Being Successful
You are in this course to help achieve your Red Seal. Naturally, this course will provide you with knowledge you need to pass the exam. Another factor, even more important than just learning the material, will help you achieve your goal. You need to come up with your own strategy for navigating this course and the exam. Throughout the course, you will be introduced to tips and tricks that may work for you.
- You are in this course to prepare for the Red Seal Exam: minimize distractions.
Reflect on these common distractions to your success:
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Did you pay attention in class, or are you distracted by your phone, or other issues?
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If your cellphone is going to be a distraction, turn it off. Think of it this way: Is the reason you are on the phone more important than getting your Red Seal? In some cases, it might be, others not. You can set profiles on your phone to only allow certain notifications through. |
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Do you make effective use of class time by asking questions and being engaged?
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Class time is when you are with your classmates and teacher. Both are valuable resources, so make use of them. Don’t wait to ask a question. Don’t feel intimidated by asking a question. Remember you are all there because you need to prepare for the exam. |
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Do you have a job or other family commitments? |
This program requires your undivided attention. Set the expectation with your employer, family, friends that you will need time even after school hours to study. Create a plan and a backup plan to cover any family commitments you have in advance. |
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Other reasons? |
Take a moment and think about other things you can change in your life to improve your chances of success. |
Activity:
While these reflections can be deeply personal, it would be helpful to others if you shared your ideas amongst your classmates. What do you think might distract you from your coursework? What solutions can you think of? Share only if you are comfortable doing so.
- SIIT has many supports available to students.
If you are having troubles in this course, you must take ownership and deal with them as soon as possible. The SATCC does not take into consideration any life difficulties when marking your exam. That being said, SIIT does care about the challenges you face and there are several supports you can make use of.
- Student Supports offer a wide range of academic help including tutoring. However, at this level, your instructors will likely be the only people qualified to tutor you. Your instructor is usually available before and after class. Sometimes instructors will even donate their own time for extra tutoring sessions. Take advantage of this because it will help you, and make your instructor feel grateful that they are able to make a difference.
- Student supports counseling will help you find a solution (or refer you to someone who is qualified) if you:
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- Suddenly do not have a stable housing situation
- Have problems with getting enough food
- Need to talk to someone because you feel too anxious, stressed, or depressed to be able to deal with the things around you
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- Are having legal issues
- Are having problems getting to class due to transportation
- Do not have proper internet connectivity to be successful in the course
There are million reasons for life to get in the way of your success. While you are at SIIT, there are supports so life does not need to get in the way of your success.
Activity:
Take a minute now and find out who your support team is, and how to contact them. They may have already come in to talk to you. Their cards or a poster might be in your classroom. Your instructor will also have this information. Write down this information in the front of your notebook.
- This course won’t make you pass the Red Seal, but your hard work will.
You need to devote your entire attention to your studies during this six-week period. You will need to do work at home as well as in the classroom. There will be sections throughout the course that give you tips and tricks at how to do this. The bottom line is that this course is only a tool you can use to help you be successful. As you know from your job, if you don’t know how to use your tools properly, you will end up with a poor result.
In general, here are some tips:
- Make a study schedule. If you know you cannot study once you get home, come a half hour early and stay a half hour later after class. Keep the same schedule every weekday.
- Clean your house. It might sound silly, but at the very least clean up your study area. You want a good place to do your work that has as few distractions as possible. It is also a good mental health exercise to keep your living space and your study space clean.
- Get help with child-care and have a back-up plan too. It may seem harsh, but for this program, any distraction, no matter how legitimate the reason, is a distraction. Remember the end goal: you are getting your Red Seal!
Activity:
Take a minute and think about your life is going to look like once you have your Red Seal. Identify the reasons you are aiming for your ticket, and write them down, on paper, at the front of your notebook.