Popular “Study Smarter, Not Harder” Workshop Returns for Spring Semester
The popular “Study Smarter, Not Harder” workshops, organized by the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) and the Eberly College of Science, expose students to strategies that can help them become more effective learners. Two workshops were offered during spring semester.
The workshops were taught by Jacqueline Bortiatynski, lecturer in chemistry, and Joshua Wede, lecturer in psychology, and were open to students in all majors at the University.
Attendees took away strategies to make their studying more efficient. In addition to learning the most effective, research-based study skills and strategies, students also learned what not to do when studying.
During these workshops, Bortiatynski and Wede helped students analyze their existing study strategies and learn how to apply new techniques to their studying. The activities were hands-on, including short exercises that provided proof that the strategies work.
The students who participated in the workshops saw a difference in their performance.
“I feel the ‘Study Smarter, Not Harder’ workshop inspired me to take the time and effort to study with true focus and determination in order to prepare myself for exams and quizzes,” said Emily Strang, a first-year student in the Eberly College of Science.
The workshops are particularly helpful for first-year students making the transition from high school to college.
“It's a great tool for anyone in college, especially first-semester freshmen,” said Adam Holz, a sophomore in DUS.
“In high school, I never studied, yet got good grades because things connected easily. When I started college, I quickly learned that studying was a necessity, but I did not know how to actually study,” said Brian Carvajal, a first-year student in the Eberly College of Science. “I thought that reading the textbook while taking a few notes was all that I really needed, but that never brought me the results I wanted. Attending the ‘Study Smarter, Not Harder’ lecture really taught me how to properly study, which was a huge help, especially for finals.”