Lisa Bardach and Kou Murayama conclude that extrinsic rewards are useful entry points for engagement that can become intrinsically rewarding through motivational transformations, though later extrinsic rewards can disrupt this process and undermine long-term engagement.

Finding the perfect study method looks different for every student, so here are three well-researched methods that are shown to promote learning and memory recall.

It’s an all too familiar time of year. As campus Christmas lights twinkle in the cold night, the bright fluorescents of Moody Memorial Library seem to echo a similar feeling of exhaustion and futility felt by its crowds of caffeine-filled students.

Handwriting notes is proven to be psychologically beneficial for memory retention and study habits. So this finals season, experts suggest closing that laptop, getting out the notebook and writing between the lines.

As students prepare for finals week, many trek the familiar trail to Moody Memorial Library or the SUB. However, the crowding has significantly intensified this year — not just because of exams, but because of the construction in Moody’s garden level. The construction has temporarily closed much of Moody’s bottom floor, leaving only the atrium spaces, outdoor tables and the Makerspace open.

As a senior who has seen her fair share of finals, allow me to share my foolproof method for creating the perfect study environment that will ensure success for your first semester exams.

A study noted that burnout had a positive association with maladaptive coping strategies such as social withdrawal. Meanwhile, students with adaptive coping strategies, including social support, reported lower levels of emotional exhaustion and higher levels of academic efficacy.

Held four times each semester, the event is designed to help graduate students carve out focused writing time alongside their peers. The first 20 attendees received a free drink and no RSVP was required.

What songs are best to induce deep focus? Is music even beneficial to creating the atmosphere of a quality study session? In response to these inquiries, Baylor School of Music professors constructed a playlist of songs and pieces that they recommend to motivate, focus and even relax to accompany any study session.

Finding a quiet space to study can be challenging for new Baylor students, especially for those without a car. However, several walkable locations near campus provide options for studying, each with its own distinct atmosphere and amenities.

Active Minds is doing events for finals such as providing food, self-care kits and activities for students to relax at Fountain Mall. There will also be a trail mix bar in the library on dead day for students to come and get a study snack.

From strategic time management to tapping into campus resources like the Success Center and free tutoring, students have tools to help them finish the semester strong without burning out.

As the semester winds to a close, the energy on Baylor’s campus shifts from the excitement of holiday plans to the looming pressure of final exams.

“Regular sleep, balanced meals and physical activity can make a huge difference,” he said. “Instead of relying on energy drinks, students might try switching to lower-caffeine options like tea and avoid caffeine after noon for better sleep.”

Research finds that noise can significantly impact cognitive performance. For instance, high noise levels may hinder focus, while moderate noise can enhance creativity and problem-solving.

Some students believe that “yo-yo” sleeping, which is getting little sleep during the week and catching up on weekends, will balance things out. But Scullin’s research shows that inconsistent sleep patterns can throw off the body’s internal clock, which affects both academic performance and long-term health. His studies found that students who stick to regular sleep schedules perform better during finals.

We live in a culture that glorifies business. A culture that says a packed schedule makes you successful. However, taking time to slow down and do nothing is not only OK — it’s necessary. Rest isn’t some guilty pleasure to be earned after pulling an all-nighter or completing a marathon study session. It’s a basic need. When was the last time you permitted yourself to just… be? No deadlines, no to-do lists, just a moment of calm where you could catch your breath.

While test anxiety is nothing new — and many of our parents and grandparents have similar stories of their hearts racing and palms sweating before being handed an exam — there is an alternative: final essays.

From requesting to change a final exam time to going to the Success Center, there are a variety of options for students to prepare for finals week.

When my friends and I are overwhelmed with work and losing motivation quickly, we like to get in the car and take a day trip. It might look like my advice is simply to run away from your problems, but that’s not it at all. Sometimes, all you need is a day of fun to get yourself motivated again and to forget about all the stress for a bit.

For Denton seniors Ana and Edith Alvarez, creating content and posting on social media hasn’t always come naturally. However, after amassing 6.7 million views on one of their Instagram Reels, their lives as Baylor students began to change.

We need to remember that it is important to be able to step back from the stress and smell the roses that spring blossoms.

Street Dog Cafe’s distinct offerings are that it’s both a coffee shop and a full bakery. It’s also pet-friendly, with an outdoor area for dogs to run around. Lastly, it’s at a notable location on Elm Avenue, close to the Brazos River.

I can say from having just a semester and a half under my belt that morning classes are where it’s at. Not only are you finished by lunchtime, but you have the rest of the day at your disposal to do whatever your heart desires.

Dr. Whitney Jones, senior director for CASE, said students come from a variety of educational and financial backgrounds, and CASE exists to bridge the gap to success at Baylor. She said it has special programs for first-generation students, transfers, law students, veterans and more. Free tutoring and supplemental instruction are also available for all majors.

Taylor Swift and other major private jet users have huge carbon footprints, but average individuals can still engage in climate-conscious behaviors that are as effective as they are fun.

Finals season is rapidly approaching, and with it comes students cramming into libraries, staying up late and stressing to get all their studying done the night before a test. Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do during finals season.

School is important, and we should perform to the best of our ability, but we were never supposed to choose it over our mental health, physical health or relational health. So, put the textbook down and go outside. Have a long dinner with your friends. Watch a movie. Remind yourself that school is not all there is to life. It’ll work wonders.

Intentionality in friendships can be hard, especially when we have a million things to do and places to be. Finding the time to hang out with someone or even reach out in the first place might sound easy to some but stressful to others. We often wait for someone else to make the first move. But why wait to initiate?

The term “self-care” is thrown around a lot in college and is often thought of as pampering and relaxation. Although these are great ways to show yourself love, sometimes the most basic form of self-care is attending to your physical well-being.