Welcome to an excerpt from A Great Study Skills Guide - produced by Julie Wilkins, commissioned by Burnley College.

The information, tips, advice and activities contained here are aimed at:

·     those new to study

·     students with a little experience;  and

·     anyone who feels that their studies are perhaps not developing as well as they might do.

This means that each area looked at will start with a general description and help for all levels , before offering advice, information and developmental activities aimed especially at different levels of study.               

Therefore, it is really up to you to decide which is the best for your own needs.

WE all have study skills in some form already, even if we are unaware of it

at the moment.     In general terms they are the skills which help you:

• find information;

• think about new information;

• connect this with old information; and

• use or apply what you have learned.

Activity

Choose one example and consider how the above might be applied.

a)   Lunch out with friends

b)   A visit to the local cinema

c)   A visit to an Adventure Park for the day 

What would your first steps be? Make quick notes next to each heading. Think about things like times; costs;  travel.

What information would you need or want?    

Where would you get it from?

How would you get the information?

How would you use this new information?

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There ... it is really as easy as that .... no magic formula ....

no hidden tricks .... just thinking ... planning ... researching ... taking note ...

and

thinking about how to use your new information.

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Why are these skills important?

A large part of becoming a successful student is based on developing good

study skills.  Effective study means more than having a good memory, it means:

·     getting organized;

·     doing today instead of putting off until tomorrow;

·     using your time productively;

·     knowing where to find  information;

·     knowing how to use what you find:

·     and how to present your information

We can help you develop ALL these skills ......