Academic Success Toolkit

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Offices and Services

Our Academic Success Toolkit has a variety of resources that offer techniques and strategies for learning.

Time Management

Pomodoro

Pomodoro is a time management technique that uses a timer to break down work into intervals traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Available on desktop or in the app store.

The 1-3-5 Rule:

Every day, pick 1 big task, 3 medium tasks, and 5 smaller tasks to work on. The focus for picking these tasks can be less on full completion and more on the dedication of time on that day to those specific tasks!

Time Blocking

Treat tasks like meetings or classes; schedule them in blocks and focus on nothing else but that given task in that block of time. 

2-Minute Rule

If it can be done in 2 minutes or less, do it right away. 

Organization

My Study Life

My Study Life is a cross-platform planner that allows users to store classes, homework and exams in the cloud, and making it available on any device. Free to download.

ToDoist

ToDoist is a productivity app that helps users organize personal, school and work responsibilities. Free to download with premium features available for purchase.

MyHomework

The MyHomework app is a digital student planner that allows users to track classes, homework, tests, and projects. Free to download with premium features available for purchase.

Syllabus Worksheet

This worksheet was created by the AADR staff to assist students keep track of important class information, major assignments, and essential information about each class.

Syllabus Worksheet (PDF)

Focus/Motivation

StayFocusd

StayFocusd is an extension available on the Google Chrome web browser. Users enter the maximum amount of time they would like to spend on specific websites before being blocked.

Pause

Pause is a simple extension that challenges you to momentarily pause and reflect before visiting a distracting website. In doing so, Pause breaks the cycle of distraction and helps you be more focused, productive, and intentional with your technology use.

Freedom

Freedom (available for Mac or Windows) is an all-in-one distraction blocker, whether your distractions are websites, desktop apps, or the entire internet. With Freedom Premium you can add unlimited devices and custom blocklists.

The Eisenhower Matrix:

Sort your tasks into different quadrants of what to do first, what to schedule, what to delegate, and what to delete. 

Natural Resets

Work until motivation runs out, then set a 10 or 15-minute timer to take a break. Repeat as needed and adjust your future study sessions to the average time you can fully focus.  

Note Taking

Cornell Note Taking System

Learn about the Cornell Note Taking System and explore different note taking strategies for improving academic learning.

Evernote

Evernote is a note-taking application that is available on Android, iOS, macOS, the web, and Windows.

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a note-taking application that is available on Android, iOS, macOS, the web, and Windows.

Noteability

Noteability allows users to draw, write, and annotate documents and photos in a single note to bring projects to life. It is compatible with iOS and ideal for tablet users. Cost is $9.99/individual.

Studying

Quizlet

Quizlet is an online learning tool that trains students via flashcards and various games and tests.

Reading Comprehension Guide

Reading and fully understanding the complex texts you are assigned in college is a skill you can learn. This guide provides actionable strategies for improving your reading comprehension in college.

Location Ranking and Assigning:

List and rank your favorite study spots on campus to either help with efficiency in getting started on your work or to assign specific work to be done only at each of those locations. 

Read & Write

Read and Write (R&W) is a text-to-speech program that provides visual and auditory feedback of text. It works with Word documents, PDFs, and web pages. Other features include a screen masking tool, color coding, a highlight collector, an MP3 converter, a translator, and more. The premium version is free to all Davidson students. For more information or assistance with initial setup, please contact, Maria Cunningham.  

Panorama

Panorama is a new Moodle-integrated feature that allows all Davidson students to download their course materials into alternative formats (e.g., audio podcasts, PDFs, EPUBs, adjustable font sizes, and more). It also assists faculty in proactively creating accessible course materials by providing an accessibility report for each uploaded document and giving tutorials on fixing inaccessibility issues. For more information, please log on to Moodle and visit the announcements section. 

Test Taking

Coping with Test Anxiety

Anxious about tests? Read some suggestions for overcoming test anxiety. 

Overcoming Test Anxiety

Writing

Grammarly

Grammarly is a software program that helps deter writing mistakes, contextual errors, spelling errors, and poor vocabulary usage. Free to download with premium features available for purchase.

Hemingway Editor

Hemingway Editor assists with writing clarity, passive voice editing, and readability. It’s available for free and compatible with both Windows and Mac.

FocusWriter

FocusWriter is a simple, distraction-free writing environment that is free to download and features features such as timers, alarms, daily goals, and customizable themes.

Mindfulness

Guided Mind

Guided Mind is an iPhone and iPad application with guided meditations that address specific challenges and helps users relax and deal with the stresses of day-to-day life. Free to download.

Calm

Calm is a website and app with relaxing nature videos and guided meditations for stress management. Free to download with premium features available for purchase.

Breathe

Breathe is an app that guides users through a series of deep breaths and reminds them to take time to breathe every day. Free to download.