The Learning Commons provides an integrated approach to support student learning at York. The key of areas of support in the Learning Commons are: writing, research, learning skills and career services.
Support is primarily provided in the form of drop-in assistance and workshops. Much of this activity is centred around the Learning Commons @ Scott Library (located on the 2nd floor).
Support is provided by several partners:
Effective writing allows us to articulate, expand and clarify our thoughts. In university, writing is the main means by which students engage thoughtfully with course themes and communicate their ideas to their instructors. Through its individual writing instruction and its group workshops, the Writing Centre helps students to become successful and confident writers. The Writing Centre provides these drop-in individual writing instruction sessions, as well as workshops, in the Learning Commons, and in its main office in S329 Ross.
Research – York University Libraries
Being a good researcher is just as important as being a good writer. Not sure where to begin? Frustrated by a difficult essay topic? Librarians at the Research Desks on the second floor can assist you in identifying the best sources of information for your needs. We can help you get things moving along again!
Learning Skills – Learning Skills Services (CDS)
Learning Skills are about “learning how to learn” and improving your effectiveness and efficiency at studying and completing assignments. Areas of focus include: organizing your time and workload to better accomplish your academic goals, improving reading and note-taking skills, developing better study strategies to help you study “smarter” for test/exams, and increasing your high-level, critical thinking skills. Learning Skills Services include workshops, as well as one-on-one meetings with a Learning Skills Counsellor to help you build an individualized toolkit of study strategies and learning skills that work for you.
Career Services – Career Centre
The Career Centre offers workshops for students in the Learning Commons that address topics such as how to: understand the value of your York degree; identify and articulate your skills, abilities and accomplishments; identify gaps in your skill sets that may need addressing; formulate strategies for further skill development; strengthen your self-assessment skills; and make informed choices regarding the selection of a major.
These skills continue to be useful to students throughout their university career and beyond as they plan and participate in academic, extra-curricular and career related activities, select appropriate majors and courses, and research academic and career opportunities.