UK Study Skills: Undergraduate Students

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UK Study Skills Undergraduate Students

• Chris Pickering and Marion Bowman

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This presentation can be found at

• www.leeds.ac.uk/international/studentsupport.htm
  l

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Expectations

• At a UK University you will be expected to be an
• independent learner
• and a
• critical thinker

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But this doesnt mean you have to do all this
alone!

• 1. The benefits of networking
• Your wellbeing depends on it and it is a valuable
  resource.
• People who have good networks are
• More likely to have a better experience of
  studying
• more likely to feel they belong
• Less likely to feel stressed
• less likely to drop out
• 2. Start networking
• Introduce yourself to at least 2 people sitting
  near you
• that you dont yet know.

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Your network in Leeds

• Your network can be
• family
• friends
• people on your course
• flatmates
• tutors
• departmental student support
• administrative/secretarial support
• the Library or Skills_at_Library
• student union representatives/societies
• staff of the student support network

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Discuss In my previous experience of studying

• (True / False)
• Using the Library We were given one book per
  course and we had to study it in detail.
• Participation in class The lecturer / teacher
  expected us to speak in class and to give our
  opinions on what we were learning.
• Teaching methods We did a lot of our own project
  work, sometimes in groups or teams.
• Assessment We had to memorise what we had
  learned and write about this in exams.

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As an independent learner you will be expected to

• Take responsibility for your own learning.
• 2. Be proactive
• - Find your own resources (internet /
  library),
• - Manage your own time
• - Have opinions based on evidence
• - Participate actively in class
• - Make your own notes
• - Get support if you need it
• Avoid repeating sections of text
• (Beware of plagiarism)

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Different teaching methods you might experience

• - Lectures
• - Seminars
• - Tutorials
• - Practical workshops
• - Study groups
• - Small group projects
• - Online or web based learning
• - Private study

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Different methods of assessment

• - Assignments / Essays
• - Exam
• - Viva
• - Case study
• - Reflective journal
• - Multiple choice questions
• - Practical / lab report
• - Peer / group / self assessment
• - Presentations

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As a critical thinker, you will be expected to
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Critical thinking in your writing Example
The floods of 2007 were primarily the
result of ineffective government policy.
Discuss.
Introduction Your interpretation of the
question Key issues and arguments How will you
explore these
Central theme Developing your line of argument
Logical flow of ideas Linking ideas /
themes Support with evidence
Conclusion No new material! Logical conclusion of
what has gone before Summary of your main themes
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You are not alone! How to find us
Contact us Skills_at_Library 15 Blenheim
Terrace University of Leeds Tel No 0113 343
4096 http//skills.library.leeds.ac.uk email
skills_at_library.leeds.ac.uk We are just down the
road from the banks, opposite Halo, next door to
the School of Education
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What we offer

• An extensive workshop programme on a wide variety
  of topics to help with academic skills, e.g
• writing
• reading
• presentations
• preparing for exams
• and more

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Online resources

• If you cannot attend a
• training workshop or prefer to
• use online resources you can
• explore the interactive
• materials on our web site

http//skills.library.leeds.ac.uk
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One to one advice

• For further support, you can see a skills adviser
  at a drop-in session at Skills_at_Library on
  Blenheim Terrace
• Or for advice about finding information for your
  subject, referencing, or any subject enquiries,
  you can see your Faculty Team Librarian
• http//www.leeds.ac.uk/library/subjects

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We also offer

• Skills development materials
• Reference books
• Free worksheets and study packs
• Video conferencing facilities
• Group working rooms

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Group working rooms

• If you need space to work
• in groups or to prepare
• and practice your
• presentations you can
• book group working rooms
• at Skills_at_Library at 15
• Blenheim Terrace or use
• the Library group working
• study areas

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Struggling with your studies?Dont drop
out....drop in for help and advice

• Tuesday 4-6
• Wednesday 2-4
• Friday 10-12
• Bring your work, your essay title, your feedback,
  your
• notes, your problems and your ideas.

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If it just doesnt add up..

• Maths drop in sessions
• Monday 2-4 mechanics and general maths
• Tuesday 1-3 general maths
• Wednesday 2-4 general maths
• Thursday 2-4 statistics and general maths
• Friday 12.30-1.30 mechanics and general maths
• Online support
• - Improve your maths page at http//skills.libra
  ry.leeds.ac.uk
• www.mathtutor.ac.uk