Logo site
Logo site

Olivia Bennett

About me

Latest Articles

Motivation & Mindset

Teaching Students to Set Better Academic Goals (and Actually Follow Through)

Reading Time: 6 minutesMany students can describe what they want academically—higher grades, less stress, better time management, stronger writing, passing a gateway course. The problem is that “wanting” often stays abstract. Goals become optimistic statements rather than a working plan, and follow-through disappears the moment the semester gets busy. The good news: goal-setting isn’t a personality trait. It’s […]

December 19, 2025 6 min read
Motivation & Mindset

Designing Classroom Routines That Boost Motivation and Reduce Anxiety

Reading Time: 7 minutesWhy Routines Matter More Than Ever Students today are juggling academic demands, social pressures, and often significant stress outside school. In this context, unpredictable classrooms can feel overwhelming. Every transition, instruction, or assignment becomes a new puzzle to decode, adding to cognitive load and anxiety. Thoughtful classroom routines function like a roadmap. When students know […]

December 9, 2025 7 min read
Motivation & Mindset

How to Help Students Overcome Fear of Failure (Without Toxic Positivity)

Reading Time: 6 minutesFear of failure is one of the most powerful forces shaping student behavior. It can fuel procrastination, perfectionism, avoidance of challenging tasks, and even decisions to drop out. Often the problem is not a lack of ability, but a deep belief that mistakes are unacceptable and that failing at something academic means failing as a […]

November 27, 2025 6 min read
Motivation & Mindset

Micro-Motivations: Small Ways to Keep Struggling Students Going

Reading Time: 2 minutesIntroduction Every classroom has students who struggle—academically, emotionally, or socially. While major interventions are important, sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference. Micro-motivationsare brief, purposeful actions or words that give students the extra push they need to keep going. In this article, we explore how to use these simple tools to build confidence, boost […]

October 15, 2025 2 min read
Motivation & Mindset

Using Growth Mindset Language in Your Classroom

Reading Time: 2 minutesDiscover how using growth mindset language can transform your teaching approach and empower students to embrace learning challenges with confidence. What Is a Growth Mindset? A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, practice, and learning. This concept, pioneered by psychologist Carol Dweck, contrasts with a fixed mindset, […]

October 15, 2025 2 min read
Motivation & Mindset

How to Help Students Build Academic Confidence

Reading Time: 3 minutesStudents who enter college with gaps in their academic preparation often struggle not only with content but with confidence. When students don’t believe they’re capable of success, they’re less likely to engage, persist, or seek help. This article offers practical strategies — grounded in theory and experience — to help educators, tutors, and program leaders […]

October 14, 2025 3 min read
Micro-Skills for Academic Success

7 Things That Help You Focus While Studying

Reading Time: 2 minutesIn today’s world full of digital noise, staying focused while studying can be a real challenge. Notifications, fatigue, and endless distractions make it hard to concentrate. But the good news is — there are simple, science-backed strategies that can help. Below are 7 effective ways to improve your concentration and get more out of your […]

October 7, 2025 2 min read
Formative Assessment and Feedback Strategies

Peer Tutoring in Higher Education: Benefits, Ethics, and Best Practices

Reading Time: 2 minutesPeer Tutoring The Association for the Tutoring Profession has adopted the following Code of Ethics which are widely accepted within professional tutoring organizations: Best Interest: Tutors will be committed to acting in the best interest of tutees as specified by the employing organization or institute. Responsibility: Tutors will take responsibility for their own behavior and […]

September 15, 2025 2 min read
Show more