A Brighter Future Podcast: Innovation & Student Success - OVS: Recent Episodes

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A Brighter Future Podcast: Innovation & Student Success Join education experts Dwayne Matthews and Alicia Cuzner in The Brighter Future podcast as we discuss study strategies, time management tips, and proven success techniques designed to help you improve your grades, your productivity, and your mental health. Along the way, we’ll introduce you to innovative new tools and success technologies based on the latest neuroscience and neurotechnology. Curious about what courses to take in high school? We got you covered with our course spotlights, where we examine the best courses the Ontario Curriculum has to offer. We’ll also host recruiters from top universities who will share tips and tricks to increase your chances of gaining entry into some of the best universities in the world! Be sure to tune in – new episodes every month.

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In today's podcast, Ms. Cuzner will be looking at ways to successfully adapt to education changes, mandatory online classes, and adapt to new technology and innovations. Different ways to be a successful student will be explored, and three new Tools for your Toolbelt will be discussed. This episode includes a Student Spotlight with International OVS student Catalina where she shares her experiences with adapting to school and advice for future high school students.

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In this episode of A Brighter Future, Powered by OVS, Alicia Cuzner will discuss how to prepare themselves for the end of the year, and the end of the semester. Listeners will learn about strategies and tools studying and planning for exams and projects. This podcast also includes an interview with OVS's Vice Principal, Ms. Andrews. She will share not only what makes OVS stand out, but also what is to come for the future of the school!

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In this episode of A Brighter Future, Powered by OVS, Alicia Cuzner will discuss what thinking skills are, and how to develop metacognition skills in school. Listeners will learn about strategies and tools for problem solving and making connection. This podcast also includes a Student Spotlight with one of our OVS students, Nathan. 

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In this episode of A Brighter Future, Powered by OVS, Alicia Cuzner will discuss what communication skills are, and how to better our communication skills in school. Listeners will learn about strategies and tools for communicating, both verbally and written. This podcast also includes a Student Spotlight with one of our OVS students, Paula. 

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In this episode of A Brighter Future, Powered by OVS, Alicia Cuzner and Dwayne Matthews will discuss different note taking strategies and how they are effective. Listeners will learn about strategies and tools for taking notes, and how to take notes for different subjects. This podcast also includes a Post Secondary Spotlight on the University of Windsor, where Alicia will chat with the University of Windsor's international Enrolment Advisor, Tracy Beemer, on what U of W has to offer. 

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In this episode of A Brighter Future, Powered by OVS, Alicia Cuzner and Dwayne Matthews will discuss what success is, what a successful student looks like, and how to become a successful student. Listeners will learn about strategies and tools to become a successful student, and the importance of identity. This podcast also includes a Post Secondary Spotlight on Algonquin College, where Alicia will chat with Algonquin College's recruitment officer Erik Franz on what Algonquin has to offer. 

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In this episode of A Brighter Future, Powered by OVS, Alicia Cuzner and Dwayne Matthews will discuss what goals are, how to set goals, and the importance of goal setting for education. Listeners will learn about strategies and tools to set proper goals, and how to set long term and short term goals for school. This podcast also includes a Post Secondary Spotlight on Trent University, where Alicia will chat with Trent University's recruitment officer Jonathan Semugaza on what Trent has to offer. 

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In this episode of A Brighter Future, Powered by OVS, Alicia Cuzner and Dwayne Matthews will discuss the facts and research behind studying Mathematics and how Math memorization works. Listeners will learn about the statistics behind the EQAO testing in Ontario, and debate about the pros and cons of standardized testing. Dwayne will cover tips on learning and memorization, and Alicia will discuss some findings in prominent Math studies conducted on students learning Math. 

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In this episode of Brighter Future, Powered by OVS, Alicia Cuzner and Dwayne Matthews will discuss the pros and cons of online learning. Listeners will learn about the symbiotic relationship that online and in-person learning has, and what they believe is the future to education. Dwayne will cover some ideas regarding online risk mitigation, and Alicia will give us some tips and tricks to manage our online learning experience. This episode will conclude with a Secondary School Spotlight on the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus. 

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In this episode, Alicia Cuzner and Dwayne Matthews discuss the research behind IEP meeting experiences, optimal learning environments, and inclusive learning. Our hosts debate the significance of a safe space when learning, and whether or not online learning can help create an optimal learning environment. Alicia unpacks what should be expected in an IEP meeting, and how to navigate the IEP process. This episode also includes a Post Secondary Spotlight on the University of Ottawa, and an interview with the U of O Recruitment and Admissions Officer, Ms. Ling. 

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In this episode, Alicia Cuzner and Dwayne Matthews will discuss the difference between accommodation and modification at school. Our hosts will unpack what counts as an accommodation, and how we all accommodate ourselves every day. Listen to learn about what a modified curriculum is, and how it can impact your education journey.  This episode also includes a Post Secondary Spotlight on Seneca College, and an interview with the Seneca College Recruitment and Admissions Officer, Natyra Ramadani.

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In this episode, Alicia Cuzner and Dwayne Matthews will discuss what an IEP is, and the misconceptions behind IEPs. Our hosts unpack the challenges behind getting an IEP made, as well as the stigmas behind IEPs and learning disabilities. Listen to find out more about what an IEP is, and how everyone should have one. This episode also includes a Post Secondary Spotlight on the University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus, and an interview with the U of T Diversity Recruitment and Admissions Officer, Oje Izerein. 

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In this episode we will discuss what executive functioning is, and how it impacts our every day lives. This episode is dedicated to strategies that you can use while learning, and in your life, to make tasks easier. 

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In this episode we will break down how the brain works, and why sleep is so important. We will discuss the types of memory, and how sleep impacts memory. Learning and memorization can be difficult for some, so we share some tips and tricks to unlock your learning abilities. 

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In this episode we will talk behaviour, mood, and mindset. Emotions often dictate our behaviour, and we explore strategies to observe ourselves and change our behaviour. A key area we explore is mindfulness, and tools we can apply to our lives to be mindful. 

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In this episode we will discuss how virtual learning has actually been beneficial for some students and their mental health. This includes talking about bullying, microaggressions, racism, general anxiety students face and how through online learning, there has been a drop in this.