No matter whether they learn in-classroom or via an entirely online program, all students need certain things for academic success. From comfortable desk chairs to blue-light blocking glasses, these 10 essential items should be essential components of their college student toolbox.
Students need reliable notebooks for taking class notes, outlining ideas or making to-do lists. A three-ring binder would help keep assignments together.
1. Notebooks
An assignment notebook provides students with an efficient way to keep track of assignments and due dates. Furthermore, students can use a notebook as an aid to taking notes during classes as well as writing reflections at the conclusion of every session.
Notetaking can aid students’ learning by increasing active listening, comprehension and retention of information. Students must take quality notes in order to review and prepare them for future use.
An interactive notebook is a resource students should keep throughout their academic careers. It can help collect and organize information for project-based learning while developing independent learners. Furthermore, interactive notebooks allow students to demonstrate creativity while taking ownership over what they are studying – as well as being useful tools for studying or practicing before tests or quizzes.
2. Erasers
An eraser is a small rubbery object used to erase pencil marks from paper surfaces. Additionally, they can also be used with colouring pencils, some pens and chalk! There are various types of erasers available including pink cylinders that come attached with most #2 pencils.
Most erasers are constructed of plastic materials such as vinyl and synthetic rubber, while others utilize natural resources like soy or natural rubber for production.
Erasers are reusable and non-toxic items, although some types may leave behind dust. Different erasers offer different levels of difficulty: hard pencil erasers like those designed by Sharp are harder to use while soft putty erasers are softer. Erasers are important tools for students as they help correct mistakes while learning from them, while Carol Dweck’s growth mindset teaches students that their intelligence can be enhanced through effort and practice.
3. Rulers
Rulers are essential tools for students who want to stay organized and work efficiently, whether at home or school. Students can use it both ways – at home and school – in order to monitor progress on assignments as well as ensure there is enough space available in which to complete projects.
District staff have piloted an emotional intelligence curriculum called RULER that offers lessons on recognizing emotions in oneself and others, understanding causes and effects of different types of emotions, labeling emotions using sophisticated vocabularies, expressing them appropriately, and managing them effectively (the “RULER skills”). Development of these abilities aligns with national educational goals for our country.
Research indicates that schools which implement RULER experience improved student connectedness, higher academic achievement and reduced problem behaviors. Parents are strongly advised to discuss any concerns they have with the curriculum with their child’s teacher, building PBIS specialist or principal as soon as possible.
4. Pencils
Pencils are an integral component of student supplies, enabling them to write and take notes in class. Pencil writing provides students with an effective form of learning which helps strengthen hand and finger muscles while offering multisensory experiences that enable them to focus more easily on tasks at hand.
A graphite pencil is the most common kind of writing implement, made of solid graphite with a clay binder. These pencils produce gray or black marks which can be erased but remain resistant to moisture, chemicals, and natural aging processes. Special coloured pencils may also serve as text markers or art tools.
Packing extra pencils protects them from being misplaced or borrowed and encourages students to be prepared for academic tasks. Furthermore, doing this helps develop organizational skills while encouraging creativity.
5. Pens
Students need pens that won’t smudge or fade for notetaking in class or signing receipts and legal forms, which is why having multi-ink pens that switch between black, blue and highlighter colors makes notetaking much simpler.
Highlighters can be an indispensable resource for students when studying for exams. Not only can they quickly locate important material when reviewing notes, but highlighters also help highlight key concepts and drawing diagrams in class.
Duct tape can be an indispensable resource, from fixing torn posters to making binder clips when paperclips won’t do. Therefore, having some on hand in case of emergencies is always smart!
6. Printer
Printers are electronic devices used to transfer text and images between computer systems and paper for printing. Printers are vital peripherals, serving to transmit files between systems for output on paper. There are various kinds of printers such as laser printers, inkjet printers, thermal printers, dot matrix printers and 3D printers among many others.
Color printing aligns perfectly with two major trends: STEM education and the Maker movement, both of which emphasize hands-on learning through experimentation and tinkering. Color printing helps engage students by encouraging creativity and critical thinking skills – essential qualities for developing original concepts while mastering complex subjects.
Students interviewed reported that print media sources provided encouragement for them to try new and innovative techniques with their academic projects and assignments, ultimately improving their academic performance in most instances.
7. Water Bottle
Students need constant access to clean drinking water throughout their day, and water bottles are one of the easiest ways to provide it. Staying hydrated has also been proven to increase cognitive performance and memory retention.
Many schools now prohibit single-use plastic water bottles and encourage students to bring reusable water bottles or use filtered fountains to fill them up. Some schools even provide hydration education or conduct clean water campaigns to support this initiative.
When selecting a water bottle, select one with an easy-to-clean surface and wide mouth to make adding ice easy. Some bottles feature screw, flip, spout, or straw lids to allow for flexible usage; there are even insulated options available to keep beverages cold all day long!
8. Study Tools
Students juggle an incredible workload between schoolwork, work and their personal lives, which makes staying organized essential. Utilize tools that support efficient learning strategies as needed.
Grammarly offers easy and accurate proofreading on Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and nearly everywhere else you write on the web – helping ensure you’re submitting only your best work! Khan Academy is another indispensable tool that gives access to thousands of educational videos so you can learn almost anything at your own pace.
Research-backed study groups offer many students an effective solution. Finding the appropriate group ensures you focus on productive topics during study sessions. A calendar or daily planner also can be beneficial in keeping track of deadlines, tests, and study time. You can check out this college apartment checklist to get everything that you need.
9. Study Skills
Students need a range of study skills in order to master class material effectively. Furthermore, these abilities may also come in handy during later educational pursuits like graduate school or professional training programs.
Some study skills include writing to organize and make sense of one’s thoughts, forcing students to slow down and reflect upon them – this process helps students retain information more effectively.
Time management is another essential study skill that should not be neglected. Time management allows students to successfully balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities and even part-time jobs.
Students need to become comfortable using modern technology. A laptop or tablet can be essential in researching, creating assignments and communicating with professors. A protective tech case can protect these devices against damage; flash drives provide backup storage and transfer; hand sanitizer can keep students healthy and clean at school.
10. Motivation
Every student must believe in themselves-the confidence to know that their efforts will make a difference and achieve results. Without it, students would struggle just getting through assignments let alone excelling at them.
Find motivation – which can include studying and other school tasks – is also key for students. Motivation may come from different places. Some might find inspiration in wanting to become doctors, leading them to enroll in biology and chemistry classes; other students might utilize memory aids like mnemonic devices and ageless tricks in order to memorize information more easily.
Other influences that contribute to motivation include social and environmental supports. This may include being able to meet basic needs such as daily meals in a safe and stable environment and having positive relationships with peers; furthermore they must feel pride in their achievements while being provided feedback that is informative and useful.
