Student Learning Centre

Frequently asked questions

• What does the Student Learning Centre do?

  The Student Learning Centre provides academic support to students in math, writing, English as a second/additional language, physics, engineering, chemistry, study skills and other subject-specific areas. Academic support is delivered to you through workshops, individual appointments, drop-in study sessions, peer support and nool's online resources.

  We have flexible hours and are available to help you during the day and evening, online and in-person.

• Can I expect the same type of help from my peer tutor or academic subject specialist as I would from my teaching assistant (TA)?

  The role of the peer tutor and academic subject specialist is distinct from that of the teaching assistant (TA). You may be referred back to your course instructor or TA for more specific course-related support.

• Can I get someone to proofread my paper before I hand it in?
  We can’t proofread your papers, however, writing and ESL specialists and writing peer tutors are happy to review your paper with you to help you understand where your common mistakes are and how to correct them. Any adjustments to your work will be your responsibility as the writer to make. 
• Do you have any online resources to help students?
  Yes, we do! Nool is our own website for online resources in math, writing, English as a second language and study skills. We also offer online appointments and workshops for students. To register for an online appointment or workshop go to the Student Life Portal.
• How do I book an appointment with an academic subject specialist or peer tutor?
  Book an appointment with an academic subject specialist or peer tutor on the Student Life Portal. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can call the Student Learning Centre at 905.721.8668 ext. 6578 or email studentlearning@ontariotechu.ca.
• How do I cope with test anxiety?
  We're here to help! You can make a one-on-one appointment with an Academic Development Facilitator or a Peer Success Facilitator who can teach you more about useful study strategies and learning skills. You will be introduced to different strategies and options for dealing with test anxiety and exam preparation.
• How far in advance do I have to book my appointment?

  We recommend booking your appointments in advance, especially during peak times (usually one or two weeks leading up to midterms and final exams).

  We also have other ways you can connect with our team: 

  • Join us for a Peer Assisted Study Session (PASS)—available for historically challenging courses.
  • Same day writing appointments are available and are bookable each day starting at 7 a.m.
  • We offer drop-in support in the Math Study Hall in math, physics and chemistry. 
• How many appointments can I have per semester?

  You can have up to two sessions per week with a semester total of 12 sessions, per appointment calendar.

  There are three main appointment calendars: one for help with an academic specialist, one for same day writing support and one for help with a peer tutor. These appointment calendars can be found in your Student Life Portal. 
  
  Learn more about our appointment policies.  

• How much should I study in university?

  A good rule of thumb is to spend approximately 1 to 3 hours studying for every hour you spend in lecture. That means if you spend two hours in a lecture, you should spend a minimum of two hours outside of class studying the same material.

  Another factor to consider is the length of time you wait to review material from the first time you learned it: You should review your lecture notes within 24 hours after you first learn the material. This is because humans have a limited memory capacity and after 24 hours we begin to forget what was learned. From our research, most students benefit from planning to review their lecture notes within a day after the lecture.

• I really want to do well in university. What can I do to be successful in my courses?

  Attending classes will significantly enhance your chance of success. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions during class or your professor’s office hours.

  Additionally, the Student Learning Centre is here to help! We provide many services to support your academic success in university including drop-in help sessions, academic workshops and subject specific appointments throughout the academic year. We encourage you to take advantage of these services—which are included in your tuition fees.

• Is there someone who will show me how to do American Psychological Association (APA), Modern Language Association (MLA) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) referencing?
  Absolutely. The Student Learning Centre’s writing specialists and peer writing tutors can provide support with citations and referencing. We provide one-on-one support and workshops on the topic.
• What is a drop-in study hall or learning community and how does this help me?

  A drop-in study hall or learning community is where you can receive help with math, physics, chemistry, writing, conversational English and other subjects. These study halls are available to you: 

  • Chemistry Study Hall
  • Conversation Café
  • Math Study Hall
  • Peer Assisted Study Sessions
  • Physics Study Hall

  These spaces offer the opportunity to participate in collaborative, supported learning environments without an appointment. Here, you can receive support on problems you're stuck on, have your thesis statement reviewed, get advice about how to study, and many other related topics. There are academic specialists and peer tutors available at all of these drop-in learning communities.
  
• What is your cancellation policy?

  You are encouraged to cancel an appointment with 24 hours of notice. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will:

  • Be counted as a no-show.
  • Result in one session taken off the semester total.

  After three no-shows, you could be barred from accessing the Student Learning Centre’s service for the remainder of the semester. 

  Learn more about our appointment policies.

• What is the best way to study?

  Everyone must find what works best for them, but generally speaking, studying should be an active process. Active learning simply means getting involved with what you’re learning. Think of the ways you can activate more than one of your senses when learning—such as reading and speaking aloud, practicing problems and then checking your answers, doing mock tests or discussing with a group.

  There are many study strategies you can use when learning. For more information you can visit Nool, make an appointment to develop your study skills or attend a Stride workshop or study support group.

• What supports do you have for students with English as a second/additional language (ESL/EAL)?
  We have writing and ESL specialists that offer help in areas such as writing, editing, presentation skills, communication skills, assignment clarification, fluency development and grammar.