Becoming an Independent Learner This workshop will... Explore what is required to become an independent learner Look at the basic principles of how to achieve success Help students develop assignment and exam checklists Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice Today’s Plan How does it feel to be here? What is an independent learner? What do I have to do to be an independent learner? How to achieve Assignment and exam checklists All in one click 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

1.How does it feel to be here? Activity 1: How do you feel about being a University student? Take a breath and think about this for a moment Write on the Post-it note whether positive or negative Place it on the wall/board 1 minute to write down 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

1.How does it feel to be here? Most students will feel scared and overwhelmed at some point – it is to be expected and normal! It’s common to feel doubtful and worried This is how you may feel now – but this is how you will feel during your course 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

1.How does it feel to be here? Learning at University is just another skill; it gets easier with practice Experience is usually more important than intelligence! 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

2.What is an independent learner? Manages own study Choses and interprets books to read Decides what to put in and structure of assignments Manages their time Self-motivated, disciplined and focused Is organised Chooses extra-curricular activities appropriately 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

2.What is an independent learner? Activity 2: Solutions to challenges Challenges Solutions More control over your study time Use a diary, timetables and/or year planner to develop a routine Check the modules descriptor literature More control over your spare time Choose activities to enhance your overall appeal or gain new skills Put spare time and independent study time into your timetable More choice about when and where to study As above Decide when and where you study at your best and work into your timetable   More choice about how you study Try taking notes from a screen or hard copies/taking notes in different ways (linear, mind-maps, etc.)/ recording and listening to tapes of your notes/ walking around whilst you study Develop SMART targets and action plans for your goals More responsibility for your own successes Think about what is stopping you study (phone, friends, favourite tv shows) and do something about it Consider if you need a new skill or improve on one (note-taking, speed-reading) and sign up for help Read feedback and correct future work Read all module and course handbooks and documentation carefully Click for table 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

3.What do I have to do to be an independent learner? Motivate yourself Stick to your timetable Take notes in lectures and from sources Think critically by questioning everything Use the library and relevant IT programmes Concentrate Remember and understand Research Write 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice 3.What do I have to do to be an independent learner? You are not alone! 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Surface or Deep Learning? 4.How to achieve Surface or Deep Learning? What is the difference between students who get top grades and rest? Answer: They read more! What is the best way to remember stuff? Answer: Write it out – make notes! (Marton and Säljö, 1976) Ference & Roger 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice 4.How to achieve “People see the extraordinary feats of others but not the unwavering commitment and countless hours of perseverant effort that produced them” (Bandura,1997: 119) People who do more work, achieve more! 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice 5.Assignment and exam checklists Activity 3: Your first assignment checklist Action Check handbook; read brief/criteria; look at Blackboard Go to library; search for texts from reading list; find other texts Read basic texts followed by harder ones; search for recent articles online Make rough notes; sort into categories; decide on relevant categories; decide on key points; sort key points Make a plan/structure: list of categories/areas and key points + the evidence Write first draft;; amend; repeat until happy; proofread final draft Check handbook for hand-in requirements; hand in. Get feedback; read feedback; reflect; file feedback; plan what you will do differently to improve Click for whole table 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice 5.Assignment and exam checklists ‘Exams (are) opportunities to show what you know rather than… tests to show what you do not know.’ (Moran, 2000: 139) 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice Summary It’s common to feel doubtful and worried Experience and hard work is usually more important than ‘intelligence’! Know where you can go for information and assistance Create assignment and exam checklist to stay organised and motivated! 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice References Bandura, A. (1997). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. New York: Freeman. Cottrell, S. (2013) The Study Skills Handbook. 4th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. Marton F. and Säljö R. (1976) On qualitative differences in learning – Outcome and Process. British Journal of Educational Psychology. 46, pp. 4-11. [online] Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2044-8279.1976.tb02980.x/pdf [Accessed 10.6.2014] Moran, A. (2000) Managing Your Own Learning at University. Dublin: University College Dublin Press. All visuals: worry/smile/old/runner/finish line/question Clip Art http://www.brad.ac.uk/academic-skills/induction/ 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice Service Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23. Give us a call or come speak to us Monday- Friday 9am-5pm (closing at 4pm Fridays). Who am I? Louise, the dedicated workshop adviser. Who can help me with study and writing skills? Lucy and Russell run Instant Study Skills Advice sessions every weekday and Writing Skills Clinics three times a week. You can also access self-help resources on our webpage. Who can give me maths advice? Helen and Michael specialise in Maths support for students though clinics and pre-booked appointment. How do I get in touch? Email: academic-skills@brad.ac.uk Telephone: 01274 236849 http://www.brad.ac.uk/academic-skills/induction/ 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice

Academic Skills Advice Any questions? Produced by Louise Livesey May 2014 14/01/2019 Academic Skills Advice