It’s Not Too Late to Collaborate

The end-of-semester countdown has begun, and some students may feel the pressure of final papers, projects and tests. Others might find the study habits that worked well enough in high school may not work for college. And some may be suffering from study fatigue.

Although the semester’s end is near, it’s still not too late to collaborate. Collaboration is an important part of learning. Think about it: Students have been collaborating their whole lives in school, work and play. It’s part of our human nature.

When my kids left for college, I proclaimed the virtue of independence but not collaboration. I instilled the value of taking care of themselves … laundry, setting an alarm, meeting deadlines. I encouraged campus involvement and making friends, but it took me longer to remind them they needed other people to be successful in their learning.

That’s why tutoring and academic support are important. Seeking academic support fosters a proactive approach to learning and helps students take responsibility for their education.

The Cooper Center offers collaborative support with peer tutors, which reinforces understanding of subject matter and critical thinking skills, and helps them establish time management, organization and study habits. Students learn a healthy balance between academic pursuits and personal well-being, and develop resilience and adaptability during challenges. The Cooper Center provides tutoring support for disciplines including math, chemistry, anatomy and physiology and writing. Students can schedule appointments online.

It's vital for parents to communicate with their students about the significance of seeking academic support. Encourage your student to view tutoring as a tool for growth and as a sign of strength rather than weakness. When parents emphasize the benefits of tutoring, they empower their student to embrace collaboration. They become better equipped to navigate new challenges and emerge as confident and well-rounded individuals. And parents, they just might learn to do their own laundry, too.

Melissa Hayes is director of the Cooper Center for Academic Resources.