Student Success Workshops In-classroom workshops for students in full-time Academic Programs or English Language Programs (Benchmark Level 7-8) at the request of faculty.
Academic Success Centre Contact: Dayna Graham, Adult Learning Facilitator, Academic Success Centre dagraham@rrc.ca or 204.631.3342 Academic Success Centre’s series of College Knowledge workshops offer interactive learning strategy activities designed to engage students and promote positive behavioural change. College Knowledge workshops work best if contextualized with material from your program. To do this we encourage you to book early to allow Academic Success Centre tutors to modify the workshops to fit your program’s specific needs. Reading and Learning for College This workshop provides students strategies to help improve reading comprehension and efficiency. Workshop leaders explore reading as a thinking process and guide students to explore proven reading and comprehension strategies.
Workshop Guidelines
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Active reading approaches Identifying main and supporting points Predicting Categorizing information for retention
Managing Your Time and Environment Time Keeps on Ticking Our workshop leaders help students organize themselves and their environments in a way that increases success in college. Going to college is more than just a ’change of jobs’; it’s a change in lifestyle. • Setting priorities • Planning time • Making time for rest
5 things you can do to ensure a valuable Student Success Workshop
Top 10 Strategies for giving a game-changing Oral Presentation
1 Book Early
• Putting in your request is easy! Simply go online and complete the workshop request form located at www.rrc.ca/studentsuccessworkshops or call/email the contact listed by the workshop you are interested in.
If your audience were to leave with one idea or thought, what would that be? Students will learn & apply the Top 10 Strategies for giving an effective and memorable Oral Presentation. • Simple, clear and logical messaging • Persuasive & confident approach • Connecting with your audience • Interactive speaking • Body language
• Please note: Faculty requests for in-classroom workshops will be responded to on a first come, first serve basis.
Study Smarter, Not Harder: Test Prep that Really Works
Test taking and test anxiety
“When is the best time to study for a test? Is there such a thing as studying too much? How can they expect us to learn all this material in such a short time?” If these are some of the questions your students ask from time to time, this workshop is for you! We will discuss how to apply various learning theories to student study habits. This workshop helps students save time and minimize aggravation while helping them learn more than they thought possible. • Retaining information • Cognitive learning needs • Study cycle enhancers
You’ve prepped, studied and reviewed your material, and now it’s time to write the test. This workshop focuses on practical tips to help students ensure they do their best on tests and formal assessments. • Multiple choice test strategies • Long and short answers • Alleviating test anxiety • Organizing thought under pressure
Quick tips on student success
EAL Learning Strategies
A 1-hour combination of all of our workshops to give students an overview of learning strategies and test prep tips. • Learning strategies • Test taking tips • Academic supports at RRC
Many EAL students work to refine their understanding of English while learning new content in RRC courses. This workshop addresses the specific needs of EAL students as they balance language and content learning needs. • Learning new content-specific vocabulary • Distinguishing between language and learning needs • Understanding instructor expectations • Language to enhance classroom and group-work participation
Memorization techniques for long-term retention
Custom-designed workshops
Many students report feeling unable to absorb and remember course content in intense RRC programs. This workshop delivers techniques for learning and retaining large amounts of information. • Brain-based memorization techniques • Linking, mapping and narrative memorization strategies • Chunking data and long-term retention techniques
ASC tutors are available to design and deliver activity-based learning strategy workshops that fit your program’s specific needs. Give us a call or drop by to learn more.
• We encourage you to contact us with the details of your request as soon as possible; minimum of 3 weeks in advance. The earlier you book, the greater the probability that we will be able to accommodate your request.
2 Set Up • Please ensure your classroom has a projector and laptop set up for the workshop presenters.
3 Participate • We value working with faculty to enhance the learning you are facilitating with your students. As such, your presence in the workshop allows for greater collaboration, insight and a richer learning experience.
4 Customize It
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Please complete the online workshop request form located at www.rrc.ca/studentsuccessworkshops or call/email the contact listed by the workshop you are interested in, and share information about specific topics that you would like included in the workshop. Be sure to include classroom size, program name, demographics, and any additional details that will help to address your students’ learning needs.
5 Tell us your thoughts • After the workshop, please take the time to complete the online workshop satisfaction survey located at www.rrc.ca/studentsuccessworkshops.
A Roadmap for the Academic Writing Process This Academic Writing Workshop will exemplify a roadmap to guide students on the Academic Writing process. We will focus primarily on the initial stages of the writing process; helping students overcome the challenges faced when first sitting down to work on a paper in a post- secondary academic setting. • Selecting a research topic • Refining the thesis • Sequencing ideas • Drawing conclusions tailored to the introduction
Diversity and Immigrant Student Support:
The Intercultural Skills Program also assists immigrant and international students to develop the cultural awareness and skills needed to study and work successfully in the Canadian college and workplace environment.
Canadian Culture Workshops for Immigrant and International Students Do’s and Don’ts in the Canadian Classroom
Communication Skills for the Canadian Workplace
Educational systems and teaching methods are different from one country to another. What is acceptable in one culture may or may not be acceptable in another culture. Students will learn about the differences that may affect them during their studies at Red River College.
Career success is strongly linked to the use of soft skills and the communication style that is preferred in the Canadian workplace. Students will learn the four building blocks of the Canadian communication style: clarity, conciseness, coherence and consensus.
• Academic culture shock
• The role of culture
• Student/instructor and student/student relationships • Student participation in class
• Clarity, coherence and conciseness, and use of softeners to create consensus
• Group work dynamics
• Tips for meeting preparation
• Classroom values: leadership and initiative; demonstrating confidence; conflict resolution and negotiation; flexibility; equality; respect; punctuality
• Unwritten rules: positive attitude; bring up problems or mistakes; ask, speak up, contribute and participate in the workplace; conflict resolution and negotiation
The Intercultural Skills Program assists all students to develop cross-cultural awareness and skills to study and work effectively in today’s global environment.
To complement this workshop, booking of an Academic Success Centre workshop to provide study skills strategies is strongly encouraged.
Academic Integrity in the Canadian Classroom
Cultural Differences in the Canadian Workplace
Every student must be honest and accurate in their work in the Canadian classroom. Plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct are serious matters. Students will learn the forms of academic misconduct and how to avoid them when doing group work, preparing assignments and writing exams.
Identifying and managing cultural differences in the Canadian workplace contributes to career success. Students will learn various cultural orientations and personality types that will help them to understand supervisors, co-workers and clients.
• Academic integrity
• Direct communication and consensus communication
• Forms of academic misconduct
• Personality types
Intercultural Skills Program Contact: Nora Sobel, Diversity Initiatives Coordinator, Diversity and Immigrant Student Support nsobel@rrc.ca or 204.632.2404
Cross-Cultural Workshops for All Students Intercultural and Diversity Awareness
Managing Cross-Cultural Differences in Canada
Across cultures, people have developed their own values and behaviours which allow them to understand and interpret the world around them. Students will learn about different cultural worldviews and the various dimensions of diversity represented in every individual.
Cultural competence is required to study, work and live in today’s global environment. Students will learn how to be aware and sensitive of cross-cultural differences and respond effectively when interacting with people from different backgrounds.
• Perceptions and assumptions
• Cultural competence
• Plagiarism
• Power in the workplace
• Cultural iceberg
• Intercultural awareness, skills and sensitivity
• Effects of academic dishonesty
• Cultural values and worldviews
• Stereotypes and generalizations
• Dimensions of diversity
• Cultural frameworks
• Strategies for working and communicating effectively
• Intention and perception
To complement this workshop, booking of an Academic Success Centre workshop to provide information about citation guidelines is strongly encouraged.
• Unwritten rules: find the mainstream workplace culture; the organization’s clock; suspend judgment
Communication across Cultures
Working in Diverse Teams
Every culture favours different communication styles. Students will learn how to be cross-culturally aware when communicating with classmates, colleagues and friends across cultures. • Verbal and non-verbal communication
With ongoing immigration to Manitoba and working relationships across the world, teams are usually composed of members from different cultural backgrounds. Students will learn how cultural differences may affect team work and what strategies they can implement for success.
• Direct and indirect communication styles
• Individualism and collectivism
• Body language: gestures, eye contact, greetings, personal space
• Direct and indirect communication styles
• Concept of feedback
• Activity focus or people focus
• Cultural comparisons of feedback
• “Rational” or “Emotional”
• Cultural intelligence and intercultural communication
LGBTT* Initiative Contact: Nora Sobel, Diversity Initiatives Coordinator, Diversity and Immigrant Student Support | nsobel@rrc.ca or 204.632.2404 The LGBTT* Initiative provides educational opportunities and resources to build communication, understanding and respect for diversity throughout the College.
• Strategies for working with people from different cultures • Establishing group work rules
LGBTT* Awareness
• Responding to unexpected cultural behaviours
LGBTT* individuals have gained major legal rights in Canada, but still face various social and cultural barriers. Students will broaden their understanding of sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression, as well as learn how to identify discriminatory assumptions from a personal, social and cultural framework.
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LGBTT* definitions, terminology, culture and history
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Differences and intersections between sex, gender and sexual orientation
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Impacts of LGBTT* myths and stereotypes
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Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism
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Issues and barriers faced by LGBTT* individuals
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Tools, strategies, and recommendations for affirming change
Workshop content can be adapted to specific students’ learning needs and professional field. An honorarium for an external trainer may be applicable and is covered by the academic program.
Student Employment Services Contact: Michelle Johnson, Coordinator, Student Employment Services mmjohnson@rrc.ca or 204.632.2128
Library Contact: Notre Dame Library (Information Desk): 204.632.2233 Exchange District Campus Library (Information Desk): 204.949.8371 RRC Library Reference Staff will deliver Library Instruction classes to students of any program taught at or through Red River College. Library Instruction classes may include the following content; however sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of the class:
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Introduction to the Library Creating effective searches Choosing the most effective search tool Searching the Library’s Online Catalogue (OPAC) Searching Online Databases for journal articles Searching & evaluating suitable Internet resources Tour of the Library
At the Notre Dame Campus, Library Instruction classes are usually conducted at the Notre Dame Library; staff can also deliver a session in any classroom or computer lab that has internet access. At the Exchange District Campus, Library reference staff will conduct sessions in any classroom, room, or computer lab that has internet access. This includes Red River College classes held in The Roblin Centre, Paterson GlobalFoods Institute and the Language Training Centre.
The sessions are flexible in terms of time. Most are 50 minutes long but they can be longer or shorter depending on the needs of the instructor. The sessions can be brief general orientations or focused on assignment-specific research tools and techniques. If held in the library or a computer lab there can be a hands-on component.
Student Employment Services offers a variety of employment related workshops to assist students to develop the skills required to be competitive throughout the job search process. Job Search Strategies and Resources Job search goes beyond reading job ads in your local newspaper. It involves a series of strategic steps to assist you in finding the right job. Students will learn strategies and resources that can assist them in their job search. • Understanding your skills and abilities • Researching your options • Connecting with both the visible and hidden job markets • Networking • Informational interviewing • Job search marketing tools • Job search tips
Writing Convincing Cover Letters
Creating Effective Resumes
Submitting a convincing cover letter to accompany your resume is an important part of the application process. In this presentation students will obtain the information required to create a professional cover letter.
Having an outstanding resume can greatly improve your chances of getting the interview. In this presentation students will obtain information on how to create effective resumes.
• Types of cover letters
• Your resume as a marketing tool
• Cover letter do’s and don’ts
• Types of resumes
Counselling and Accessibility Services
• The essential elements of a cover letter
• Key components of a resume
Contact: Jennifer Gaulin at jgaulin@rrc.ca or 204.632.3966
• Purpose of the interview
• Mistakes that can cost you
Interview Skills
Mock Interviews
An interview is a key component to securing a job in Canada. In this session students will obtain information on the best interview practices.
This session provides students with the opportunity to practice their interview skills through a group based “mock” interview. As a class, students will be asked a series of interview questions and be provided valuable feedback and coaching on their personal presentation and responses.
• Types of interviews
Stress Management
• Preparing for the interview
• Types of interview questions and answers
Stress is defined as a response to demands that are placed on an individual. College students have many reasons that may experience high levels of stress, given the steady stream of demands encountered on a daily basis. If students do not have good stress management skills it could lead to negative impacts on mental and physical health, academic progress, and relationships. In this workshop, students can learn why it’s important to manage stress before stress takes control and develop the skills to manage in healthier ways.
Test Anxiety Management
It is only natural and normal for students to feel nervous before an exam. Everyone wonders if they will be able to answer the questions, if they have prepared enough, if they will remember what they have studied. In fact, a certain amount of nervous tension probably helps us perform to the best of our ability and produces a healthy rush of adrenaline that gives us what we need to stay alert and focused. But too much anxiety can BLOCK thoughts, create a negative frame of mind and lead to panic and potentially poor exam performance. Test Anxiety refers to a debilitating type of anxiety that impacts how a student demonstrates their knowledge. This workshop will help provide information about how students can learn to manage this debilitating type of anxiety.
• Personal presentation • Job interview follow-up
• Please note this session is ideal for smaller class sizes
SupportCommunity Relationships StrengthRespectGuidanceWisdom Humility Family Seven Generations
ommunity Relationsh Respect GuidanceWi amily Seven Generat Aboriginal Student Support & Community Relations Contact: Lisa Carriere, Aboriginal Student Support & Community Relations licarriere@rrc.ca or 204.632.3773 Aboriginal Student Support & Community Relations works cooperatively with the community, students, and staff to ensure Aboriginal students have access to the supports and services needed to successfully complete their program at Red River College. The College Community-Valuing from a Traditional Perspective
The Circle & Medicine Wheel An in-depth look at Medicine Wheel philosophy from an Aboriginal holistic collective worldview and perspective using circle concepts and Medicine Wheel teachings. Focus of this voluntary interactive presentation will explore the growth and balance of intuitive, relational, experiential, and cognitive learning abilities of students from an Aboriginal cultural perspective.
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Getting involved Building relationships Support systems Identifying your strengths
• Tours of the Aboriginal Support Centre are also available. • Meet with an elder or cultural teacher one-on-one to learn more about various teachings, stop by to say hello or spend some time sharing about your program. • Visit with our Wellness Counsellor to discuss programming, family, school/life balance or assistance/advocacy with your funding, housing, etc. • Customized workshops are also available on various cultural teachings such as sharing circles, tipi teachings, naming ceremonies, adjusting to city and College life, to name a few.