Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, find out what support is available for improving your study skills and academic writing…
POINT ONE: MEET WITH YOUR PAT…
Most students find that they need some academic guidance during their studies and your Personal Academic Tutor can help you to support your academic development.
Your PAT is assigned at the beginning of your course, and you’ll meet within the first couple of weeks, usually as part of induction. You can expect a minimum of four scheduled meetings during your first year, either as a tutorial group or on an individual basis, although you can reach out and request a meeting with your PAT if you need throughout the academic year.
If you need help identifying your PAT, get in touch with us here at firstpoint.
POINT TWO: MAKE THE MOST OF THE HIVE…
As a student you automatically have access to The Hive Library, which is a fantastic space for you to study and access resources or just spend some free time! Specialist help is available from the Academic Liaison Librarians as they can help you use the library and information resources more effectively. They also offer guidance in specific subject areas and provide advice on how to understand and apply your referencing.
You can email askalibrarian@worc.ac.uk and make an appointment, use the Live Chat facility, join a Study skills Live workshop or find further information on the Library Services webpage.
POINT THREE: READ UP ON STUDY SKILLS…
Taking some time aside to find your most effective study methods can play a huge role in your academic work. There’s lots of support and guidance available to do this; Need some help with referencing, unsure how best to take notes, want to improve your skills for independent learning and time management? Access the Study Skills webpages for lots of useful information, resources and contacts to help you get the most out of your time studying at the university.
You could also take the Study Skills Audit to check your existing skills and to get personalised recommendations for support you might find helpful moving forward?
Reaching out for guidance now, rather than at the end of your studies, can increase your chances of achieving success in your academic work and help you get the best out of your studies!
POINT FOUR: ACADEMIC WRITING SKILLS…
Are you struggling with an essay or dissertation? Grappling with grammar and punctuation? Finding academic writing a challenge? Don’t worry, there is help available to all students of any discipline, and at any level of study.
The University has a team of Writers in Residence, who can meet with you and offer help with all aspects of academic writing. Sign up for a one-to-one tutorial using the email addresses on their webpage to help you:
- Increase understanding of grammar and punctuation
- Improve your writing and editing skills
- Benefit from more efficient time management
- Express your ideas more clearly
- Potentially raise your marks
POINT FIVE: IMPROVE YOUR LANGUAGE SKILLS…
Communicating your ideas effectively is important at University – If you want advice on how to improve your use of academic English in an essay or presentation or improve your confidence in English for writing or presentations, the university’s Centre for Academic English and Skills offers email, individual and group tutorials that are available to all registered students; it doesn’t matter if English is your first language or not!
Book your tutorial online here.
You can also receive specialist training, should you wish to pursue becoming a teacher of English as a foreign language (CELTA).
