It’s easy to say that study skills are important, but it’s less easy to identify what study skills actually are. Maybe that’s because study skills—the techniques students use when learning in class, doing homework at home, or preparing for a test—are very rarely taught in school, which is why homework and studying can be so stressful for students. Practice Makes Perfect Dr Kathleen McMillan is an academic and educator who has taught at all university levels. Firstly, as a lecturer she designed and delivered courses in European politics. From her experience as an assessor and examiner she identified students’ difficulties in acquiring deeper understanding of their subject and translating that into successful attainment. This awareness led to further research into language acquisition as a foundation of learning and study. Consequently, she led a university team providing learning and language support to UK and international students at all levels. She designed and taught bespoke skills courses in diverse disciplines, such as, accountancy, architecture, art and design, computing science, dentistry, education, engineering, humanities, law, medicine, nursing, and social work. Paraphrasing—paraphrasing simply means putting it in your own words. Expressing a concept or idea by using their own words, helps students grasp concepts or ideas better. Read more.

How to use planning, regular practice, and a revision timetable to reduce the stress of exams. Tips for coping in the exam itself. All key study skills are covered including essay writing, revision and exams, tutorials, and dissertations How to get the most out of tutorials and seminars by preparing, participating, and recording effectively. How to prepare and deliver a seminar paper. Learning to develop your understanding 13. Analysing and evaluating information 14. Notes for study purposes 15. Thinking critically 16. Reflective skills Create a Study Studio—Keep all homework and learning supplies materials in one area of the house to make getting into the homework groove easier. Read More.Choose your style of reading to suit the task. Recognising different types of books. Techniques for more effective reading. Clear and comprehensive, The Study Skills Book covers all types of academic writing, independent learning, research, revision and exam sitting. Using tried and tested tools and techniques to help students find an individual learning style that works best for their needs, this book is every student's essential guide to the evolving university. This new edition has been thoroughly updated and includes new approaches to ensure students can succeed in any circumstance. New and updated topics include: How to write effective introductions, relevant arguments, and conclusions. The importance of paragraphs in creating the structure of an essay. Dr Kathleen McMillan's career as an academic spans a lifetime of helping students to succeed at every level and in a wide range of topics. She has a deep understanding of the learning and study challenges that students meet at university, whether they are UK or international students at undergraduate or postgraduate level. She uses this experience to provide practical solutions and examples for most common problems in an accessible and engaging no-nonsense style. With smart tips, information, and query boxes, as well as practical tips at the end of each section, students will find answers to every question they have about learning, researching, writing, and revising. PART 5: SUCCEEDING IN EXAMS Preparing for exams 45. Priming yourself for exams 46. Creating a revision timetable 47. Revision tips 48. Memory tips and techniques 49. Directing your revision 50. Study partnership

Study Skills are a collection of learning techniques used together to make preparing for a test easier. When used regularly as part of an overall learning strategy, they help students become more organized in all areas of their education. How to use abbreviations, diagrams, and good visual layout to write less and record more. Notes from lectures and reading. The importance of sources. Sample lecture notes. Make Handwritten Study Notes—Writing notes by hand when studying activates many different areas of the brain, which helps boost retention and memory. Read moreThe good news is that like any skill, whether it’s riding a bike, flying a kite or even sweeping the floor, study skills become easier with practice. The more students use them, the more second nature study skills become. Top Nine Study Skills to Use This School Year: This is the ultimate guide to study skills, written by million copy bestselling author Stella Cottrell. Her tried and tested approach, based on over 20 years' experience of working with students, has helped over a million students to achieve their potential.