The Study Skills Handbook by
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. When it comes to studying, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. This engaging and accessible guide shows students how to tailor their learning to their individual needs in order to boost their grades, build their confidence and increase their employability. Fully revised for the fifth edition, it contains everything students need to succeed. This is an invaluable resource for undergraduate students of all disciplines, and is also ideal for postgraduates, mature students and international students. It prepares students for what to expect before, during and after their studies at university. New to this Edition: - Additional material on writing skills, including proofreading, editing and writing for different assignments - New chapters on managing stress and student wellbeing at university, learning in diverse and international contexts and writing essays - More emphasis on reflective learning - Extended guidance on how to balance study with work - More use of visuals to summarise key learning points
How to Succeed in Exams and Assessments by
Fully updated since publication in 2007, How to succeed in Exams & Assessments will allow a student to assess and address their particular weaknesses in revising, preparing for and succeeding in academic exams and assessments and delivers detailed tips, techniques and strategies to enable them to significantly improve their abilities and performance in time to make a difference.
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This easy to use app lets you create visual mind maps across multiple platforms.
2. AnkiApp
Lets you create your own study cards or access pre-made flashcards. It keeps track of your progress when quizzing yourself on a specific subject.
3. Padlet
If you are interested in forming a study group, this collaboration app makes it easy to share study materials with peers, so you can create a productive and visual learning space.
4. Adobe Express: Graphic Design
This free graphic design app enables you to give your study cards a visual makeover, so they are easier to remember.
5. GoConqr
Lets you create quizzes, flowcharts, slides, notes and more on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
When revising, visual aids can be very helpful. At the start of revision, write down everything you already know about a topic and then highlight where any gaps lie. Closer to the exam, condense your revision notes into one page diagrams. Putting your notes down in a brief format can then help you to quickly recall everything you need to know about a topic.
One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to practice taking past papers. This helps you get used to the format of the questions and is good practice for making sure you spend the right amount of time on each section. Make sure you time yourself to get used to being under timed conditions.
Tackle your mock exam in the same way as a real one:
read everything through carefully before you start
choose, plan and write your answers, re-reading the question from time to time as you go
check that you have followed the instructions and know how to submit your answers
check your work before the end.
This will help to consolidate what you’ve been learning into knowledge and get it clear in your head and highlight any areas that need more work. If you can talk about a topic, you will usually find it easier to write confidently about it when answering a question about it in the exam.
Get together with friends for a study group session. Bringing your knowledge together can be very helpful and may help fill any gaps. They might have the answers to your questions and vice versa. Make sure you stay focused on the revision topic and do not use this as a general catch up.
| Plan your exam day | Drink plenty of water and eat a good meal before the exam, consume foods that will provide a slow release of energy throughout. Avoid cramming in sugar as this may cause your energy levels to crash an hour later. |
| Sleep enough | Have a good night’s sleep before the exam. Do not stay up late to cram in more revision, stop revising at a point which gives you enough time to calm down and get relaxed before going to sleep. |
| Read the questions carefully | Take time to read through all the words carefully. You might find the topic you are well prepared for is worded differently. |
| Use outlines before you start writing | Think about the key points in your answer, and dedicate a paragraph to each one. To structure your paragraph, make your point early and clearly, then give your evidence and analysis to support it, and end with a concluding sentence to link the point back to the question. |
| Stop and reset | If your mind goes blank during the exam, do a simple breathing exercise to focus yourself. Start by answering a question you know to boost your confidence. |
| Focus on you | Do not focus on what other people are doing if you’re sitting an in-person exam. |
| Reflect and move on | Reflect on your experience. What strategies worked well? Use these in your preparation for the following exams. Do not overthink the exam, you cannot change what has happened, keep a clear mind for the next exam. |
Cramming in as many hours as possible can be counterproductive and over exhausting.
Taking regular breaks in between revision is very important as it prevents us from getting worn out.
Need some ideas for taking time out? Why not try:
Meditation
Take a short nap
Do an unrelated task
Move around
Get out in the sunshine – vitamin D is important!
