Effective Learning Strategies for University Success

• Learning is more efficient when you consider how you learn, not just what you learn
• Effective learning involves understanding different methods, your learning style, and having necessary resources
• Effective learning involves having the right environment
• A key objective is to develop skills, techniques, and strategies for university studies effectively, and autonomously
• Enable students to deal with common learning difficulties
• Build student self-confidence and positive thinking to achieve university success
• Course outline includes sections on study skills, transition from high school, the LMD system, learning readiness, and studying habits
• The course covers organization, time-management, goal setting, dictionary/library use, and group study

Key Definitions

• A skill is a learned ability or competency that enables effective and proficient task performance
• Skills combine knowledge, practice, experience, and sometimes innate talent

Wikipedia Definition

• A skill is the ability to perform an action w/ determined results, often w/in a given amount of time/energy, or both

In Other Words Definition

• A skill is the ability to use time, energy, or both to accomplish a task in a given time frame

Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition

• A skill is the ability to effectively and readily use knowledge in execution or performance

The Learner's Dictionary Definition

• A skill is the ability to do something that comes from training, experience, or practice

Dictionary.com Definition

• A skill is the ability to do something well, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc.

Types of Skills

• Physical, technical, leadership, communication, problem-solving, creativity, analytical, organizational, negotiation, networking and language skills

Study Skill Definition

• Study skills are the abilities and approaches that students develop to manage their time, organize their materials, and actively engage with the subject matter to enhance comprehension and retention

• Study skills encompass techniques like note-taking, critical reading, effective listening, information processing, and exam preparation which empower students to become independent and self-directed

• Study skills include developing efficient study habits by setting goals, creating schedules, and utilizing effective study environments

• Stella Cottrell defines study skills as techniques to improve learning, time management, and performance by reading, note-taking, critical thinking, and preparing for assessments

Why Study Skills are Important

• Improve academic performance, leading to better grades and achievements
• Reduce stress by managing workload effectively
• Enhance time management to balance academics and personal life
• Foster critical and analytical thinking
• Improve information retention and long-term learning

Types of Study Skills

• Active listening emphasizes attentiveness during lectures, note-taking, and asking questions
• Effective note-taking includes methods like Cornell method and mind mapping for organization
• Time management uses techniques like the Pomodoro Technique and creating study schedules
• Reading comprehension strategies include skimming, scanning, and annotating texts
• Memorization techniques explore mnemonic devices, spaced repetition, and visualization
• Critical thinking encourages analyzing information, forming connections, and questioning assumptions
• Collaborative learning explains the benefits of group study sessions
• Test-taking strategies provide tips for preparing for exams and managing test anxiety

Difference between Studying and Learning

• Learning refers to gaining knowledge and skills or being taught or experiencing something,
• Studying refers to the process of learning and finding information.
• Learning involves an interactive method while studying involves a passive method
• Knowledge is gained through experience in Learning while knowledge is gained by referring to sources in Studying
• Learning involves both formal and informal content while studying only takes place in formal context
• Learning provides hands on experience, while studying does not provide hands on experience directly