.

The first thing I like to do is to plan what I need to cover each day. Find out what content will be covered in your exam and try to spread it out over the number of days you have to study evenly. For example, you know chapters 1-4 will be on the exam, and your professor has given you a practice exam. You have 5 days to prepare. Study one chapter per day, and on day 5, do a practice exam or get extra practice on a topic you may feel weaker in. This makes it so that you’re not cramming and that you don’t feel overwhelmed at the last minute. It’s nice to have enough time to feel confident in the material you need to know.

Another way to avoid distraction is to declutter first to promote focus and lessen environmental distractions. Try setting time aside before you complete any studying to ensure you give yourself a clean, neat environment to concentrate in. When a space is clear and well-kept, you’re less likely to feel distracted by things that may be out of place. Deep into your studying session, you’re less likely to procrastinate by cleaning if your space is already clean.

It can sometimes be hard to motivate yourself to sit down and focus on what you need to do. There are so many other things that feel way more fun compared to studying. It could be playing games, baking, going out to eat, watching shows, or reading a fun book. I like to use those things as motivation. These fun activities can be powerful drivers towards a goal if they’re things you really look forward to. When I finish a certain amount of studying, I might reward myself by watching a couple episodes of a show I like. Doing this has personally helped me feel like I have control and balance with schoolwork and life. Preparing for a test doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and you can still have time to yourself. By using fun things as a reward, there doesn’t need to be guilt over not getting things done. It encourages you to focus for a certain amount of time, then to fully enjoy things you enjoy afterwards.

Finally, talk to yourself with kindness. Be your best hype man. Maybe you have a lot of material you’re going over. Try to appreciate all that you’re learned and how far you’ve come. It feels a lot better than approaching a difficult situation with dread. If you’re stressed, don’t forget to breathe. Find calm, then continue with what you were doing. Through finding calm when dealing with stress, we can be resilient.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

No matter what your major is, it can be hard to find time to study in college. As students, we work, join clubs and sports teams, and maintain a social life outside of school. Assignments and projects can take up a lot of time and energy, leaving an empty tank when it’s time to study for exams. For those in a STEM field, labs, research groups, and a heavy course workload may present additional obstacles to finding time to study effectively.

Time management is an important skill you can develop over time, but there are also ways you can adjust your studying habits to perform better despite having a busy schedule. Some things you can do include committing to a study plan leading up to an exam, only targeting trouble areas using high-retention study strategies, and making concentrated study guides soon after receiving material in class.

1. Make a study plan – Mark your exam dates in your calendar at the beginning of the semester so you always know when they are coming up. Have a rough study plan of what unit or material you are going to review each day that you can refine as you get more material in class and figure out what you need to work on most. Include time to use effective study strategies rather than just re-reading notes or lecture slides.

2. Use course objectives to make study guides – As you receive material in class, begin to compile a study guide of the most important concepts, usually presented as learning objectives. If you do this little by little after every few lectures, you will have a complete study guide of the most important information to refer to use to study for each exam. When it is time to study for your final exam, all the most important concepts from each unit will already be compiled for you to study.

3. Use high-retention strategies to target trouble areas – Once you’ve identified the areas of a course where you need to study the most, consider using strategies that will help you remember the most information in a short amount of time. Have a concentrated study session with timed breaks to reduce fatigue. Instead of flashcards, consider making practice questions from your professor’s learning objectives or find some online. If you are a social learner, ask your friends to quiz you on the material you’ve spent time studying.

If you are still running low on time as an exam is rapidly approaching, condense your learning objectives into five or six major concepts to know. If you can boil those subjects down further, find trouble areas and do your best to resolve any major confusion before the exam. This may mean carving out time to go to one office hour session with your professor for 15 minutes to answer a list of questions you came up with after reviewing the exam material.

Combining these strategies with ways you know you study best can help you reach your academic goals while still balancing social and professional extracurriculars. Sometimes you may do your best to study hard for an exam and still not get the grade you want, and that’s ok! At the end of the day, your mental and physical health is more important than any grade. You will learn from your experiences and be able to better prepare for future exams, so keep working hard and your academic goals will be easily attained.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Many students, including myself, only open up MyLab to complete their homework and cross it off the list. Studying is different for everyone, but we may use textbooks, internet, or flashcards to prepare for a test over the content. Pearson’s MyLab has recently released a new feature called Dynamic Study Modules that incorporates textbooks, concepts, and study tactics similar to flashcards; unfortunately, not a lot of students are aware of what this is or how beneficial it can be!

How To Use DSM

Dynamic Study Modules (DSMs) are a feature that provides you a set of questions that you can answer with a variation of “I’m sure,” “I don’t know,” or “I think so.” Depending on how you answer, a dark green, light green, or red circle will appear above the question as you continue. To complete the module, you must obtain a dark green circle above each question to show mastery of the topic. Once completed, you can review the information as much as you need or receive your grade if it’s an assignment.

Efficient Use of Time

Many students use flashcards to study for a test, but they waste a lot of valuable time creating these cards. Flashcards are mainly used for repetitions and memorization, but DSMs supply both while also being interactive and conceptual. Instead of memorizing the answers for each flashcard or question, the program builds your critical thinking and conceptual skills of the topics within the textbook. This program saves students hours of preparation, and it is also a better alternative for studying & creating new habits.

Even though this is a fresh feature added to Pearson, it has already been beneficial to many students like me. Students may not be aware of this opportunity unless they do the searching themselves throughout the platform, so it is often overlooked. It might be good practice as a professor to ensure that students are aware of everything they are offered with the program. This is your sign to take the 5 minutes, explore your resources, and take advantage of the study tools provided to you! Dynamic Study Modules are changing the study game right in front of our eyes, and it is included with the purchase of the platform!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

For most college students the transition from high school studies to college studies can be very difficult and hard to adjust to. There are many ways to learn how to study and succeed. During my freshman year at the University of Alabama, I felt very prepared to do well in school from my high school experience. As a current sophomore at the university, I have had to learn new ways to study since the difficulty of my classes has increased immensely. 

I am a nursing major and am delving further into my program now more than ever before. When I took a challenging anatomy course last semester, I sought help on how to navigate this class, because there was so much to learn in such a short amount of time. I found it necessary to devote the most time to this class while still putting in the most effort I could for my other classes. Here are the actions I found to be most helpful in succeeding.

Show up for every class session

The best tip and piece of advice I can give to any college student is to attend class no matter what, regardless of how easy the class may seem. I have learned that I am more successful in the future because of it, and it makes studying outside of class much easier. My notes are more organized because I write them in or before class. 

Take notes before, during, and after class

A good way to study for a hard class is to take notes before with the required reading and then solidify the information during class. This way you can incorporate extra details the professor might add during class. Even though this is very important, what a student does outside of class makes or breaks how a student does in a class. Being able to have a good work ethic and studying outside of class helps a student remember the information. That way when it is exam day, you are prepared to take the exam and pass it. 

Solidify your study skills

A good study habit to do well on a test is to find a good study environment. Go in a quiet room, without any distractions, and study the material. The way to solidify the information is to also take breaks when necessary. It is always best to refer to the detailed notes and the PowerPoints. Looking back at these are necessary to understand the information you have learned, and to best answer the questions on the test. It is also essential to never cram study in college. That will not be beneficial for the future, as it does not allow for you to fully understand the material.

In most academic situations in college, the work and effort you put into each class will pay off in the future. If you study for your classes, it'll show, even if not right away. You will never regret the amount of effort you put into a class in order to succeed.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As college students, we know the struggle of finding the perfect study environment. The place where we can dive into textbooks, lecture notes, and research papers without any distractions. Our study environment plays a crucial role in our productivity and focus, shaping our overall learning experience. So, let's dive in and explore three popular study destinations: the library, the coffee shop, and the comfort of home. Join me as we uncover how these environments impact our studying and find the spot that suits us best.

The Library

With its peaceful atmosphere and rows of books, the library offers a scholarly ambiance that's hard to beat. The library provides an ideal setting for concentration, where silence is key, and distractions are minimized. Surrounded by fellow students, the shared commitment to learning can be inspiring. However, for some, the silence and formal atmosphere may feel isolating or even dull. While the library is often a go-to destination for serious studying, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone.

The Coffee Shop

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the gentle hum of conversations, and the cozy atmosphere—coffee shop has become a popular study spot for many college students. These vibrant spaces offer a unique blend of ambient noise and a relaxed environment that can stimulate creativity and productivity. The background activity can provide a sense of companionship, making studying feel less lonely. This concept is called body doubling. However, for those easily distracted, the noise and social opportunities in a coffee shop might hinder focus. It's a delicate balance between finding inspiration and managing distractions.

Home

Our cozy haven, familiar and comforting, is our home. Studying in the comfortable corners of our personal space can provide a sense of security and convenience. No commute, no time restrictions, and the freedom to create our own study environment. Whether it's a peaceful room or a bustling household, home caters to individual preferences. However, the challenge lies in maintaining discipline and staying focused amidst the comforts of home. The allure of naps, binge-watching favorite shows, or succumbing to endless procrastination can easily derail productivity.

Each study environment offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The library provides a dedicated space for uninterrupted focus, the coffee shop ignites creativity and energy, and home offers comfort and flexibility. The ideal study spot varies for each person, depending on their learning style and preferences. So, fellow college students, let's embark on the quest to find our perfect study environment—one that enhances productivity, sparks inspiration, and propels us towards academic success.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

“I’m Not a Math Person”

“I’m not a Math Person” is what immediately went through my head as I registered for my intermediate Macroeconomics class last semester. I wasn’t looking forward to this course at all whatsoever and wasn’t too fond of the content that was going to be taught. I honestly went in with low expectations and was aiming for a passing grade. I’ve always had a difficult time with classes that are math based or even just have a portion focused on numerical calculations. I am also more interested in Marketing and the creative side of Business, so Economics wasn’t that appealing to me. My mindset was to simply get through the class so that I could attain my degree and do what I love most after I graduate.

What Changed…

Although, I said above that I only wanted to get credit for the class, I still did my best to understand the class content and studied a significant amount of time outside of our weekly lectures. I truly thought I was only capable of earning a passing grade due to the fact that math was one of my weaknesses; however, that all changed within the first few weeks of the course.

My study sessions consisted of looking up videos online that could better explain more difficult concepts in detail and looking over lecture notes as well as adding my own notes to them. My professor did a decent job at teaching the content, but I still felt there were times when I couldn’t understand what he was saying or even get my questions answered by a classmate. When this first happened, after the second or third lecture of the semester, I decided to check out Pearson+ Channels during one of my study sessions.

The Solution: Pearson+ Channels

For those who may not know, Pearson+ is an eLearning hub with instant access to eTextbooks, videos, and study tools for student support. One of the tools that I found to be most helpful is Pearson+ Channels. Channels consist of mini-video courses that go over content that has most likely been taught in your classes. They not only have Macroeconomics but also a wide variety of topics such as Biology, Psychology, Accounting, and more!

What specifically helped me in the Macroeconomics Channels course is the teaching style of the instructor. Brian utilized language that made complicated concepts easier to understand. He also made the course engaging by having viewers follow along with a set of notes to fill out and by creating diagrams to explain various topics. I enjoyed his use of simple examples and how straightforward he was. This video series assisted me greatly in my studies and even helped me to feel more comfortable going to class, answering questions out loud in lectures, and feeling more confident going into tests.

Victory!

Pearson+ Channels aided me in gaining an overall better understanding of Macroeconomics. I was surprised at how this learning tool allowed me to have a more positive attitude in this course. I ended up not only getting an A on my first test but also an A in the class. I am grateful for the knowledge that Pearson+ Channels has given me and plan on utilizing it in the future. If you are looking for a learning tool that appeals to a majority of students’ learning styles and helps you to master the material to a certain extent, try out Pearson+ Channels – it’s a Game Changer!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Pencil and paper, the most iconic duo, have been my go-to tools for the majority of my school life. But with the rise of technology in the classroom, thanks to shareable files, folders, and notes, I decided to make a switch to digital notetaking in my sophomore year of university. Examples of digital notetaking tools include tablets or digital notebooks and smart pens. Making the switch to digital notetaking came with some pros and cons. Here are a few to consider before making the switch for yourself.

Cons

Third-party apps: I immediately noticed that I would need to download and/or purchase one or more apps to even make my digital notetaking dreams a reality. I knew what I was getting myself into in the first place, due to extensive research, so I wasn’t taken aback by this concept. But I do urge others who are considering spending a measurable amount of cash on a digital device for notetaking to consider other unmentioned costs that come with it. There are many different apps to consider when looking at digital notetaking, and it all depends on your preferences and needs. Look at your course work and learning style when shopping for notetaking apps, so that they are the best fit for you. I found looking up tutorials and videos for different apps to be the most helpful for me to discern my needs and making the best selection.

Affordability: Choosing the right device for your digital notetaking journey is important, since you are the one who will be using it! However, this will take some extensive research on your end. Look for device brands and/or stores that offer student discounts. Also consider your after-college needs from this device; for example, will you be able to continue to have a use for this device after graduation? For me, I knew that I would want continue with digital notetaking upon entering medical school.

Compatibility: When I first received my device, I was a little apprehensive about the compatibility when it came to other devices (aka my phone). I wasn’t sure where everything was or how to use it and I was considered returning it (I know!). Having different brand devices can make it difficult to successfully set up apps and access between devices. But it takes time! Take the time to get used to the device, especially if it’s a device that you don’t really know. Watch tutorials and step-by-step videos, get used to the feeling of writing with the device and where to access files and whatever you will need.

Pros

Everything in one place: I enjoy having files, notes, textbooks, apps, and photos from class all in one place. As a commuter student I end up carrying a lot of “unnecessary” things. Having everything all in one place not only lessens the load but makes everything easily accessible so I can access everything I need for a class on one single device. Accessibility means shareability, so if a classmate missed a lecture or needs a recording, I can easily send them a file without that many issues.

Readability: I noticed that when writing with regular pen and paper, my notes were either too scrawny, smeared, or completely illegible. Writing digitally helps this problem immensely. With different notetaking apps I am also able to record the lecture while simultaneously taking notes and go back through my notes to see exactly what I wrote. I also noticed that my writing was much neater and easier to read when I transcribed things digitally.

Manageable multitasking: Although multitasking is deemed the most heinous of heinous of study tips, having a device that can split screen and allow me to multitask is extremely beneficial and time efficient. I am able to watch a lecture and write my notes side by side, making it more efficient and bearable since it’s all on one device.

Digital notetaking definitely was a transition but so worth it in the end. So far, I have enjoyed the pros way more than I have suffered the cons. A lot of people feel very apprehensive since it is still so new in the world of academia. Explore digital notetaking options and consider your own learning style. You may find it to be just as useful as I have.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As the finals frenzy kicks in, college students are eager to come up with any tips or tricks to help study. Through my journey in college, I have tried all of the “best tricks” to study, and compiled a list of five that helped me during finals season. Whether you have hours or minutes to study, these hacks are the ultimate roadmap to acing your exams!

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that can help significantly with your productivity. To implement this technique, you start with setting a timer for 25 minutes and focus on studying during that time. Then, when the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Repeat this process four times and then take a longer break (around 15-30 minutes). This method helps you stay focused and prevents burnout!

Active recall

This method is my personal favorite, active recall is a study technique where you actively quiz yourself on the material you’re trying to learn. Instead of re-reading notes, try to recall and explain the information from memory. I like to pretend I am teaching the material to someone. This helps reinforce what you already understand as well as help identify the topics you need more help in!

Flashcards

Flashcards are a great tool for condensing information into small, easy to remember pieces. Create flashcards with key terms, concepts, and questions on one side and the answers on the other side. I personally use Pearson+ to create flashcards straight from my E-Text! An additional trick I like to use is writing the topics in different colors to distinguish their chapter, subject, or section.

Group study sessions

Studying with friends or classmates can be an effective way to prepare for finals. By explaining concepts to each other and discussion, you deepen your understanding of the material. Plus, you may learn some new study hacks! Some fun ways to study my friends and I use are turning the material into a Jeopardy or Family Feud game.

Healthy Habits

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during finals season is extremely important! A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can significantly impact your cognitive abilities. You want to keep your mind sharp and focused! I like to eat oatmeal and fruit on the morning of a big exam. I’ve also found that doing yoga the night before helps me be more relaxed and less anxious on test days!

In conclusion, acing your college final does not have to be stressful or overwhelming. By implementing these five easy hacks, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to stay organized, take breaks, and prioritize taking care of yourself. Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask for help! With a little discipline, you’ll be well on your way to conquering your finals.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!