Greetings Brandeis students,
Believe it or not, we’re about halfway through this Spring semester. That means midterms, it’s time for midterm exams. As you prepare, be sure to devise a plan by deciding what to review and determining how much time you will need to study. Look over your syllabi, textbooks, notes, and other course materials to identify key themes, big ideas, and important concepts your professors have covered extensively thus far. Set aside at least 60 minutes each day for studying the week leading up to an exam. Next, find a comfortable (and clean) workspace free from distractions and noise. If possible, form study groups as sharing and discussing ideas and perceptions deepens critical thinking and understanding. As tempting as it may be, avoid cramming. We study best in shorter periods and not in marathon sessions. Space out studying over several days so that you can work in shorter sessions instead cramming or pulling an all-nighter. Studying for shorter durations over many study sessions increases meaningful learning. During this period, don’t forgot to take periodic breaks and don’t forgo eating in the name of studying. Skipping meals and breaks saps your body of the energy needed to maintain concentration. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for help because you’re not in this alone. If you need assistance, please make an appointment with a BUGS tutor.
Wishing you the best,
Dr. Leslie Brown, Director of Academic Success Initiatives
Pronouns: he/him/his
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Tech Talk
In each newsletter, I will try to offer suggestions on different ways to use technology to improve your academic performance. This will include features on apps that help increase focus, digital platforms that help with collaboration, and other forms of assistive technology. Two weeks ago, Kaitlyn Rogers, from Student Accessibility Support, shared how to separate your personal emails from your Brandies emails. This week she offers tips on how to organize your Google Calendar.
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Kaitlyn Rogers,
Senior Accessibility Specialist
Preferred Pronouns: She, her, hers
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Organizing your Google Calendar can be done in several easy steps. In doing so, you will be able to set reminders for key due dates, important assignments, tests, and other tasks you want to schedule. Assignments, tests, appointments, events, birthdays can all be scheduled in Google Calendar. The best part is it’s free and can be accessed from your computer, smartphone, and tablet! |
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The University Writing Center
If you need writing assistance for midterms, do not hesitate to contact the University Writing Center. The UWC will be open for extra hours during midterms. Find out more by visiting the UWC website and checking out FAQs.
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Library News
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Citation Frustration? Sign up for a Zotero workshop to learn how to stay organized, quickly format citations, and generate bibliographies for your research.
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Featured Resource: Women's Studies Archive Provides a history of the social, political, and professional aspects of women's lives and offers a look at the roles, experiences, and achievements of women in society. Includes documents such as diaries, letters, photographs, news clippings, organizational records, and journals, covering the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
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Language and Culture: Where the Twain Shall Meet
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When it comes to learning another language, a person must be willing to embrace new viewpoints and value different cultures. This is what Professor Irina Dubinina believes will increase global and cultural awareness as well as an appreciation for diversity and inclusion. “The world has become much more multilingual than it was 50 years ago. Language is not foreign; it is quite near,” said Professor Dubinina, the chairperson of World Languages and Cultures Committee.
The WLC Committee promotes “the values of language learning in the 21st century” and how language "fits under the umbrella of global engagement." About 17 members, including a representative of each language taught at Brandeis, serve on the committee. In addition to advocating language study and discussing polices and teaching strategies, the committee also organizes cultural events tied to language learning. “Language and culture are intertwined,” said Dubinina, Associate Professor of Russian and Director of the Russian Language Program. “They are markers of identity. The connection between the two is inseparable, really. When we talk about cultures we are not taking about customs, or holidays, or traditions; it is patterns of minds and perspectives on the world.”
The WLC Committee wants students learning another language to reach an intermediate level of proficiency and that usually takes about three semesters, Professor Dubinina said. “It is the ability to use language creatively. In other words, if I drop you off in the middle of Russia, if you are taking Russian with me, you could survive without me,” she said. Professor Dubinina hopes the WLC can continue increasing student engagement and the appreciation of learning another language. To help with this, the WLC recently selected an undergraduate fellow to further its campus outreach (this student will be featured in an upcoming newsletter).
“Why take a language?” Dubinina asks rhetorically. “[Because] it teaches humility and sympathy to others. [It teaches us how] to be an empathic learner.”
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Researching in the Archives
In this engaging and informative workshop, come learn about all of the resources held in Brandeis University's Archives & Special Collections, ways in which to access and use those resources, and ways that archivists can support your research.
This event will take place over Zoom. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link one day before the workshop. If you don't have a brandeis.edu email address, email librarycalendar@brandeis.edu and the staff will help determine alternative options.
Date: Friday, April 9, 2021
Time: 2:00pm - 2:30pm
Time Zone: Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
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Preparing for Midterms
Amy Ollove, BUGS Study Skills Tutor
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As you get prepare for midterm exams and essays, be sure to formulate a plan and adopt strategies that will help you be successful. Below are tips for taking exams and writing essays for midterms. |
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