A Learning Strategist can help you develop study skills, learn effective time management, prepare for exams, and more. Available for one-on-one appointments, the Learning Strategist can help you take a detailed look at your learning and find an individualized approach toward success.
Hello Mount Community! My name is James Jollymore – I am the MSVU Learning Strategist and Student Success Coordinator – a part of the Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success (CAASS).
My personal philosophy, for work and life, is flexibility and introspection; with recent global events and our educational institutions varied responses, we are in an interesting place of reflection and (re)discovery of what it means to be part of a post-secondary community, and a learner in general.
20+ years working in education as:
ESL Assistant, ESL Teacher, Direct Care Worker for Adults with Disabilities, Accessibility Consultant, Math Tutor, Student Success Specialist and currently: Learning Strategist, Student Success Coordinator, & Supplemental Instruction Supervisor.
Life-long learner:
Acadia alumnus: Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology, Masters of Education in Counselling, as well as a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Western Ontario. And in 2015 became Life Skills Coach certified through George Brown College in Toronto.
My work and training have focused on supporting individuals with disabilities, mental health issues, diverse learners, and building inclusive designs for learning. And as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, I personally strive to foster an inclusive environment in the work I do each day. I am dedicated to supporting learners and finding innovative ways to ensure not only academic success but a flourishing educational experience, learning isn’t limited to the classroom – physical or virtual.
On a personal note: I have visited 24 countries, which is just over 10% of the planet, a statistic I hope to improve upon!
1. Know the course. Read the syllabus thoroughly, so you are familiar with the course topics, materials required and outcomes, and as soon as the information becomes available (professors may open the Course Moodle before the course starts!).
Think about: How to prioritize the course content to ensure you meet the outcomes.
2. Get (and stay!) organized. Remove distractions. Singularize your focus. And prioritize school, work, and life obligations. Have your resources (e.g., textbook, course materials, online materials) in place and at hand.
Think about: How can prior learning/knowledge support the current course.
3. Don’t miss class. Get to know your classmates and professor from the start of the course. If you miss something during class you will have a back-up. Ask questions and provide comments during class; in-class engagement will help you to stay focused and help the information stick!
Think about: Building connections with classmates before and after class.
4. Schedule out of class course work. Readings. Research. Assignments. Practice questions. Find different ways to engage in the course content (e.g., videos, discussions, podcasts, etc.) which will help solidify the new knowledge.
Think about: Using small chunks of time to review chapters and class notes.
5. Feedback. Feedback on your progress in the course may come early (sometimes within the first week). If not, ask for feedback on your work and review any comments the professor provided. Look for clues from the professor (in-class and online postings) regarding possible test/exam questions.
Think about: Does the feedback align with your own self-assessment.
6. Ask for help. Do not wait for clarification or connection to happen over time. If you are uncertain or unclear about a topic, ask for clarification sooner rather than later. Use the university services: Writing Centre, Learning Strategist, Accessibility Services, Counselling Services, IT&S for any tech issues.
Think about: The best way to connect with the professor, when needed.
7. Take a break. The brain needs time to build connections and process new information. Schedule regular breaks from the course content to allow this processing to happen and to re-charge so you are ready to focus again on your studies.
Think about: Self-care activities you can easily engage in.
