Study Skills Book, The

Is there a secret to successful study? The answer is Yes!' The Study Skills Book is an indispensable resource for university students at any level or ability who want to build confidence, improve performance, and succeed in their studies and beyond Clear and comprehensive, The Study Skills Book covers all types of academic writing, independent learning, research, revision and exam sitting. Using tried and tested tools and techniques to help students find an individual learning style that works best for their needs, this book is every student's essential guide to the evolving university. This new edition has been thoroughly updated and includes new approaches to ensure students can succeed in any circumstance. New and updated topics include:- Blended and online learning how to use these methods effectively- Lectures and tutorials what is expected and how to prepare- Essays and dissertations the best way to plan well-structured coursework- Writing and research techniques developing the skills to meet academic standards- Exam revision performing well under pressure- Time management meeting deadlines and managing focus- Well-being, stress and mental health increasing mindfulness and a growth mindset- Development and career planning how to strengthen employability chancesDr Kathleen McMillan's career as an academic spans a lifetime of helping students to succeed at every level and in a wide range of topics. She has a deep understanding of the learning and study challenges that students meet at university, whether they are UK or international students at undergraduate or postgraduate level. She uses this experience to provide practical solutions and examples for most common problems in an accessible and engaging no-nonsense style. With smart tips, information, and query boxes, as well as practical tips at the end of each section, students will find answers to every question they have about learning, researching, writing, and revising. Study smarter with The Study Skills Book.

Dr Kathleen McMillan is an academic and educator who has taught at all university levels. Firstly, as a lecturer she designed and delivered courses in European politics. From her experience as an assessor and examiner she identified students’ difficulties in acquiring deeper understanding of their subject and translating that into successful attainment. This awareness led to further research into language acquisition as a foundation of learning and study. Consequently, she led a university team providing learning and language support to UK and international students at all levels. She designed and taught bespoke skills courses in diverse disciplines, such as, accountancy, architecture, art and design, computing science, dentistry, education, engineering, humanities, law, medicine, nursing, and social work. This unique academic experience provides her with insights into the demands of core study and learning skills within the developing learning environment of universities. As author of The Study Skills Book 4th Edition, she presents students at all levels with techniques and approaches that will help them to demonstrate their learning and so achieve success.

INTRODUCTION1. How to use this book2. What university involves PART 1: CARING FOR YOURSELFAdapting to university life3. Money matters - tips for university4. Time management5. Well-being, stress and mental health PART 2: DEVELOPING CORE UNIVERSITY STUDY SKILLSLearning for university6. Studying for yourself7. Understanding learning and thinking8. Digital and blended learning Learning from listening9. Active listening for lectures10. Modern and traditional lectures Learning from source material11. Successful academic reading12. The library as a resource Learning to develop your understanding13. Analysing and evaluating information14. Notes for study purposes15. Thinking critically16. Reflective skills Learning with others17. Cooperative learning18. Tutorials19. Participating in a team20. Laboratory sessions and field visits Learning from data21. Interpreting and presenting data PART 3: DEVELOPING ACADEMIC WRITINGPreparing for writing22. Tackling writing assignments23. Academic writing format24. Planning writing assignments Adopting an academic style25. Academic writing style26. Shaping your text27. Citing and referencing28. Plagiarism Presenting written work29. Reviewing, editing and proofreading30. Presentation of assignments PART 4: PERFORMING WELL IN COURSE ASSIGNMENTSUnderstanding assessment methods31. Assessment at university32. Multiple-choices and short-answer questions33. Numerical questions34. Essay-style assessments35. Tutorial assessment36. Assessments of practical laboratory work Tackling research-based assessments37. Choosing a dissertation or research topic38. Tackling a dissertation or project39. Ethics in researching and reporting Presenting research results40. Report writing41. Literature reviews42. Poster presentations43. Spoken presentation44. Learning from assessment feedback PART 5: SUCCEEDING IN EXAMSPreparing for exams45. Priming yourself for exams46. Creating a revision timetable47. Revision tips48. Memory tips and techniques49. Directing your revision50. Study partnership Tackling exams51. Exam-day strategies52. Doing your best in exams53. Exam stress PART 6: PLANNING FOR THE FUTUREThinking about 'graduateness'54. Reviewing your graduate skills and attributes55. Planning for a career PART 7: QUICK REFERENCEEssential writing skills56. Refreshing your grammar57. Refreshing your punctuation and spelling58. Enriching your vocabulary Essential numerical skills59. Refreshing number work60. Refreshing core Maths Appendix: Student resourcesReferences and further readingIndex