Introduction to Study Skills PDF

Algerian Democratic and Popular Republic Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research University Center of EL Bayadh –Nour Bachir- El Bayadh Department of English Level: 1st year (group 1, 2) Semester 01 Study Skills Lesson One: Introduction to Study Skills...

Algerian Democratic and Popular Republic Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research University Center of EL Bayadh –Nour Bachir- El Bayadh Department of English Level: 1st year (group 1, 2) Semester 01 Study Skills Lesson One: Introduction to Study Skills  Learning how to learn effectively, don't just focus on what you're learning but also consider how you're learning. Be aware of different methods and approaches. Research shows that being aware of your learning process can make you a more efficient learner. There isn't just one way to learn, there are many. The best method depends on the task, context, and your personality. Being an effective learner is ultimately about finding a formula that works for you - one that involves an appropriate balance of good-quality study and relaxation; an understanding of your individual learning style; access to necessary resources and support; and an environment that is set-up to maximise your learning.  Accordingly the main objectives of this module are:  To develop students’ skills, techniques and strategies in order to carry out university studies in an effective way, which includes being as autonomous as possible;  To enable students to deal with learning difficulties;  To build students’ self-confidence and positive thinking to achieve success at university and after graduation  Course Outline: Introduction Study Skills From High School to University Introduction to the LMD System Get Ready to Learn Studying Habits and Setting Organization and Time-Management Setting goals and priorities Using the dictionary  Using the library Study group  Know Yourself: Tick what applies to you  I spend too much time studying for what I am learning.  I usually spend hours cramming the night before an exam.  If I spend as much time on my social activities as I want to, I don't have enough time left to study, or when I study enough, I don't have time for a social life.  I usually try to study with the radio and TV turned on.  I can't sit and study for long periods of time without becoming tired or distracted.  I go to class, but I usually doodle, daydream, or fall asleep.  My class notes are sometimes difficult to understand later.  I usually seem to get the wrong material into my class notes.  I don't review my class notes periodically throughout the semester in preparation for tests.  When I get to the end of a chapter, I can't remember what I've just read.  I don't know how to pick out what is important in the text.  I can't keep up with my reading assignments, and then I have to cram the night before a test.  I lose a lot of points on essay tests even when I know the material well.  I study enough for my test, but when I get there my mind goes blank.  I often study in a haphazard, disorganized way under the threat of the next test.  I often find myself getting lost in the details of reading and have trouble identifying the main ideas.  I rarely change my reading speed in response to the difficulty level of the selection, or my familiarity with the content.  I often wish that I could read faster.  When my teachers assign papers I feel so overwhelmed that I can't get started.  I usually write my papers the night before they are due. Adapted from http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/checklis.html  Lesson One: Introduction to Study Skills  Studying at university is likely to be different to what you have experienced at school. How you'll work with others, how much independent study you'll be expected to do and how your lessons are arranged are just some of the differences from what you may be used to. There will also be some similarities, and opportunities for you to apply skills you have been developing throughout your academic career to your new setting.  What is a skill?  A skill is a learned ability or competency that enables an individual to perform a task effectively and proficiently. It involves a combination of knowledge, practice, experience, and sometimes innate talent.  Wikipedia says-  A skill is the ability to perform an action with determined results, often within a given amount of time, energy, or both.  In other words, Skill is the ability to use time, energy, or both to accomplish a task within a given time frame.  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Skill as-  The ability to use one’s knowledge effectively and readily in execution or performance.  In other words, Skill is the ability to use knowledge effectively and perform efficiently.  The Learner’s Dictionary defines Skill as:  The ability to do something that comes from training, experience, or practice.  In Dictionary.com, Skills are defined as-  The ability, coming from one’s knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well.  Some Quotes about a Skill  "Talent you have naturally. Skill is only developed by hours and hours and hours of beating on your craft." - Will Smith (interview with Charlie Rose (2015).  "Skill is the unified force of experience, intellect and passion in their operation." - John Ruskin (Ruskin, J. (1857). "The Elements of Drawing.“)  "The expert in anything was once a beginner." - Helen Hayes. (Hayes, H. (1971). "The Gift of the Gorgon.“)  "Your skill will accomplish what the force of many cannot." - Chinese Proverb  "Skill to do comes of doing." - Ralph Waldo Emerson. (Emerson, R. W. (2010). "The Complete Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson.“)  "The more I practice, the luckier I get." - Gary Player. (Gary Player's interview with The Wall Street Journal (2011).  Skills can be categorized into various types based on their nature and application. Here are some common types of skills: Transferable Skills Physical Technical Skills Skills Language Leadership Skills. Skills Networking Skills. Communication Skills Negotiation Skills. Problem-Solving Skills Organizational Skills Creativity Analytical Skills  Different Definitions of Study Skills  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 a range of techniques, such as note-taking, critical reading, effective listening, information processing, and exam preparation, which empower students to become independent and self-directed learners.  Study skills include the development of efficient study habits, such as setting specific goals, creating study schedules, utilizing effective study environments, and employing various memory techniques to optimize learning outcomes.  "Study skills encompass a range of techniques aimed at improving one's ability to learn, manage time, and perform effectively in an academic setting. They involve strategies for reading, note-taking, critical thinking, and preparing for assessments." - Stella Cottrell  Why Study Skills Are Important?  Improve academic Performance: Effective study skills can lead to better grades and academic achievements.  Reduce Stress: Proper study techniques help students manage their workload, reducing stress and anxiety.  Enhance Time Management: With good study skills, students can make the most of their time and strike a balance between academics and personal life.  Foster critical thinking: Certain study techniques encourage students to think critically and analytically.  Improve Retention: The right study methods can aid in better information retention and long-term learning.  Types of Study Skills: Active Listening: Emphasize the importance of being attentive during lectures, taking notes, and asking questions to enhance comprehension. Effective Note-Taking: Teach students various note-taking methods (e.g., Cornell method, mind mapping) to organize information effectively. Time Management: Introduce techniques like the Pomodoro Technique and creating study schedules to manage time efficiently. Reading Comprehension: Offer strategies to improve reading comprehension, such as skimming, scanning, and annotating texts. Memorization Techniques: Explore mnemonic devices, spaced repetition, and visualization to aid in better retention. Critical Thinking: Encourage students to analyze information, form connections, and question assumptions. Collaborative Learning: Explain the benefits of group study sessions and how working with peers can reinforce understanding. Test-Taking Strategies: Provide tips on preparing for exams, managing test anxiety, and answering different question types effectively. Task: In few lines, describe your experience at university and highlight the differences between high school and university………. …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………