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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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Micro-Skills for Academic Success

How to Plan Your Week So You Don’t Miss Deadlines

Reading Time: 2 minutesIt’s Sunday night, and you suddenly remember a paper that’s due tomorrow. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. The truth is, staying on top of deadlines isn’t about being perfect — it’s about having a simple weekly plan that works. In this article, you’ll learn easy, realistic steps to plan your week so you can […]

October 6, 2025 2 min read
Formative Assessment and Feedback Strategies

How to Give Feedback That Helps, Not Hurts

Reading Time: 2 minutesWe’ve all seen it — a student works hard, gets feedback, and suddenly looks discouraged. Feedback can be a powerful tool for learning and motivation, but only if it’s done right. In this article, we’ll look at how to give feedback that builds confidence instead of hurting motivation. 1. Understand What Good Feedback Really Is […]

October 6, 2025 2 min read
Formative Assessment and Feedback Strategies

Easy Ways to Check If Students Understand the Lesson

Reading Time: 2 minutesSometimes teachers finish a lesson thinking, “That went well!” — only to find out later that students didn’t really understand the key idea. Checking for understanding during or right after the lesson helps identify confusion early and makes learning more effective. In this post, we’ll explore simple, quick, and low-stress ways to see if your […]

October 6, 2025 2 min read
Formative Assessment and Feedback Strategies

Supplemental Instruction

Reading Time: 2 minutesAccording to the International Center for Supplemental Instruction, SI is “an academic assistance program that utilizes peer-assisted study sessions. SI sessions are regularly-scheduled, informal review sessions in which students compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and predict test items. Students learn how to integrate course content and study skills in phd dissertation while working […]

September 15, 2025 2 min read
Micro-Skills for Academic Success

Which Citation Style to Teach First-Year Students?

Reading Time: 4 minutesWhen it comes to teaching academic writing in the first year of college, few topics seem as technical — or as intimidating — as citation styles. For many students just entering higher education, the rules of referencing feel foreign, rigid, and sometimes arbitrary. And for instructors and tutors in developmental education, the challenge lies in […]

September 15, 2025 4 min read
Motivation & Mindset

Psychological Foundations of Student Motivation

Reading Time: 3 minutesIntroduction: In the realm of education, one critical aspect that can make or break a student’s journey is motivation. It is the driving force behind learning and achieving academic success. As we delve into the topic of “Psychological Foundations of Student Motivation,” we’ll uncover the profound impact it has on students’ lives. What’s more, we’ll […]

September 15, 2025 3 min read
Motivation & Mindset

Developmental Education in Higher Education

Reading Time: 2 minutesDevelopmental Education The National Center for Developmental Education describes the field of developmental education as supporting “the academic and personal growth of under-prepared college students through instruction, counseling, advising, and tutoring. The clients of developmental education programs are traditional and nontraditional students who have been assessed as needing to develop their skills in order to […]

September 15, 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
Micro-Skills for Academic Success

A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write an Engaging Narrative Essay.

Reading Time: 7 minutesNarrative essays are a popular form of writing that allows you to share a personal experience or tell a story in a creative and engaging way. Whether you’re writing for school, work, or just for fun, a well-written narrative essay can captivate your readers and leave a lasting impression. In this guide, we’ll break down […]

September 12, 2025 7 min read
Academic Support Design

Student Success and Retention Strategies Library

Reading Time: < 1 minuteStudent Success and Retention Strategies Library A curated hub of research-backed resources on student retention, peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, motivation, and developmental education. Explore practical guides, PDFs, and overviews designed to help instructors improve persistence, engagement, and learning outcomes. Retention & Persistence: evidence-based frameworks and first-year success insights Peer & Supplemental Instruction: definitions, models, and […]

September 12, 2025 < 1 min read