Introducing……”App Spotlights!” In our new series, our writing and learning coaches share some of their favorite websites and applications! Today Writing Coach Sherah reviews Focusmate.

While studying alone can ensure that you have your own understanding of a subject, sometimes it’s more helpful (and more fun) to study with a friend. Here is how two peer tutors study together effectively by setting clear expectations about what they want to accomplish in a study session.

Introducing……”App Spotlights!” In our new series, our writing and learning coaches share some of their favorite websites and applications! Check back to see how our coaches use technology to help them write, manage their day, take note, and much more! … Read more

How I Optimized My Work: A Mental Clutter Check By Miranda, a Graduate Learning Coach Setting the Scene: A Mindful Check-In  As a graduate student trying to find the best ways to optimize my work, I have found that it … Read more

Introducing……”App Spotlights!” In our new series, our writing and learning coaches share some of their favorite websites and applications! Check back to see how our coaches use technology to help them write, manage their day, take note, and much more!

Part one on how I optimize work. Each of these will include check-ins and my own experience when I set the scene for productive work.

How I Made My Life Easier By Using A Synthesis Matrix: I’ve always enjoyed writing and thought myself quite good at it before getting to college. Of course, a lot of the writing you do then is for English class, reading one book and writing about it; you still have to work at figuring out your focus and how to support it, but the “research” aspect is limited. Stepping outside of a traditional English paper is another step, one that I was hit with when I first started college and had to write for other subjects.

How can I help myself stay organized and studying throughout the term and not just the few days before the exam? In this blog series, “Ask a Coach!” our Writing and Learning Center coaches answer our UNC-CH undergrads’ burning questions! Check back every month to see what our coaches have to say about everything from taking breaks to utilizing office hours! 

How can I stay focused during longer studying sessions, especially when I have a due date coming up soon? In this blog series, “Ask a Coach!” our Writing and Learning Center coaches answer our UNC-CH undergrads’ burning questions! Check back every month to see what our coaches have to say about everything from taking breaks to utilizing office hours! 

Where does my time go? Have you ever thought that? After a busy week and the hustle and bustle, feeling like you have lost time? I know I do all the time. As a busy graduate student who also works, most weeks end with me feeling exhausted and unsure of what I actually got done. I know that I had been busy – sometimes far too busy – and I did at least most of the work I needed to, but I honestly feel like time escapes me. I get that constant feeling that I am overwhelmed but not productive. The words effective and efficient use of time continually evade me.