Published on Sept. 21, 2021

Greetings Tigers, supporters and Mizzou family:

During this edition of the Director’s Corner, I wanted to accomplish two goals: First, draw attention to Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) and secondly, since many of you are in the midst of your first round of exams, papers and projects for the semester, I wanted to provide a few study tips.

Hispanic Heritage Month 

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationally each year September 15 to October 15 and recognizes the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. It’s all about celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. According to the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM), this Year’s National theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope”.

Study Skills

• Read the material thoroughly before class. Read it all again after class.
• Attend every class.  If you miss, get ahold of someone from class for the notes. (It’s never a good idea to ask professor “did I miss anything?” because you did!)
• Listen and take notes by hand (unless otherwise prevented). Research has shown that taking notes by hand is a far better learning strategy than doing so on a computer. You must hear, think, summarize, and write -each of which engages your brain and body differently and more comprehensively than typing on a keyboard. But, by all means, do whatever your physical situation requires.
• Participate in class discussions and ask questions when you’re unclear about something, if you have a question, or if you have an interesting thought or idea. You never know but your comment may make or break the class for another person. If you tend to be quiet in class, that’s fine, but your professor might call on you from time to time.
• Talk with others about what you’re learning, what you’re confused about and what you’re interested in.
• Create a study group. Share notes and insights.
• Review, rewrite and summarize your notes periodically throughout the term and reread the course material. More exposure, review, revision, and condensation of your notes makes for better retention and recall.
• Plan ahead for discussions and assignments so that you have time to prepare and revise assignments before turning them in.
• Take advantage of campus resources like your instructor, the Center for Academic Success & Excellence (CASE), or the MU Learning Center, Study Plan Consultants, Tiger Tutors and the Writing Center… all within the Student Success Center!

Wishing you all the Best!

#WeAreCASE

E. Andre Thorn, Ph.D
Director, Center for Academic Success & Excellence (CASE)
“Serving Students Since 1995”
110 Student Success Center, 909 Lowry Mall
Columbia, MO  65211
P: 573-882-9208
F: 573-884-4353
www.case.missouri.edu

Indigenous Peoples and Lands Acknowledgement:
I would like to acknowledge that I work in what is colonially known as “Missouri,” and that these were the homelands of the tribal nations of the Nutachi (Missouria), Jiwere (Otoe), Wahzhazhe (Osage), Ogáxpa (Quapaw), Chikasha (Chickasaw), Illini, and Báxoǰe (Ioway), among others.