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Practical Strategies for Student Success in Higher Education

Evidence-informed teaching practices, learning support models, and instructional strategies designed to improve student motivation, retention, and academic confidence.

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Academic Support Design

Assessing the Impact of Your Learning Support Programs

Reading Time: 2 minutesIntroduction Learning support programs are essential for helping students overcome academic, social, and emotional challenges. But how do we know these programs are actually working? Assessment is key. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of evaluating your support programs, what to measure, and how to use that data to make lasting improvements. What Are […]

October 15, 2025 2 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
Academic Support Design

Creating a Scalable Academic Support Model for First-Year Students

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe first year of college is a make-or-break period for many students — especially those who enter with academic preparation gaps. While many institutions offer academic support, too often these services are limited in reach, reliant on individual staff energy, or disconnected from academic programming. In this article, we explore how to design a scalable, […]

October 14, 2025 3 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
Formative Assessment and Feedback Strategies

How to Use Emojis or Symbols to Make Feedback Fun

Reading Time: 3 minutesFeedback doesn’t have to be dry or overly formal. By adding emojis and symbols to your comments, you can make feedback more engaging, expressive, and effective — whether you’re working with students, coworkers, or peers online. Why Use Emojis in Feedback? Visual reinforcement: Emojis help emphasize key points and highlight important feedback. A simple ✅ […]

October 14, 2025 3 min read
Formative Assessment and Feedback Strategies

How to Use Your Phone to Study Smarter

Reading Time: 2 minutesYour smartphone isn’t just a distraction — it can become your most powerful learning tool. With the right apps, settings, and habits, you can turn your phone into a mobile study assistant that helps you stay focused and organized. Why Use Your Phone for Studying? We carry our phones everywhere — so why not use […]

October 14, 2025 2 min read
Micro-Skills for Academic Success

How to Get Ready for a Test Without Stress

Reading Time: 2 minutesPreparing for tests can often feel overwhelming. But with the right mindset, techniques, and routine, it is possible to approach exams with calm and confidence. This guide will show you how. Understanding the Nature of Stress Stress is a natural reaction, but it can either motivate or paralyze. Good stress pushes you to perform. Bad […]

October 14, 2025 2 min read
Formative Assessment and Feedback Strategies

What to Say When a Student Makes a Mistake

Reading Time: 2 minutesMistakes are not just inevitable in learning — they are essential. As educators, the way we respond when a student makes a mistake can deeply influence their confidence, motivation, and overall learning journey. The Role of Mistakes in Learning Mistakes provide a valuable opportunity to reflect, rethink, and grow. However, many students fear making them […]

October 14, 2025 2 min read
Formative Assessment and Feedback Strategies

Low-Stakes Assessment: How to Monitor Student Progress Without Grades

Reading Time: 2 minutesTraditional grades can sometimes hinder rather than help student learning. They often increase anxiety, discourage experimentation, and may not reflect a student’s true understanding. An effective alternative is low-stakes assessment — a powerful strategy for monitoring progress without the pressure of grades. 1. What Is Low-Stakes Assessment? Low-stakes assessments are tasks that carry little or […]

October 7, 2025 2 min read