The higher education landscape is continually reshaped by the New Majority Learner (NML), a diverse population from working students to international students, and those navigating unique personal challenges.
While institutions are adapting with flexible learning and assistive technologies, a fundamental aspect of student success often comes down to preparedness – specifically, possessing the essential study skills needed to thrive in a demanding academic environment. For many New Majority Learners, a lack of these core skills can become a significant barrier.
This is precisely why investing in comprehensive study skills courses is not just beneficial, but crucial for empowering every student on their learning journey.
Bridging the preparedness gap for higher education students
Many characteristics of the NML arrive on campus being unfamiliar with the requisite study skills for higher education. Lots of these students come from diverse backgrounds with varying prior learning experiences, meaning they may not have received the same foundational training as traditional students, or it’s simply been a while since they last used said skills.
Whether they're first generation college students navigating an unfamiliar academic culture, returning adult learners, or those whose previous education didn't emphasize college level study techniques, this gap in preparedness can be daunting.
Without strong study skills, students can feel overwhelmed, struggle to keep up, and ultimately, face disengagement and a higher risk of not completing their programs.
The power of study skills courses
Study skills courses are instrumental in equipping all students with the tools and strategies they need to succeed in college. They serve to level the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds, providing a common foundation in essential learning strategies regardless of prior academic experience. These courses typically focus on critical areas that are vital for academic success:
- Time management: Helping students balance academic demands with work, family, and other commitments.
- Note taking: Teaching effective strategies to capture, organize, and synthesize information from lectures and readings.
- Critical thinking: Developing the ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and form reasoned judgments.
- Examination preparation: Equipping students with strategies for effective review, test taking, and managing academic stress
By mastering these skills, students can become more effective and confident learners, gaining the self efficacy needed to tackle and achieve their academic goals, as well as developing life long skills.
Spotlight: The Confident Notetakers Masterclass
Among the most fundamental study skills is effective note taking, a practice often misunderstood but absolutely critical for comprehension and retention. This is where courses like The Confident Notetakers Masterclass come into play.
Many students, especially those struggling with concentration or information overload, find traditional note taking methods ineffective.
Our skills course is an on demand online note taking course, available to all Genio Notes accounts, designed to empower students with vital study skills that they may not have been taught before higher education.
The Confident Notetakers Masterclass consists of seven short modules that cover key note taking skills and strategies. It teaches students how to prepare for class, what to do during class, and how to study from notes afterward, encouraging self-reflection on their learning process.
“[I learned that] good notetaking is not about just writing things down. It's a mix of many different strategies that when put in place together, can help you take better notes in each of your classes.”
Kaya, Genio Notes user
The engaging content, incorporating videos, audio, and quizzes, is built by learning experts based on learning science. Students can access the course anytime and from anywhere with their Genio Notes login, allowing them to pause and return to it as needed to fit into their busy schedules. The benefits are significant:
- 84% of pre-release testers reported increased confidence in note-taking
- 94% of students who tested the course learned something new.
Through skills courses like The Confident Notetakers Masterclass, we can directly addresses the needs of learners who might otherwise feel left behind by an inability to return to the content because they've struggled to take effective lecture notes.
It's about giving them control over their learning process, a key component of a success-first approach. You can find out more details here!
Building the foundations for student and institutional success
Introducing study skills courses is a foundational investment that yields significant returns. For students, it translates into increased confidence, improved academic performance, and enhanced overall college experience.
For institutions, it leads to better retention rates and ultimately, a more engaged and successful student population, contributing to long-term sustainability.
As the NML continues to define the student body, proactively equipping them with strong study skills is not just an act of support; it's a strategic imperative for fostering a truly inclusive and thriving higher education environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Many New Majority Learners arrive at college lacking essential study skills due to varied prior educational experiences.
- Study skills courses are instrumental in equipping students with vital techniques like time management, note-taking, critical thinking, and exam preparation.
- These courses level the playing field, providing a common foundation for all students regardless of their background.
- Mastering study skills fosters self-efficacy and confidence, empowering students to achieve their academic goals.
- Genio’s Confident Notetakers Masterclass is an online course that directly improves note-taking skills, leading to increased confidence and better information retention for students.
- Investing in study skills is a strategic imperative for institutions to ensure higher retention rates, improved student outcomes, and a more inclusive learning environment for the New Majority.
