These workshops are drawn from a variety of online sites and will assist you to work independently with your study skills. Each study skills link will offer you a variety of sites to suit your learning style. Some of these sites are in the form of
online workshops with interactive exercises, quizzes and feedback. Other links are in a format you may
download and print. You are encouraged to explore the links to develop and hone your skills or use them to solve a particular problem that you may be experiencing.
Getting organised for successful study |
Study skills inventory
(Cook Counseling Center) This Study Skills Inventory is intended to help you find out more about how you may be functioning with your basic study skills. Automated feedback gives you an immediate profile of your perceived trouble areas and links you to other help sites. For students commencing university studies, the activity takes less than 30 minutes and is well worth doing.
Keywords: time management | concentration | note-taking | reading comprehension | reading speed | test preparation | test-taking | test anxiety management | writing skills | Mind tools
(AMAZON) This well-designed site is intended to assist in the development of 'excellent skills for an excellent career'. It contains many useful strategies and tools to assist with time management and general study skills. Well worth bookmarking!
Keywords: time management | controlling stress | study skills | memory |
Time management: Getting it together
(James Cook University) Effective organisational skills are required for successful university study. This module provides you with tools to assist you to organise and prioritise your time. There are planning schemes and tools that you may download and modify. This workshop is a 'must' if you are starting out on your studies.
Keywords: time wasters | prioritising tasks | activity logs | planning formats | Making your work station work for you
(University of Melbourne) Avoid the physical stress that comes with hours of working at a desk or using a computer. This PDF handout gives tips on how to set up and organised a well-planned work station for your studies environment.
Keywords: work station | posture | computer set-up | lighting | physical exercises |
Student planners
(University of New England) Do you just need some time management planning formats to download? These planners are designed for you to map your semester, weekly and exam commitments. This will help you to manage your time as a university student.
Keywords: time management planners | exam preparation planner | exam day planner | Academic survival tips
(Edinboro University) There are tips on this site for about thirty topics that could be of concern to university students. The topics covered are common to students studying anywhere.
Keywords: relationships | learning | learning styles | motivation | stress management | study habits | study techniques | decision-making | critical thinking | listening | memory | time management | test-taking
|
Knowing how to learn |
Studying smarter not harder
(James Cook University) This module is about 'getting the most out of a pretty impressive tool called the brain'! It deals with organisational skills, study preparation, learning, memory and intelligence. If you need some insights into understanding your learning processes then this is an attractive well-presented site with formats to download and on-screen interactive exercises.
Keywords: organisational tools | energising your brain | training your brain | intelligence | preparation for study | memory | Knowing your learning style
(James Cook University) Students who know their own and others' preferred learning styles can use this knowledge to develop effective study techniques. This module assists you to understand yourself as a learner. It includes an Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire for you to identify your preferred learning style. Take time out to participate in this module. It is interactive, interesting and insightful.
Keywords: learning preferences | questionnaire |
Thinking about thinking
(James Cook University) We all hear about the kinds of thinking that university study requires. This module introduces you to the thinking processes. It invites you to participate in the processes with interactive exercises and activities. This will assist you to apply these processes to your studies.
Keywords: comprehending and evaluating information | inductive deductive and lateral thinking | positive thinking | Working in groups (teams)
(University of Canberra) You may find that your lecturer has set tasks whereby you will be expected to work/learn as part of a team. Often these tasks are assessable and students face the frustrations of team members contributing equally to the group effort. This site discusses a process that you may apply to group work in this kind of situation.
Keywords: group assignments | the process | agreement | task allocation | common problems | assertive behaviour |
Note-making in lectures and participating in tutorials |
Making lectures and tutorials work for you
(Curtin University of Technology) This site provides a general overview of the types of classes you may attend at university. It gives detailed advice on how to get the most out of attending your lectures.
Keywords: lectures | tutorials | seminars | laboratories | listening | lecture notes | behaviour tips | So, what is a tutorial?
(James Cook University) 'This module will answer some of your questions about tutorials and help you make the most effective use of these valuable learning experiences.'
Keywords: tutor roles | seminars | workshops | practicals | mini-lectures | tutorial checklist |
Note-taking: The Cornell System
(Cook Counseling Center) 'The Cornell System for taking notes is designed to save time but yet be highly efficient. There is no rewriting or retyping of your notes. It is a "DO IT RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE" system.'
Keywords: lecture notes | keywords | abbreviations | recall | reflection | Note-taking
(James Cook University) 'The note-taking process involves more than just what happens in lectures. It is a process that requires you to do things before, during and after lectures.' This well-presented module explores the issues of lecture note-taking and suggests tried and tested strategies for effective note-taking in lectures.
Keywords: lecture notes | note-taking systems | active learning | reviewing reading |
Mind mapping
(James Cook University) 'Mind maps are tools which help you think and learn.' This module describes how to construct a mind map. There are sections on mind mapping for essay preparation, lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials.
Keywords: summarising | comprehension | remembering | creative thinking | problem solving | exam preparation | concept mapping | Group discussion
(Curtin University of Technology) Many tutorial sessions require you to participate in group discussion which encourages the exchange of information and ideas. This site explains the purpose and dynamics of group discussion.
Keywords: teams | dynamics | roles
|
Preparing and sitting for exams |
UNE examinations and graduation unit
(University of New England) 'The Examinations and Graduation Unit encompass both the functions of examinations and graduation for the student body.' While you may be benefiting from gathering information about exam preparation from sites outside UNE, it is important to be in touch with the regulations that govern examinations at UNE.
Keywords: internal students | external students | exam timetables | special circumstances | Exam preparation
(University of Melbourne) This site offers a set of well-written handouts on the secrets of exam success for you to download. Click on to the exam preparation link and then choose the topics that will assist you with the kinds of tasks you will be undertaking in your exams.
Keywords: stress management | exam revision tips | problem solving exams | multiple choice exams | open book exams | exam day tips | take-home exams |
Studying for exams
(James Cook University) 'While studying for exams is something that should occur throughout the semester, this module consists of strategies to implement during the last 4 weeks.' This well-presented module is full of handy tips for setting up and implementing a long-term study plan. PLEASE NOTE: Ignore links to James Cook University's examination web site. Information on exams should only be taken from your UNE unit coordinator.
Keywords: topic list | study schedule | self testing | time management | allowable materials | Exam tactics
(James Cook University) 'This module provides you with some practical tactics and strategies that you can use in the lead up to the exam and during the perusal and working times. Many of the tactics in this module are closely related to reducing the stress levels associated with exams. Of course, one of the best ways of reducing exam stress is to be as organised and prepared as possible.'
Keywords: topic lists | exam formats | preparation | exam instructions | perusal time | working time | stress |
