Study Skills (1MIT0110) – 2008-09
Week by week
Topic
1 Introduction
Scope, format and delivery of module
Assessment
Effective Study 1
Why am I here? - a review of skills needs for study
and personal development at university
2 Effective Study 2
The importance of effective study skills
Recognising personal skills strengths & weaknesses
The components of effective study
Introduction to Personal Development Planning
Time management
3 Learning Skills & styles
Styles of learning and teaching
The relationship between teaching and learning
(introduction to learning contracts)
4 Research Skills 1
Reading and Information Gathering Skills
Note taking (priorities, approaches and styles)
Notes
Module Handbook
Talk through every part of handbook including
assignments
Powerpoint slides
Lecture based around powerpoint
Review of key skills
As distributed by UWL to all year 1 students
Discuss & suggest completed by all students
Start session with students brainstorming the
skills they need for effective study. Compare
lists generated
Powerpoint slides
Lecture based around powerpoint
Lists of transferable skills
(any relevant list is fine)
Time management checklist
(again lots of different types available)
Module bibliography
Powerpoint slides
Lecture based around powerpoint
Slide 2 – Bell quiz & Bell categories
Slide 3 – refer to Cottrell (2003, page 53) what
is my learning style
Slide 5 – info. about VAK model
Slide 6 – copy of Kolb learning cycle model
Slide 9 – diagrams of models about learning
process (inputs, outputs, processes)
Slide 10 – detail of Megginsons model
Start with group brain storm about ‘why
reading’ so important to study and learning
Powerpoint slides
Lecture based around powerpoint
Am I am smart reader?
(modified from Cottrell, 2003)
Refer to Cottrell, 2003, pages 128-129. note-
making styles.
Piece of academic text
Students asked to:
− Read passage and time their reading
− Analyse how they read the passage,
including use of skimming, scanning, deep
reading etc.
− Annotate the text, and/or make notes for
own use
− Compare these in small groups
− Consider how they would store and
reference this information for future use
− Compare notes
5 Research Skills 2
Finding Information
Effective use of the library
6 Written communication 1
Academic writing (essays, reports etc.)
Session run with library staff
Including basics of using library and
catalogues, and then more advanced access to
sources
Start with brain-storm in groups about different
types of academic writing they are aware of –
what are the differences between them.
Feedback and compare lists.

Powerpoint slides
Lecture based around powerpoint

Discussion – what forms of writing students are

familiar with
Refer to Cottrell, 2003, pages 149. Getting
Started

Spend time going through different headings on

slide 7, also
Words to watch handout
(adapted from Kennedy, 2005)

Second part of session will be surgery session

for any students to ask any questions about
module so far
7 Written communication 2 Powerpoint slides
Referencing Lecture based around powerpoint
Plagiarism
Refer to Cottrell, 2003, pages 134, plagiarism

Practical session on referencing, using source

material and students in groups constructing
appropriate bibliography.
8 Written communication 3 Powerpoint slides
Meeting the assessment criteria (key words, analysis Lecture based around powerpoint
etc.) Refer to Cottrell, 2003
pages 166, pyramid questions
155, key words
171, linking ideas together

Practical session looking at some exam and

assignment titles and working out what is
meant by them

Show an example of a turnitin report – on

screen and discuss what it tells us
9 Developing analytical skills Powerpoint slides
Logical reasoning Lecture based around powerpoint
Critical analysis
Use various lateral thinking exercises – pictures
you can view in two ways, cutting large holes in
small paper etc.

Handout Lateral Thinking etc. (adapted from

various sources as shown)
10 Module Review Informal discuss and review session
Taking skills development forward
The Learning Contract and Personal Development Review of whole module and different parts
Plan Discussion of assignments
Focus on Learning contract and PDP
Consideration of exams and revision
techniques