Accessibility Tools
For students struggling with reading, we recommend trying out text-to-speech software. NaturalReader is a free resource that will vocalize a variety of different documents, like online textbooks, PDFs, and Word documents. There is also a paid version of this resource that includes a greater variety of voices and features.
Some other text-to-speech apps include: Speechify, Kurzweil 1000, ReadSpeaker
It can be hard to know where to start when you are assigned a big project or paper. One potential resource is this Assignment Planner from the University of Toronto. You can plug in the time frame in which you have to do the assignment and select the type of assignment, and it will calculate what specific tasks need to be completed each day. The calendar will also easily sync to your student Google calendar.
Additionally, we recommend strategically scheduling appointments with the Dungy Writing Studio prior to the due date of your paper or project to implement some external motivation or “check points” where you know someone will need to look at something related to your project/paper.
There are several different ways to improve your concentration in class. Sometimes, I recommend that students bring something to fidget with to divert some of their energy. This could look like a fidget spinner, stress ball, ring or necklace, etc.
I also recommend that students use the feature available on most Android or Apple cell phones that turns off certain apps and notifications during scheduled times of day. For example, on Samsung phones, “Modes and Routines” will allow you to take more control of your cell phone use.
In some classes, your professor may also be okay with you using recording software like Otter.ai or Glean.co to record class and refer to it again later. Before recording any class, you should talk with your professor to get their approval.
Most people’s emotions or thoughts around procrastination will fall into major categories such as low self-confidence, fear of uncertainty, lack of energy, control (I shouldn’t have to do this, etc.) lack of organization, or pleasure seeking (this isn’t fun, etc.). When implementing strategies to address procrastination, it is important to know what is motivating your behavior.
One of the most effective ways to study is to follow the Study Cycle. The cycle has five steps: attend, review, study, check, and preview. Each piece is important and connects to the others. Two pieces that students often miss is to review your notes within 24 hours, fill in gaps, and develop any questions that need answering; and preview your notes, key words, chapter summaries and objectives, and note questions prior to attending class.
If you are struggling with staying motivated or maintaining concentration, I recommend you try a method of task initiation and completion called “body doubling.” You pair with another person, either a fellow student or non-student mentor, to keep you on task. This could look like you and your roommate going to the quiet floor in the library and doing your reading together, or it could look like scheduling a meeting with the Dungy Writing Studio the day before your paper is due to ensure that you have an external motivator. This technique can be applied to both academic tasks and self-regulation tasks like laundry.