Study Skills Book, The, 4th edition

Published by Pearson (June 25, 2021) © 2021

  • Kathleen McMillan University of Dundee
  • Jonathan Weyers University of Dundee
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Is there a secret to successful study? The answer is ‘Yes!'
The Study Skills Book is an indispensable resource for university students at any level or ability who want to build confidence, improve performance, and succeed in their studies and beyond…

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:
  • Blended and online learning – how to use these methods effectively
  • Lectures and tutorials – what is expected and how to prepare
  • Essays and dissertations – the best way to plan well-structured coursework
  • Writing and research techniques – developing the skills to meet academic standards
  • Exam revision – performing well under pressure
  • Time management – meeting deadlines and managing focus
  • Well-being, stress and mental health – increasing mindfulness and a growth mindset
  • Development and career planning – how to strengthen employability chances
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.
Study smarter with The Study Skills Book.
INTRODUCTION
1. How to use this book
2. What university involves

PART 1: CARING FOR YOURSELF
Adapting to university life
3. Money matters - tips for university
4. Time management
5. Well-being, stress and mental health

PART 2: DEVELOPING CORE UNIVERSITY STUDY SKILLS
Learning for university
6. Studying for yourself
7. Understanding learning and thinking
8. Digital and blended learning

Learning from listening
9. Active listening for lectures
10. Modern and traditional lectures

Learning from source material
11. Successful academic reading
12. The library as a resource

Learning to develop your understanding
13. Analysing and evaluating information
14. Notes for study purposes
15. Thinking critically
16. Reflective skills

Learning with others
17. Cooperative learning
18. Tutorials
19. Participating in a team
20. Laboratory sessions and field visits

Learning from data
21. Interpreting and presenting data

PART 3: DEVELOPING ACADEMIC WRITING
Preparing for writing
22. Tackling writing assignments
23. Academic writing format
24. Planning writing assignments

Adopting an academic style
25. Academic writing style
26. Shaping your text
27. Citing and referencing
28. Plagiarism

Presenting written work
29. Reviewing, editing and proofreading
30. Presentation of assignments

PART 4: PERFORMING WELL IN COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Understanding assessment methods
31. Assessment at university
32. Multiple-choices and short-answer questions
33. Numerical questions
34. Essay-style assessments
35. Tutorial assessment
36. Assessments of practical laboratory work

Tackling research-based assessments
37. Choosing a dissertation or research topic
38. Tackling a dissertation or project
39. Ethics in researching and reporting

Presenting research results
40. Report writing
41. Literature reviews
42. Poster presentations
43. Spoken presentation
44. Learning from assessment feedback

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

Tackling exams
51. Exam-day strategies
52. Doing your best in exams
53. Exam stress

PART 6: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Thinking about 'graduateness'
54. Reviewing your graduate skills and attributes
55. Planning for a career

PART 7: QUICK REFERENCE
Essential writing skills
56. Refreshing your grammar
57. Refreshing your punctuation and spelling
58. Enriching your vocabulary

Essential numerical skills
59. Refreshing number work
60. Refreshing core Maths

Appendix: Student resources
References and further reading
Index

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