PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Want to level up your skills for academic success? The Institute of Forensic Sciences has partnered with the UTM Library, the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (RGASC), and the Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy to offer a workshop series focused on essential skills needed to thrive at university. From developing productive study habits to effective notetaking strategies to best practices for making a positive impression with professors, this series will equip you with practical tools to support your success throughout your degree.
Attend five workshops between September to April to receive CCR credit!
Participants will receive a $10 food voucher valid at the UTM campus at the conclusion of each workshop.
If you have any questions, contact Teresa Didiano, Program Manager, Academic Programs and Curriculum (t.didiano@utoronto.ca).
SCHEDULE
| Date & Time | Location | Title | Facilitator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed Sept 16 3:00 – 4:00 pm | DV3130CC | Time Management and Building a Sustainable Study Schedule | Becca Koessler, Learning Strategist, RGASC |
| Wed Sept 30 3:00 – 4:00 pm | DV3130CC | Exploring Effective Approaches to Note-Taking | Helen Chang Dawson, Learning Strategist, RGASC |
| Wed Oct 21 3:00 – 4:00 pm | DV3130CC | Learning to Write in Anthropology and Forensic Science | Professor Mark Blaauw-Hara, Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy |
| Wed Nov 4 3:00 – 4:00 pm | DV3130CC | Citations that Count: Best Practices for Finding and Citing Sources | David Gerstle, Knowledge Synthesis and Liaison Librarian, UTM Library |
| Wed Nov 25 3:00 – 4:00 pm | DV3130CC | Stand Out from the Crowd: Professionalism in the Classroom | Carolyn Loos, Department Manager, Department of Anthropology and Institute of Forensic Sciences |
Workshop dates and times for the Winter session will be released in the Fall session.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Take control of your semester by finding an approach to time management that is practical, sustainable, and works best for you! In this workshop, we will talk about how to create a semester calendar from your course syllabi, break large assignments into manageable tasks, build effective weekly schedules, and use prioritization strategies to plan your daily tasks and stay on track. We will discuss how to build productive study habits and what to do when things do not go according to plan. We will also explore a variety of campus resources that can support your academic success and well-being throughout the semester.
Note-taking is more than just writing things down. In this workshop, we will talk about the role notes play in learning and introduce a practical framework for taking notes before, during, and after lectures. We will also look at examples from forensic science, anthropology, and a variety of other disciplines so you can see how different types of notes can be used in different contexts. By the end, you will have a toolkit of strategies to help you make your notes more meaningful and useful.
“Good writing” looks different depending on what academic discipline you are in. This workshop will teach students common writing and argumentation practices in anthropology and forensic science. We will look at models of successful professional writing in these disciplines and instill patterns of communication that students can use in their own essays.
In this session, we will discuss best practices for citing sources correctly in forensic science. From there, we will examine how to use citations to find new sources and expertly understand our professions. We will understand how citation practices are central to discussions around scientific topics, and how citations introduce us to important debates and points where we can begin our own research.
Professionalism is essential for success in the classroom and beyond. In this session, we will discuss behaviours and expectations for professional conduct, communication, and collaboration. We will explore topics such as making good first impressions, communicating effectively with professors, how to avoid academic integrity pitfalls, and early stages of career planning. You will leave this session with a toolkit of strategies and best practices to make a positive impression with your peers and U of T professors.
