Co-focus study sessions are a productivity and focus strategy where a person works alongside someone else—either in person or virtually—to help them stay on task. The co-focus partner doesn’t need to participate in the task; rather their calm, non-judgmental presence serves as a form of gentle accountability.
Many neurodivergent students find it overwhelming to start new tasks or projects, even when they really want to get things done. Co-focus study sessions can help break that cycle, by reducing feelings of overwhelm or isolation and creating a sense of low-pressure accountability.
It works especially well for tasks that feel boring, stressful, or hard to start, and it’s not just for people who are neurodivergent. Anyone can use this strategy when focus is hard to find.
Students use co-focus study sessions for all kinds of reasons—and it’s not just about study. You might find it helpful for:
Wednesdays, 2pm - 5pm
Sessions are run both in-person at Joondalup (JO31.316) and simultaneously online via Microsoft TEAMs.
Learning Adviser drop-ins commence from Week 3 and alternate between Joondalup and online.
Sessions are hosted by Neurodivergent Peer Mentors who also deliver tailored workshops on topics and strategies relating to the shared experiences of neurodivergent students.
Learning Advisers are available for drop-in sessions (6x 10-minute appointments), alternating between in-person appointments at Joondalup or online. See schedule below for more detail. Learning Advisers will also host guest workshops throughout semester.
Each week the co-focus study session starts with a micro (15-20 minute) workshop based around a theme to help organise, motivate and support students. This is followed by focused study time and the opportunity to attend a Learning Adviser drop-in appointment.
Varying where you study can also help you figure out what environments support your focus best. If the library is one of your go-to spots, checking out our weekly co-focus study sessions is worth a try—and connecting with a Learning Adviser is always a smart move for your learning.
Students who are registered for co-focus study sessions will receive an email one week prior with the option to book one of 6 available Learning Adviser appointments. Appointments will be held in a separate room at Joondalup, or in a TEAMs breakout room online. Please refer to the Academic Skills @ ECU page for guidance on how to prepare for a drop-in session.
Week | Workshop |
|---|---|
| Orientation Week 1: 11 February | Learning styles Delivered by Neurodivergent Peer Mentor |
| Orientation Week 2: 18 February | Navigating Canvas and Simo Delivered by Neurodivergent Peer Mentor |
| Week 1: 25 February | ECU Services Delivered by Neurodivergent Peer Mentor |
| Week 2: 4 March | Time Management and Planners Guest Speaker: Learning Adviser |
| Week 3: 11 March | What services & support we can provide? Guest Speaker: Psychological counselling Support |
| Week 4: 18 March | Perfectionism, Paralysis & Procrastination Delivered by Neurodivergent Peer Mentor |
| Week 5: 25 March | AI Integrity Guest Speaker: Learning Adviser |
| Week 6: 1 April | AI Tools Delivered by Neurodivergent Peer Mentor |
| Mid Semester Break 8 April | Using Window of Tolerance to help manage stress Guest Speaker: Psychological counselling Support |
| Week 7: 15 April | Understanding your assignment and writing process Guest Speaker: Learning adviser |
| Week 8: 22 April | Reset your Mind Delivered by Neurodivergent Peer Mentor |
| Week 9: 29 April | How to have difficult conversations Guest Speaker: Psychological counselling Support |
| Week 10: 6 May | Academic Writing Guest Speaker: Learning adviser |
| Week 11: 13 May | Energy Check In Delivered by Neurodivergent Peer Mentor |
| Week 12: 20 May | Editing and Proofreading Guest Speaker: Learning adviser |
| Week 13: 27 May | Student led (topic identified from needs basis) Guest Speaker: Psychological Counselling Support |
| Study Week: 3 June | Revision Tools Delivered by Neurodivergent Peer Mentor |
| Exams: 10 June | Exam Preparation Delivered by Neurodivergent Peer Mentor |
| Exams: 17 June | No Workshop Delivered by Neurodivergent Peer Mentor |
Anyone can sign up for the Co-Focus Study Sessions by completing this Microsoft form.
Registered students will receive a weekly reminder email with a link to book an optional Learning Adviser drop-in appointment for that week. Remaining appointments will be offered to students on the day.