Study Skills
This is a parent category. The following pages have been linked to this category.
Page: 3rd year research report
How do I pick a topic? Pick a topic based on a development within your discipline, a subject from a lecture, an area that raises debate or your experience/practice (Levin, 2011, p. 36). Gap: What area is missing or limited in current research? Topical: Which issue(s) are of concern/interest within…
Page: Analysing images
Key parts of an image Figure 1: 7 visual elements Firstly, it helps to build an awareness of elements within creative works. Visual elements: these can include line, shape, colour, space, texture, value and form. The elements can vary between disciplines. For an explanation, see these useful handouts on the elements of…
Page: Critical thinking
A questioning attitude What is critical thinking? Being critical is not about ‘finding fault’ or making negative comments (Williams, 2014, p. viii) Instead, it is about ‘looking at ideas, theories and evidence with a questioning attitude … analyzing things in detail …deciding what you think and why’ (Godfrey, 2011, p.…
Page: Editing
Edition. The process of writing Figure 1: Writing Process, adapted from Francis (2016, p. 30) Writing usually undergoes several drafts before completion. As well as advancing, it helps to revisit and get feedback on writing (Murray and Moore, 2006, p. 37). During the writing process, you might develop ideas, make…
Page: Finding research
Who can I ask? If you ever need help searching effectively or finding sources, contact the library team: library@norwichuni.ac.uk They’ll be able to answer questions, and you can book a tutorial with your Subject Librarian. Visit the library’s online tutorials page to find out more about using Discovery, accessing resources…
Page: Honing grammar and punctuation
Why is it important? Grammar and punctuation help to create effective communication. By featuring carefully crafted sentences, you’ll aid your reader to understand and enjoy your writing. Remember to leave time to revisit your writing. Read the sections below to find out more about common principles and confusions. When to…
Page: Introductions and Conclusions
Introductions and conclusions each take up around 10 % of your word count. In a longer piece of writing, they can be several paragraphs. You can find a useful summary of their key elements below. What is an introduction? An introduction sets the scene for the writing ahead. It does…
Page: Paragraphs
What is a paragraph? A paragraph is a sequence of sentences that cover one main idea or theme. Change paragraphs for a new topic, time period, place or person. There is no set length, but it should be more than a couple of sentences to develop your ideas fully. Watch the video below to…
Page: Presentations
Plymouth University’s (2019) CDE Model What makes a good presentation? Plymouth University’s (2019) CDE model shows the elements of an effective presentation. Content: plan a logical structure that shows your knowledge/research. Delivery: communicate your ideas confidently and effectively. Engagement: make a connection with the audience. 1. Planning Beginning: Introduce yourself:…
Page: Reading & Note Taking
Navigating a text At university, you will be expected to read large amounts of information. Rather than reading texts from start to finish, and use the key parts of a text (shown below) to help you select the most relevant parts. Figure 1: Parts of a Text Search for chapter…
Page: Reflective writing
What is reflective writing? Edition. Figure 1: Jasper’s (2003) ERA model & Driscoll’s (2007) questions combined. A basic pattern (see above) involves describing what occurred, reflecting on why this might be significant and what has been learnt, and thinking about your next actions. Focus on key events rather than trying…
Page: Starting writing
Organising thoughts Try mind mapping or listing initial ideas. Form questions about the topic with Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Examples: When and where did it occur? Who were the key figures? Another technique is to divide a page in half. Use the left-hand side to capture your current…
Page: Time Management
How can I organise my time? This page will discuss four main ways of organising time: breaking into steps, using time planners, making lists and prioritising. Watch the video below for some quick tips on time management. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ePPOOcw1qk Video on Time Management 1. Smaller bites Think of an assignment as…
Page: Welcome to Study Skills
Study Skills is available to both BA and MA students. You can access support at any point of the academic year. Sara Erskine: Study Skills Manager What are Study Skills? These can include: understanding assignment briefs time management and organisation effective reading note-taking critical thinking reflection presentations academic writing How…
Page: Study Skills Videos
Videos to enhance your study Explore various resources to improve your study skills. Whether you want to watch past workshops, informative animations, or our library’s online video tutorials, these tools are here to help you succeed in your studies. Click the links below to find useful learning materials and learn…