Study Skills Workshops 2014

Studying in HE

What’s so different?

Session Outline

By the end, we hope you understand…

• Studying at university – some crucial differences and making the transition

• How to study independently• Types of learning, teaching and assessments• Getting organised!• Thinking critically• Your study wellbeing• Support networks

Making the transition

Feelings in your first few weeks

Busy Challenging

daunting

exciting

Personal

Academic

Social

Personal• Friends

• Family

• Studentcentral community

Academic• SSGTs

• Course tutors

• Student services

Social• SU

• Student Services

• Facebook groups

In small groups or pairs:-• With the statements about learning

and teaching in Higher Education that you have been given, discuss whether you think the statement is mostly true, maybe true, or not true

Activity

Studying at UniversitySimilarities: • reading, attending classes, writing essays and

producing other kinds of coursework

Differences: • questioning current ideas• creating & discovering new knowledge –

academics, researchers AND students• students expected to ask questions, think critically,

consider evidence, develop own ideas

Your Transition and Cultural Differences

• Learning is not always memorising facts• Learning can be in groups, through discussion• Referencing is REALLY important!• Analyse and challenge what you read and hear• ASK QUESTIONS!

• By what methods have you previously been taught?• How do you expect to be taught in university?

– Lectures– Seminars– Practical sessions– Tutorials– Field trips– Work placements– Independent study

• How much time will you need to study for?

Expectations

• Essays or reports • Exams• Presentations• Group work • Work experience

What's your preferred type of assessment?

Assessment & Feedback

• Essays, reports, exams, practicals, presentations, group work

• Feedback in 15 days• Tutors will provide comments

and marks• Use feedback from peers, tutors, friends• Be proactive – seek support,

ask questions

Academic Study Kitwww.brighton.ac.uk/ask

Studying IndependentlyRequires…• Time management• Personal planning• Knowing the essentials• Structuring your own study• Keeping going• Reflection

Getting Organised

Organisation is the key to study success!

5 practical tips to get started:• Use a diary, mobile apps. or an online calendar • Mentally prepare yourself & start reading around

your subject• Prepare your study space• Use folders to organise your paper files• Use electronic folders to organise your

work online

• Join a Student Union society• Eat healthily• Keep in touch with family and friends from

home • Do regular exercise • Get the right amount of sleep • Voluntary work

How are you going to keep a healthy work life balance?

Academic Wellbeing

Getting the balanceManaging pressureSeeking support

• Share your problem with friends • Take time out to do other things • Make your lecturers aware of any difficulties you're facing • Do something physical - eat healthily, do some exercise,

get more sleep! • Prioritise, plan and organise your deadlines • Don't overload yourself with studying

Support Networks

Student Services

Studying in HE - What’s so different?Prepare for lectures and seminars How to prioritise your workload Presentations and group workEssays / Assignments – Planning Essays / Assignments - Reading and research Essays / Assignments – Structuring Essays / Assignment - Critical analysisPresentations and group assessmentsUsing tutor feedback* Check studentcentral and plasma screens for times,

dates and venues

Workshops in Semester 1

Good luck with your studieshere at Brighton!