Participants from 34 post-secondary institutions across Canada came together for PAW in March. Students benefitted from workshops, including an LSS critical thinking session, study halls, a resource library and opportunities to network with peers from across the country.

Throughout this 5-week program, graduate students were able to enhance their motivation, reduce stress and connect with peers. As they reflected on personal experiences and applied evidence-based skills, they were able to refine their approach to learning and take action to improve well-being.

This winter, workshops will be held in a safe community space, and led by a LSS Indigenous peer. The peer's Learning Skills knowledge, and awareness of the needs of Indigenous students, creates a culturally relevant academic support that aims to bolster the success of Indigenous students.

Learning Skills Services introduced two new workshops, titled Effective Reading Strategies and Note-Taking Essentials. These events will provide students with a closer look at each topic, and an opportunity to practice and apply the presented strategies to their work. 

LSS delivered workshops for Faculty of Health students during orientation and large first-year kinesiology courses. Students learned about skills in time management, note-taking, study strategies, critical reading and thinking to work toward success in their first semester.

Learning Skills peers completed a week-long interactive training program in August which helped them build knowledge, skills and confidence ahead of beginning their roles. Topics included the science of learning, delivering presentations, peer coaching, creating inclusive spaces and much more. 

In collaboration with Student Community & Leadership Development, Learning Skills Services demystified lecture environments and introduced note-taking strategies that students practiced during a mock lecture. With their peers, students discussed how they plan to approach university learning. 

Learning Skills Services offered three workshops this summer through YU Prep to help York's newest learners prepare for the fall term. In the Secrets of Academic Success: What You Won't Learn in Lecture session, incoming students explored the expectations of learners in university.

Learning Skills Services offered presentation skills training to student leaders of the York Orientation Directors Association. They learned strategies for achieving cohesion during group presentations, tailoring presentations to the audience, projecting confidence and overcoming nerves. 

Learning Skills Services (LSS) sponsored a community-based project with the EDST 4999 course, providing students an opportunity to gain practical experience in the education sector. Students created an interactive, asynchronous "playground" eClass that will be used later to develop an LSS eClass.

Learning Skills Services introduced a new workshop this year that quickly became one of the top five in-demand topics. In the new Motivation & Procrastination workshop, students learn about why we procrastinate, what drives our motivation and strategies to overcome barriers to getting down to work.