Three essential skills for students

Session Outline

• Top tips and helpful resources for academic reading & note taking
• Assessment essentials
• Library orientation (for those that missed last week)

Top Tips for Academic Reading

• It is important
• It is a skill & particular methods can help e.g. SQ3R
• Seek help if you are struggling

SQ3R Reading Technique

• Survey - skim to get an overview, it provides a frame of reference
• Question - note down some questions you want answering
• Read slowly - take it slowly and take breaks

SQ3R Reading Technique

• Recall - identify key points & answers to your questions (verbal or written)
• Review - be active, take notes, annotate text, underline things etc.

Useful Resources

• Newcastle University Study Skills Guide p.13-16
• You Tube Videos e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dhcSP_Myjg
• Google 'academic reading skills'

Top Tips for Notetaking

• It is important = focus
• Take note of the style & preferences of lecturers
• Don't write down everything
• Body language & word choice
• ASK if you are unsure
• Organise your notes carefully

Note Taking Methods

• Q Notes
• 2 Column
• 4 Quarter System
• These can be used in class & for your reading

Useful Resources

• Newcastle University Study Skills Guide p.11-12
• Hull University: https://canvas.hull.ac.uk/courses/30746/pages/note-taking
• Salford University: http://www.salford.ac.uk/skills-for-learning/home/reading-and-writing

Assessment Essentials

• Read the syllabus & any guidance on Moodle
• Includes; assigned reading, essays, reflective journals, exams, presentations
• Formative and summative

Formative Assessment

• Formative assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. It does not contribute to the final mark given for the module; instead it contributes to learning through providing feedback. (Exeter University)

Summative Assessment

• Summative assessment demonstrates the extent of a learner's success in meeting the assessment criteria used to gauge the intended learning outcomes of a module or programme, and which contributes to the final mark given for the module. (Exeter University)

Assessment Deadlines

• Intro to Theology: 7th Nov - exam & 18th Dec - essay
• Intro to Bib Stud: 26th Oct - essay & 14th Dec - essay
• Do the same for other classes
• Hand work in on time!

Next Week

• Peer Learning Support, Mondays 1.30-3.30 in E3 (with Jordan)
• Study Skills, Tuesdays 2.30-3.30 in E1/2. 'How to find resources'