Study Skills Handbook Barbara Allan

137 Pages·2010·0.46 MB·English

Study Skills Handbook

Barbara Allan
Study Skills Handbook
(Seventh edition)
Barbara Allan
Published by Hull University Business School, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
© The Authors and The University of Hull
All intellectual property rights, including copyright, in this publication are
owned by the authors and The University of Hull. No part of this publication
may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or in any country without prior
written consent. Any breach of ownership shall result in legal proceedings, such
proceedings being determined by the UK courts and under UK law.
Seventh edition produced August 2010

Acknowledgements
Many staff within the University have been involved in the writing or editing of
this Study Skills Handbook. Their time and effort is much appreciated. Special
mention must be made of colleagues within the Business School and, in
particular, Ray Barker, Ian Pownall, Wendy Robson and Steve Trotter. Amy
Cowling produced Appendix A, English Grammar, using text provided by the
Study Advice Service. A big thank you to colleagues from the Study Advice
Service for their suggestions and ideas. In addition, I want to acknowledge the
work of Julia Cook who co-authored the first edition of this handbook, Sarah
Clark who provided the material for the sections on Personal Development
Planning and Your future career, and Nora O’Hara who provided material for
parts of Chapter 9. Finally, thanks to all those students whose queries and
comments have helped to inform the fifth edition of this handbook.
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Introduction ...................................................................................................... 6
Aims and learning outcomes of the manual .................................................... 7
Other sources of help ........................................................................................ 7
Disability issues ................................................................................................ 8

Chapter 2: Studying at the University
Introduction ..................................................................................................... 12
Approaches to learning and teaching .............................................................. 13
Becoming an independent learner .................................................................. 15
Closing comments ............................................................................................ 19

Chapter 3: Time Management
Introduction .................................................................................................... 20
Key factors in managing your time ................................................................. 23
Key factors in completing specific tasks ......................................................... 24
Closing comments ........................................................................................... 25

Chapter 4: Information Skills
Introduction .................................................................................................... 27
Finding your way around the library .............................................................. 28
Introduction to the Internet ........................................................................... 28
Using subject information sources ................................................................. 29
Evaluating information sources ..................................................................... 29
Closing comments ........................................................................................... 30

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Study Skills Handbook
Chapter 5: Making Notes
Introduction .................................................................................................... 31
Making good notes .......................................................................................... 32
Working with others ........................................................................................ 35
Referencing your notes and plagiarism .......................................................... 35
Closing comments ........................................................................................... 36

Chapter 6: Academic Reading Skills
Introduction .................................................................................................... 37
Improving your reading skills ......................................................................... 38
Strategies for effective reading: ...................................................................... 39
Closing comments .......................................................................................... 40

Chapter 7: Writing Skills
Introduction .................................................................................................... 41
Writing assignments ....................................................................................... 41
Feedback on assignments ............................................................................... 49
Essays ............................................................................................................. 49
Writing reports ............................................................................................... 52
Closing comments ........................................................................................... 53

Chapter 8: Referencing, Bibliography and Plagiarism
Introduction .................................................................................................... 54
Referencing ...................................................................................................... 56
Common questions.......................................................................................... 59
Bibliography .................................................................................................... 62
Working in groups ........................................................................................... 64
Plagiarism and unfair means .......................................................................... 65
Closing comments ........................................................................................... 67

Chapter 9: Presentation Skills
Introduction ................................................................................................... 68
Preparing a presentation ................................................................................ 68
Rehearsing ....................................................................................................... 71
Giving a presentation ...................................................................................... 71
Closing comments ........................................................................................... 73
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Chapter 10: Working in Groups
Introduction .................................................................................................... 74
What is an effective student group? ............................................................... 74
First meet-up .................................................................................................. 76
The organisation of meetings ......................................................................... 76
Managing group work ..................................................................................... 78
Common problems in group work.................................................................. 79
Closing comments ........................................................................................... 80

Chapter 11: Making effective use of eBridge
Introduction .................................................................................................... 82
What is available on eBridge? ........................................................................ 82
Introduction to on-line learning and teaching ............................................... 84
Closing comments ........................................................................................... 86

Chapter 12: Examination Skills
Introduction .................................................................................................... 87
Information about examinations ................................................................... 87
Revision ........................................................................................................... 89
Sitting examinations ........................................................................................ 91
Practical tips and advice ................................................................................. 92
The use of unfair means.................................................................................. 93
Closing comments ........................................................................................... 94

Chapter 13: Reflection
Introduction .................................................................................................... 95
What is a reflective learner? ........................................................................... 96
Getting started in reflection ............................................................................ 96
Learning journals ............................................................................................ 98
Personal Development Planning .................................................................... 99
Your future career ......................................................................................... 106
Closing comments .......................................................................................... 107

Chapter 14: Conclusion
Feedback ....................................................................................................... 108
Closing Comments ....................................................................................... 108

Resources and Bibliography .............................................................................. 109

Appendix A: English grammar and punctuation
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Study Skills Handbook
Chapter 1
Introduction
Introduction
The purpose of this manual is to provide you with general academic support. It is
written for all students studying within Hull University Business School (HUBS).
This manual is one of the many ways in which the Business School and the
University provide support and guidance to students.
This manual is written as a reference guide. We suggest that you read this
chapter and then skim through the rest of the manual. You can then choose
when to read individual chapters in depth. The manual is written so that you can
read and work through individual chapters in any order. This means that you
can relate your reading to the academic demands of your programme of study.
This is your manual. Make it your own by writing your name, Student ID
number and programme of study on it. Use the margins or the blank pages to
make notes, write down questions or mark areas that you think you require
further information on. Use a highlighter pen to mark out sections that are of
particular interest to you.

Study Skills Handbook

Learn from it
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6 Hull University Business School
Aims and learning outcomes of the manual
The aim of this manual is to provide you with guidance on the academic skills
needed for success on your programme of study.
As a result of reading and working through this manual you should be able to
• manage your time and balance your academic studies with other aspects of
your life
• identify, evaluate and use a wide range of information sources
• produce essays and reports that meet the required standard
• work in groups
• take full advantage of a virtual learning environment
• make a formal presentation supported by appropriate visual aids
• prepare for and take examinations
• reflect on your current academic skills and identify an appropriate action
plan
Other sources of help
This manual is a starting point to help you with your studies. Many students will
complete a module that provides detailed guidance on academic skills, for
example, the undergraduate module called Academic and Professional Skills or
similar postgraduate modules. Other students may be introduced to these topics
as part of an induction programme or research methods module. It is important
to remember that as a student in HUBS you will have access to help and support
from a number of different sources and these are outlined in the following
section:
Personal Supervisor

Name:
Phone number:
Office location:
Email address:
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Study Skills Handbook
Other sources of help and support
The following information is correct for the 2010/2011 academic year. If you are
using this manual after 1 August 2011 then please check the most recent edition
(available on the school’s website and eBridge) for up-to-date information.
Programme Leader

Name:
Phone number:
Office location:
Email address:
Disability issues
The school’s Disability Officer is Graeme Reid who may be contacted on
01482 463091 or [email protected] or Wharfe building Room 106.
Disability Services offer advice and support to all students and staff on a full
range of disability issues including
• arrangements for support in the classroom – for example, note-takers and
readers
• alternative examination arrangements
• advice and assistance with applying for a Disabled Students’ Allowance
• specialist equipment
• advice on accommodation
• information on the Disability Discrimination Act
• Access to Work scheme for staff
• referral for an assessment for dyslexia with a psychologist
• referral for individual and group dyslexia study support sessions
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Hull Campus
The Disability Office
Your first port of call for help and advice.
Based on the third floor of the students’ union building, which is accessible
either by staircase or lift.
The Miriam Hebron Centre
Based on the ground floor of the Brynmor Jones Library. The Centre is equipped
with specialist equipment to assist students with disabilities.
To contact the Hull office you can visit in person or call on (46)6833.
Scarborough Campus
Students on the Scarborough Campus should contact Rosemary Laidlaw, either
through Office Services or by email on [email protected].
The Disabilities Officers can also be reached by mail
The Disabilities Officers
Disability Services
The University of Hull
Hull, HU6 7RX
Rosemary Laidlaw
Disability Support Advisor
The University of Hull Scarborough Campus
Filey Road
Scarborough, YO11 3AZ
Study Advice Service
This service provides advice and guidance to support your academic studies. The
service covers the following topics: study skills, academic writing, and
mathematics. Individual or small group appointments may be made with
experienced tutors. The service also offers taught workshops and drop-in
sessions.
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Study Skills Handbook
Hull - Brynmor Jones Library 01482 466344
Scarborough - Room C17b 01723 357274
[email protected] General email queries
www.studyadvice.hull.ac.uk This website provides lots of useful
information on study skills. It includes
leaflets, quizzes and video clips. You are
advised to explore this website.
Language Support
The Language Institute provides support and learning activities to help members
of the university develop their language skills. The Language Learning Advisers
guide students towards suitable resources to match their needs. In addition, they
manage the Tandem learning scheme which teams non-native students with a
native speaker who is studying the foreigner’s native language for mutual
advantage.
If English is not your first language then you may benefit from additional
support. You will find it useful to discuss your requirements with your Personal
Supervisor. The Language Institute within the University offers numerous
English language programmes and training courses. You are advised to contact
them as soon as possible to find out how they can help you with developing your
language skills.
The Language Institute
Ferens Building
The University of Hull
HU6 7RX
Telephone: [phone] (Reception)
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Library
You are strongly recommended to spend time learning how to use the library
and also how to access both printed and electronic information sources.
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