Ask TFS
Search
Close this search box.

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTRE

Academic Skills

Academic Skills Are Important for Your Success at TFS!

Check out the resources below if you would like to improve your academic skills.

  • Reading
  • Writing Assignments
  • Note-Taking
  • Test Preparation
  • Studying​

Be Prepared for Your Classes

The most important and necessary skill you need to achieve success is to be prepared for your classes. Click here for pointers on how to be fully prepared for life at TFS.

Learn More

Here Are Some Additional Resources:

Knowing How You Learn

Understanding you personality how you learn can help you to try new study methods and develop them into positive habits. Everyone is unique! Try some of the following: 

Multiple Intelligences
  • Click here to take the Multiple Intelligences Quiz. You will be asked a series of questions about yourself. Answer them honestly!
  • When you complete the quiz, your results will show which type of learner you are. Check out additional resources from the Government of Canada about learning insights.
 
16 Personalities
  • Integrating your studying and your personality can help you achieve lots of academic success. Try taking the 16 personalities test here.
  • Once you've completed the test, you will find out which of the 16 personalities you are. Each personality is assigned to a group: Analysts, Diplomats, Sentinels, and Explorers.
  • Check out the 16 personalities study skills inventory that past and current TFS students have helped create based on which group they fit into. If you find yourself in a rut with studying, you can use real-life suggestions from your TFS peers based on your personality!
Preparing For Tests

Preparing for tests can be difficult and overwhelming. Here are some pointers for test preparation. It starts from day 1 of class!

 
Take an Active Role in Your Education
  • Always be mindful of what you can do to get the most out of your time in class. Ask questions, do the readings or learning activities, and ask your instructor for clarification if you need it.
  • Remember: anything you learn over the course of a term could be on a test!
 
Discover Your Key Productivity Periods and Places
  • When and where are you most productive? Morning, afternoon, or evening? What spaces do you best work in?
  • Find spaces and times when you can be most focused and productive, and use them when you’re reviewing notes and readings. Your surroundings have a big impact on your productivity!
 
Take Responsibility for Yourself
  • Recognize that in order to succeed you need to make decisions about your priorities, your time, and your resources. You are in charge and in control!
 
Schedule Regular Study Sessions
  • Establishing habits of study is extremely important. Avoid generalizations in your study schedule. Commit yourself to “study history” or “colour theory” at certain regular hours
 
Quick Tips for Study Sessions
  • Use odd hours to
    • Scattered 1-2 hour free periods between the day or evening are easily Planning and establishing habits of using these times to study will give you more free time throughout the week.
  • Eliminate distractions
    • It is very easy to be distracted! Distractions are huge time wasters and can interfere your ability to remember important Make sure your study space is free from major distractions like mobile devices, television, and other people who aren’t studying as well.
  • Use index
    • Write questions on one side, and the answer on the other Carry these cards with you everywhere, and use them in every spare moment. It will also help you be more efficient with your time.
  • Eat well‐balanced meals and get regular
    • Healthy eating and exercise can dramatically improve your concentration, mood, and increase your energy level!
You can also meet one-one-one with your program advisor who can assist you with finding resources for developing academic skills.
Contact Your Program Advisor

Ontario

2000 Steeles Avenue West
Concord, ON
Canada, L4K 4N1

© 2003 – 2024 Toronto Film School

Be Prepared for Your Classes

“Being Prepared” means more than having your school schedule and writing supplies for taking notes. 

It is taking responsibility for yourself and your education… It’s an attitude for success!

Making sure your TFS email is working and synced with your mobile device.

Your TFS email address is how we contact you and provide you with information you need to know. It is vital that you use it! If you experience difficulty accessing your email account at any time, click please submit a helpdesk ticket with askTFS. 

Having all the required supplies at the beginning of the term.

Contact your instructor or program coordinator at the beginning of each term to get a summary of what supplies are required. You can use the staff directory here for contact information.

Understanding the requirements of every course.

Every course has a course page on myTFS that contains an outline or syllabus for the term. It includes assignment and homework descriptions, a weekly schedule, a break down of how you will be graded, and any other important information. Take time to review the course outline or syllabus, due dates, homework, and projects at the beginning of the term. It is your responsibility to understand what the expectations are so you can meet them!

Contacting your instructor in a timely manner with any questions you have about course content.

If you need clarification about any course content, projects, assignments, or tests, please speak to your instructor well ahead of time. Emailing your instructor important questions about project or test expectations the day before they’re meant to be handed in or written is not practical or acceptable.

TFS has many resources to help you be prepared for your classes. Check out your campus Student Resources on myTFS or speak to your instructor, program coordinator, or student services if you require assistance.