Academic Workshops

Spring 2024 EOP Workshop Series:

EOP Spring 2024 Workshop Series

Workshop Descriptions:

The EOP Academic Success Network provides EOP students with a wide array of workshops focused on academic and professional development. Below are a few workshops that we have held in the past.

Building Your Semester Roadmap:

This workshop is designed to assist students in laying a solid foundation for their semester by introducing them to essential time management strategies. Conducted in the first week of the semester, it guides participants through the process of integrating their class schedules, quiz and exam dates, and major assignment deadlines into a comprehensive semester calendar. This session empowers students to strategically plan their academic commitments, ensuring a well-organized and successful semester.

Navigating Test Anxiety:

This workshop addresses the challenges of test anxiety and its impact on students' academic performance. It aims to educate participants about the nature of test anxiety and how it can act as a barrier to success. Through the session, we explore a variety of long-term and short-term strategies for managing test anxiety, empowering students to overcome this obstacle and achieve their academic goals without undue stress.

Intelligent Learning with AI:

This workshop is designed to guide students in ethically leveraging artificial intelligence for learning, in alignment with Binghamton University's academic honesty policy. It offers an array of strategies to enhance learning effectiveness, including the creation of practice questions on various subjects and utilizing AI as a debate partner to fortify argumentation skills. Through this session, students will discover innovative ways to integrate AI into their study routines, ensuring both academic integrity and success.

Mastering Zotero for Efficient Citations:

This workshop introduces students to Zotero, a powerful, free reference management tool designed to streamline the research process. Participants will learn how to use Zotero to collect, organize, cite, and take notes on their research materials effectively. The workshop covers the basics of Zotero, including its integration with word processors through plug-ins for seamless in-text and bibliography generation. Through practical activities, students will gain hands-on experience with Zotero, empowering them to enhance their research efficiency and citation accuracy.

Mastering Anki for Effective Flashcard Learning:

This workshop is designed to unveil the significant benefits of self-testing through the "testing effect" and "spaced repetition" for enhancing academic performance on quizzes and exams. This session focuses on how these strategies can be effectively implemented with well-constructed flashcards. Specifically, the workshop introduces Anki, an innovative, open-source flashcard software that not only facilitates content review but also assesses content difficulty, enabling personalized and efficient study sessions. Participants will learn the basics of Anki, including how to create and customize flashcards, to optimize their learning process using these evidence-based study techniques.

Productive Failure and Building Resilience:

This workshop explores the concept of Productive Failure and its role in fostering resilience and success in the college environment. It emphasizes the constructive aspects of failing, illustrating how setbacks can serve as catalysts for growth and future achievements. Participants will learn strategies for redefining failure, moving away from a negative perspective towards one that sees failure as an essential step in learning and personal development. The session aims to equip students with the tools to build resilience, enabling them to navigate challenges more effectively throughout their college journey.

How to Retain More of What You Read:

This workshop is designed to expand participants' reading and comprehension abilities through a comprehensive exploration of various strategies, such as the SQ3R method. It combines instructional lessons with practical activities, allowing attendees to immediately apply what they have learned. The aim is to not only increase the volume of reading but also to enhance the depth of understanding, ensuring that participants can effectively absorb and retain more from their reading materials.

Effective Note-Taking Techniques:

Note-taking is a vital skill for enhancing information retention and engagement during readings and lectures. This workshop offers an exploration into various note-taking techniques, including the outline method, the Cornell method, and mind mapping. Participants will learn the fundamentals of each method and how to apply them effectively to reading and video assignments, as well as lectures and talks. The session is designed to equip students with the tools they need to improve their note-taking practices for academic success.

Building Memory Palaces:

This workshop delves into the ancient Greek technique designed for memorizing vast amounts of information. Participants will learn the concept of memory palaces and the steps involved in constructing them. The workshop includes a series of activities where students can apply and test this technique, offering a practical approach to enhancing their memorization skills.

Designing Effective Study Plans:

This workshop focuses on the fundamentals of creating effective study plans, guiding students through organizing crucial information and adopting relevant study methods, such as retrieval practice. Participants are encouraged to apply these principles to their own study routines, specifically in preparation for upcoming tests, allowing them to tailor study strategies that enhance learning and retention.

Exam Readiness Techniques:

This workshop is centered on examining and evaluating a diverse set of study techniques tailored for various subjects and test formats. It offers a comprehensive approach to academic success, extending beyond study strategies to include aspects of healthy living and self-care. Participants will learn to identify and apply the most effective study methods for their individual needs, while also understanding the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle to support their academic endeavors.

Metacognition, and the Power of Reflective Learning:

This workshop delves into the concept of metacognition—reflecting on one's own thought processes—and its significant impact on academic learning. Highlighting recent research, it emphasizes how metacognitive strategies can help in identifying personal strengths and weaknesses, and in devising effective approaches for academic improvement. Participants will explore how to apply reflective learning techniques to enhance their study habits and overall academic performance.

How to Excel in WRIT 111:

This is a collaborative workshop developed with the Writing Initiative, aimed at supporting students currently enrolled in WRIT 111. It offers a platform for EOP students who have successfully completed the course to share their experiences, insights, and strategies for success. Participants will receive valuable advice on what to expect from the course and practical tips on how to excel, directly from peers who have navigated the same challenges and achieved success.

Imposter Syndrome Survival Guide:

This workshop adopts a unique format, centering around a panel discussion where students share their personal encounters with imposter syndrome during their college years. This engaging session provides insights into how individuals have navigated feelings of inadequacy, managed imposter syndrome, and even harnessed these experiences to bolster their academic and personal growth. Through real-life stories and strategies, participants will gain valuable perspectives on overcoming imposter syndrome and using it as a tool for success in their academic journeys.