Academic skills

Introduction

At university you will develop a range of skills that will help you when completing assignments like reading techniques, referencing and making notes in lectures, as well as critical thinking and reflection.

Skills for study – Getting ready for academic study module

The “Getting ready for academic study” module helps students to prepare practically and mentally for their first term at university, with guidance and techniques to help them learn effectively and understand what will be expected from them in Higher Education.

Learning approaches

Learning approaches introduction

Active learning

Collaborative learning

Independent learning

Blended learning

Inquiry-based learning

Problem-based learning

Authentic learning

Peer-to-peer learning

Independent learning

Introduction to independent learning

Engaging with your learning

Goals & action planning

Using to-do lists

Mastering your independent learning

Dealing with stress

Reflection

Time management

Managing your time effectively

Time saving strategies

Managing procrastination & distractions

Staying motivated & creating a routine

Attendance

Time commitments for mature students

Time management & employability

Note-taking

Introduction to note-taking

Making notes in lectures

Making notes when studying

Paraphrasing and summarising sources

Note-taking methods

Academic reading

Introduction to academic reading

Reading techniques

Improving your reading speed and comprehension

Reading lists

Finding what to read

Research skills

Critical reading and research

Research opportunities

Academic writing

Introduction to academic writing

Sentence structure

Genres of academic writing

Academic writing style

Structure and argument

Critical writing

Paraphrasing and summarising sources

Academic writing skills: Hedging

Academic writing support

Critical thinking

Introduction to critical thinking

What is critical thinking?

An activity in critical thinking

Critical thinking and the internet

Developing a line of argument

Developing the structure of an argument

Flaws in an argument

Activity: Argument or not?

Evaluating evidence

Communication

Introduction to communication

Cross-cultural communication

Email communication

Setting up email & Microsoft Teams

Active listening

Contacting your student rep

Maths & stats

Maths & stats support

Online learning

Introduction to online learning

Digital literacy

Studying online

Your online identity

Digital accessibility

Using WordPress