Study Skills Audit

There are a range of skills that are not only significant to learning in higher education and academic achievement but also to your personal development and employability. This skills audit has been designed to help you to identify your strengths, weaknesses and areas for development within various skills areas. If you find there are some areas in which you need support, there is a range of provision available at the University Centre to help you. Further information can be found at the end of the document. How to complete this audit Read the SKILLS AREA, place a tick in the column that best suits your ability and then in the final column decide the priority for YOU in the development of this skill. SKILLS AREA I CAN DO THIS WELL OK, BUT I NEED MORE PRACTICE I CAN’T DO THIS PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SKILL1 = very important, 2 = quite important, 3 = not important ORGANISATION OF LEARNING I have strategies to help me to plan and manage my time I am able to effectively prioritise my tasks and activities I am able to work to deadlines I am aware of what makes my learning more effective (e.g place to study, time to study etc) INFORMATION SEEKING SKILLS I am able to find a specific book or journal in the library using the on-line catalogue (e.g Emerald) I am able to use a variety of different sources to find information (e.g. journals. books, electronic resources) I am able to access and search electronic resources (on-line databases, electronic journals CD-ROMs) I am able to use search gateways on the Internet to find information I am able to evaluate the information I find READING AND NOTEMAKING I can decide which parts of a book I need to read I have a system for recording where I find information (e.g. book, author, date) I can select and use different reading strategies (e.g. skim, scan, in-depth) I can make effective notes when reading I can make effective notes when listening (e.g. during lectures) I have a system for recording and storing my notes SKILLS AREA I Can Do This Well Ok, But I Need More Practice I Can’t Do This / I would like support Priority Development Of This Skill1 = Very Important, 2 = Quite Important, 3 = Not Important WRITING SKILLS I can analyse assignment (essay, report etc) questions to determine what is expected I understand the difference between an essay and report I can produce a written plan to answer an assignment question I can punctuate, use grammar and spelling correctly I am confident I can express my ideas clearly in written form I am able to adapt my writing styles to suit the appropriate media/audience I understand the need to reference my work to avoid plagiarism SPOKEN COMMUNICATION I am able to express my views verbally I am confident speaking in front of a group of people I can prepare, plan and deliver a presentation I can use visual aids to support a presentation I work well as a member of a group or team I am able to listen to and appreciate the views of others INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY I am able to use a word processing software package to produce my assignments I can use a variety of different computer software (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access) WORKING WITH NUMBERS I am competent in making simple calculations I can present numerical information accurately I can competently use a variety of numerical techniques (e.g. percentages, fractions, decimals) I can interpret and present information in graphs and illustrations REVISION AND EXAM TECHNIQUES I am able to plan my revision time I am able to set myself goals I am able to use a variety of different revision techniques (e.g. practising questions, mind mapping etc) I can select and use techniques to help me retain and recall information I use strategies to help me in the exam room (e.g. planning time, coping with anxiety) STRESS MANAGEMENT I know what causes stress I am aware of my personal symptoms of stress I can use strategies to help me cope with my stress PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING I am able to identify my personal goals I am a good judge of what my strengths and areas for development are I am able to identify opportunities for learning outside my course, e.g. clubs, societies, employment I am able to plan for my personal development Please discuss the areas you have identified as ‘Priority’ with your Personal Tutor and take responsibility for seeking any further support that you feel will enhance your learning journey here at UCBC. For specific support services, please liaise directly with the individuals and service areas listed below. Support Study Skills Email: d.murtagh@blackburn.ac.uk Website: Location: UCBC 4th Floor UC410 Tel: 01254 292454 Support for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (Equality & Diversity Office) Tel:01254 292 837 Email: dawn.parrington@blackburn.ac.uk Location: UCBC 004 (Ground Floor) Students’ Union Tel: (0161) 736 7811 Email:students-union@blackburn.ac.uk Location: UCBC Ground Floor (Curve) Personal Tutor: Student Name: ID# MCAM11 Study Skills Audit - EDMS