Module: Study Skills

Level: First year (License - Double License)

Lecture01: University studies

Lecture 02: The LMD system

Lecture 03: Successful Study tips - Effective Listening

Lecture 04: Successful Study Tips - Effective Note-Taking

Lecture05: Successful Study Tips – Effective Reading

Lecture 06: Using Libraries and Sources

Lecture 07: Effective Exam Preparation

 Lecture 03: Successful Study tips - Effective Listening
1. Active Listening

Active listening is a deliberate, focused, and engaged approach to listening that involves more than
just hearing the words. It requires paying full attention, understanding the speaker's message,
interpreting meaning accurately, and retaining important information. This skill is essential in an
academic setting where the ability to absorb complex concepts can directly impact learning and
performance. Key characteristics of active listening include: attentive body language, active
participation in classroom discussions, asking clarifying questions, and reflective responses.

2. Importance of Active Listening for the University Student

For university students, active listening is particularly critical due to the complex, fast-paced nature
of academic lectures and discussions. Unlike passive listening, which involves minimal
engagement, active listening requires mental focus and processing, helping students:

 Understand Complex Ideas: Many university subjects involve advanced level of

information that requires full understanding.
 Participate in Class Discussions: Being an active listener allows students to respond
thoughtfully and engage in meaningful discussions.
 Enhance Memory Retention: Actively engaging with the material during lectures aids in
long-term retention, reducing the need for extensive rereading.
 Improve Academic Performance: Students who practice active listening often perform
better academically because they retain and understand more of what’s taught in lectures.

3. The Relationship between Effective Listening and Note Taking

Effective listening and note-taking are interdependent study skills. When students listen effectively,
they can better identify key concepts and supporting details, enabling them to take accurate and
concise notes. This relationship is important for several reasons:

 Prioritizing Information: Effective listening helps students determine which points are
most important, allowing them to focus their notes on core ideas rather than transcribing
everything.
 Organizing Knowledge: Through effective listening, students can categorize information in
ways that make sense to them, facilitating comprehension and recall.
  Supporting Review and Study: Well-organized notes from effective listening provide a
structured resource that can be efficiently reviewed before exams or assignments.
 Reducing Misunderstandings: Effective listening minimizes misunderstandings or gaps in
knowledge that might occur if a student only hears fragments of a lecture.

4. How to Be an Active Listener during Sessions

Being an active listener requires conscious effort and practice. The following are some practical
strategies to improve your active listening during academic sessions:

 Prepare in Advance: Before attending a lecture, review previous notes or readings on the
topic to be better prepared to follow the lecture.
 Maintain Focus: Avoid distractions by turning off or silencing devices and committing to
being present in the moment. Select calm and undisruptive seat away from annoying
classmates. If you are easily distracted avoid sitting next to doors and windows and sit in the
front
 Take Selective Notes: Listen first, identify main points, and jot down notes without
attempting to write down everything verbatim.
 Follow Up with Questions: Ask questions or participate in discussions if possible.
 Practice clearing your mind before each session: Before each session, take a few
moments to clear your mind by setting aside distractions and letting go of unrelated
thoughts.

Lecture 04: Successful Study Tips - Effective Note-Taking

At the university level, note-taking is a vital part of autonomous learning, marking a shift
from the structured guidance students often received in secondary school. In high school, teachers
frequently guided students through lessons, providing detailed explanations and assistance in
organizing information. At university, however, the instructor acts more as a guide, encouraging
students to take ownership of their learning. This autonomy prepares students for academic success
and fosters lifelong learning skills.

1. Characteristics of Effective Note-Taking

Effective note-taking is more than writing down everything verbatim; it involves selecting,
organizing, and summarizing information in a way that enhances comprehension and recall. Key
characteristics of affective note-taking include:
  Conciseness: Capture essential ideas and keywords instead of copying full sentences,
allowing for quicker review.
 Organization: Structure notes in a way that makes sense, using headings, subheadings, and
bullet points for clarity.
 Relevance: Focus on main points, supporting details, examples, and any information
emphasized by the speaker or author.
 Visual Cues: Use diagrams, charts, or highlighting to distinguish critical concepts from
minor details.
 Consistency: Develop a consistent format or style (such as using abbreviations or symbols)
to make notes easier to review and understand.

2. Reading Note-Taking:
2.1 Reading Note- taking Principles and Tools

Reading note-taking involves understanding and recording key ideas from written materials.

2.2 Principles and Methods:

 Preview the Material: Skim headings, subheadings, and summaries to identify key sections
before reading in-depth.
 Identify Key Ideas: Focus on main arguments, examples, and significant details rather than
trying to capture everything.
 Use Marginal Notes: Write notes in the margins or use sticky notes to capture thoughts or
questions as you read.
 Highlighting and Underlining: Emphasize important terms, definitions, and phrases, but
avoid over-highlighting to prevent clutter.
 Digital Note-Taking Tools: Tools like OneNote, Evernote, or Notion allow students to
organize reading notes, tag topics, and integrate images or PDFs.

2.2 Reading Note-Taking Strategies

Reading note-taking strategies involve actively engaging with the text by using methods such
as the SQ3R technique, annotating margins with comments and questions, and creating visual maps
to organize and connect key ideas. These strategies help students identify and retain important
information, enhance comprehension, and facilitate easier review and study of the material.

Practical strategies for taking notes while reading:

A. The SQ3R Method is a simple approach to help you get the most out of any reading material.

1. Survey: First, skim through the material to get a quick idea of the main topics and how it’s
organized.
2. Question: Turn each section into a question to give yourself a focus, like "What’s the main
idea here?" or "Why is this important?"
3. Read: Read actively, looking for answers to your questions to help you understand the
details better.
4. Recite: After reading, say or write down the main points in your own words to make sure
you understand them.
5. Review: Go over your notes and main points regularly to remember the material more
effectively.

This method makes it easier to focus, understand, and remember what you read

B. Annotation

Annotation involves actively engaging with the reading material by writing notes directly in
the margins or highlighting key points as you read. This method allows students to mark important
information, ask questions (using symbols like "?" for confusion or "!" for key points), and make
brief comments on the material. Annotations help reinforce understanding and create a personalized
version of the text, which is useful for later review and deeper reflection on the material. It turns
reading into a more interactive process, promoting critical thinking and better retention of
information.

C. Mapping

Mapping, or mind mapping, is a visual note-taking technique that helps students organize
complex information by showing how different concepts are related to one another. Mapping is
particularly effective for subjects with interconnected ideas, allowing students to see the big picture
and understand how details fit within the overall structure. It helps clarify relationships between
concepts and makes it easier to recall and apply information later.

3. Classroom Note-Taking
3.1 Classroom Note-Taking Principles and Tools

Classroom note-taking requires active listening and quick summarization. Key principles and useful tools:
  Be Selective: Focus on main ideas, details emphasized by the instructor, and points repeated
or written on the board.
 Active Engagement: Listen attentively and think critically about how the information
connects to prior knowledge.
 Use Symbols and Abbreviations: Develop a system of shorthand symbols (e.g., “=>” for
“leads to” or “&” for “and”) to capture more information quickly.

3.2 Classroom Note-Taking Strategies

Strategies to improve note-taking during lectures include:

 The Cornell Method: Divide the page into three sections: a narrow column on the left for
keywords or questions, a main section for detailed notes, and a summary at the bottom.
After the lecture, fill in the keywords/questions and summary to reinforce understanding.

 Outlining: Organize notes by creating a hierarchy of main points and sub-points in outline
form. This is especially useful for lectures that have a clear structure.
 Charting: For lectures that compare ideas or categories, set up a chart to compare these
points side by side.

Figure 2 : Example of a chart

benefits of internet drawbacks of the Internet
………………………….. ………………………….

…………………………… ……………………..
  Mind Mapping: Create a visual diagram to represent relationships among ideas. This is
especially helpful for topics with interconnected subtopics.

 Writing Questions: While listening, note questions that arise. These can be clarified later,
either through further reading or by asking the instructor.

4. Effective Use of Your Reading and Classroom Notes

After taking notes, it is important to actively use them to enhance learning and prepare for exams or
assignments. The following are tips on how to make good use of reading and classroom notes.

 Review Regularly: Set aside time to review notes weekly to reinforce memory and
understanding.
 Summarize and Condense: Create concise summaries from your notes to capture only the
most important points.
 Combine Notes: Integrate reading and lecture notes by merging overlapping ideas, which
can help with comprehensive understanding.
 Self-Testing: Use notes to create practice questions, flashcards, or quizzes to test your recall
of the material.

Classroom Exercise: Practice Reading Note-Taking Techniques

Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment. It is a

serious issue that affects air, water, and soil, leading to adverse health and environmental
consequences. There are several types of pollution, including air, water, soil, and noise pollution,
each of which has unique causes and effects on both the environment and human health.

Air pollution is primarily caused by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and the burning of
fossil fuels, which release pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides into
the atmosphere. These pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and
contribute to global warming by increasing greenhouse gas levels.

Water pollution occurs when toxic substances such as chemicals, waste products, and plastic
debris enter water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans. Agricultural runoff, which includes
pesticides and fertilizers, is a major source of water pollution. This contamination threatens aquatic
life, harms ecosystems, and poses health risks to humans, particularly in communities relying on
these water sources.

Soil pollution is often the result of the accumulation of toxic chemicals from industrial waste,
agricultural pesticides, and improper waste disposal. Polluted soil can reduce crop yields,
contaminate food sources, and affect the health of people who consume contaminated produce.

Noise pollution arises from excessive noise produced by traffic, construction, factories, and
urban activities. Although it is often overlooked, noise pollution has been shown to affect mental
health, cause stress, and lead to hearing problems in humans.

The growing threat of pollution has prompted many nations to take action. Solutions include
reducing fossil fuel use, promoting sustainable practices, recycling waste, and creating stricter
environmental regulations. Individual actions, like reducing energy use, using eco-friendly
products, and supporting green policies, also play a critical role in combating pollution.

Step 1: Apply the SQ3R Method

o Survey: Spend 2 minutes skimming the passage to get an overview (titles, subtitles,
first and last paragraphs).
o Question: Write down 2-3 questions you hope to answer while reading (e.g., "What
is the main argument?" "What examples are used?")
o Read: Read the passage carefully and search for answers to your questions.
o Recite: After reading, write a brief summary of the key points in your own words.
o Review: Look back at your notes and review the material to ensure you’ve captured
the most important points.

Step 2: Apply Annotation

o As you read the passage again, underline key terms and ideas.
o In the margins, write brief comments or questions (e.g., "What does this mean?"
"Important point!" "Explain this in more detail").

Step 3: Apply Mapping

o On a separate sheet of paper, create a mind map that shows the relationship
between key ideas from the passage. Place the main idea in the center and branch out
with related concepts, facts, or examples.
Lecture05: Successful Study Tips – Effective Reading

Reading at the university level is crucial for academic success, intellectual growth, and the
development of critical thinking skills. Through reading, students engage with diverse perspectives,
theories, and research, deepening their understanding of complex topics within their field. This
exposure strengthens their knowledge and enables them to evaluate and synthesize information,
skills essential for writing assignments, participating in discussions, and conducting research.
Additionally, reading fosters independent learning, preparing students to analyze and solve real-
world problems with an informed and analytical approach. Ultimately, reading is foundational to
cultivating a well-rounded, insightful, and competent graduate.

1. Purposes of Reading

o Reading for Information: Quickly scanning materials to gather general knowledge or

facts.
o Reading for Knowledge: Reading more attentively to understand ideas and absorb new
information.
o Reading for Critical Analysis: Engaging deeply with the text, questioning ideas, making
connections, and drawing conclusions.
o Reading for entertainment: Reading novels, muse magazines , news

2. Reading at the university level /Academic

At the university level, reading focuses on comprehending complex ideas and integrating
knowledge across disciplines. The goal is not just to understand the material but to critically analyze
and apply it in different contexts. Academic reading requires active reading by:

 Taking notes while, asking questions, and summarizing key points.

 Being critical by identifying arguments, opinions and specific contents

Academic Reading is purpose-driven reading. It is analytical and requires attention to detail, a

deep understanding of complex ideas, and summary of information. It requires more time and focus,
as students often need to read a lot of information and keep it for future use (e.g., exams,
assignments, or research projects).

3. Reading Strategies

A. Skimming
 o Purpose: To gain an overview of the content and determine its relevance.
o When to Use: Initial review of academic texts, like articles or book chapters, to identify if
the material is useful.
o How to Skim:
 Read the title, headings, subheadings, introduction, and conclusion.
 Focus on first and last sentences of paragraphs to get the main idea.
 Skip detailed explanations but note key terms or phrases.

B. Scanning
o Purpose: To locate specific information or facts within a text.
o When to Use: Looking for precise data, dates, or terms, particularly when preparing for
exams or completing assignments.
o How to Scan:
 Use index or table of contents to locate sections.
 Look for keywords or phrases without reading everything.
 Practice quickly moving eyes over the text to locate information faster.

C. Detailed Analytical Reading

o Purpose: To gain an in-depth understanding and evaluate the text critically.
o When to Use: Reading essential materials for assignments, preparing for exams, or
conducting research.
o How to Read Analytically
 Read thoroughly, take detailed notes, and highlight important points.
 Ask critical questions about the author’s purpose, argument strength, and opinions.
 Summarize in your own words and reflect on how this material connects with
other readings or concepts.

Practice

Exercise 1: Skimming Practice

Instructions: Read the following short passage quickly. Your goal is to grasp the main idea of the
passage without focusing on details. After reading, answer the question below.

Passage: "Social media has transformed the way people connect, share information, and stay
informed. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become powerful tools for
communication, allowing users to post updates, share photos, and engage with content from around
the world. While social media can foster connections and provide access to diverse perspectives, it
also raises concerns about privacy, misinformation, and mental health impacts."

Question: What is the main topic of the passage?

1. The negative effects of social media

2. How social media connects people and its pros and cons
3. Privacy issues on the internet
4. The popularity of Instagram and Twitter

Exercise 2: Scanning Practice

Instructions: Scan the text below to quickly find the specific answer to the question. Don’t read
every word; instead, look for keywords related to the question.

Text: "Leonardo da Vinci is a famous artist. He was born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy. He was not only a
talented painter but also an inventor, scientist, and engineer. Some of his most famous works
include the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo’s notebooks reveal his curiosity about the
natural world, human anatomy, and machines, which he documented through sketches and notes."

Question: In what year was Leonardo da Vinci born?

Where was Leonardo da Vinci born?

Lecture 06: Using Libraries and Sources

Libraries and the use of their resources are important to university students, providing access
to a wide range of academic materials such as books, journals, and digital databases essential for
research and learning. By using library resources, students can access a variety of viewpoints,
historical data, and scholarly works that deepen their understanding and support their assignments,
and projects.

1. Types of sources

Sources are generally classified into three types—primary, secondary, and tertiary—each serving a
unique role in research.

 Primary Sources: These are original materials or direct evidence created at the time of an
event or research. Examples include research studies, experiments, interviews, and original
 documents like letters or historical records. Primary sources provide firsthand information
and are foundational for research.
 Secondary Sources: These analyze, interpret, or summarize primary sources. Examples
include review articles, books discussing historical events, or analyses of original research.
Secondary sources offer context and commentary, helping researchers understand and
evaluate primary information.
 Tertiary Sources: These compile and summarize primary and secondary sources, making
information accessible and easier to navigate. Examples include encyclopedias, textbooks,
and indexes. Tertiary sources are often used for quick overviews or to locate primary and
secondary references.

2. Sources Vs references

The terms source and reference are related but have different meanings:

D. A source is any material you use to gather information for your research or work. It can be a
book, article, website, interview, video, or any other type of content that provides data,
ideas, or evidence for your paper. Essentially, it is where the information originates.
E. A reference: is the detailed citation of a source that you include in your bibliography or
reference list. It gives credit to the original source and allows others to find the source if
they want to verify the information or explore it further.

3. Organizing References

Organizing References refers to the process of systematically keeping track of the sources you use
for your research and ensuring that they are cited correctly. This helps maintain academic integrity,
supports the credibility of your work, and allows others to verify your sources.
A. Reference List:

o A Reference List (or Bibliography) is a list of all the sources you cited in your work,
usually placed at the end of your paper. It provides all the necessary details (author, title,
publisher, date of publication, etc.) for readers to locate the sources.
o Different citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) have specific formats for how to
organize the reference list, so it’s important to follow the guidelines of the style you are
using.

When writing the references consider the following information:

 Author(s): Full name(s) of the author(s), formatted by last name and initials.
  Publication Year: The year the work was published in parentheses.
 Title of the Work: The title of the article, book, or report, formatted according to style
guidelines.
 Source Information:
 For journals: Journal title, volume number, issue number (if available), and page range.
 For books: Book title, edition (if applicable), and publisher.
 For web sources: Title, website name, and URL.

Example:

 Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of assessment on student motivation. Journal of

Educational Research, 35(4), 12-25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-020-01034-5

4. Why using a reference list

A reference list is important for several reasons:

1. Credibility and Authority: It supports the reliability of your work by showing that your
arguments are based on credible sources.
2. Academic Integrity: It helps avoid plagiarism by properly crediting the original authors of
ideas or research you refer to.
3. Transparency: It allows others to verify your sources and check your information for
accuracy, offering transparency in your research.
4. Contextualization: By citing sources, you position your work within the existing body of
knowledge, demonstrating how it builds on or contrasts with prior research.
5. Professionalism: A well-organized reference list demonstrates thoroughness and academic
professionalism.
6. Guidance for Further Research: It provides readers with a path to explore related
literature and deepen their understanding of the topic.

5. Using Digital Sources

Using Digital Sources refers to accessing and utilizing online materials like academic articles,
eBooks, journals, websites, and databases for research and academic work. Using digital sources
efficiently enhances your research, allowing access to a wide range of up-to-date and credible
academic materials.

Here are some common issues with using digital sources:

 Credibility Concerns: Not all digital sources are reliable. Many online articles or websites
may lack proper peer review, making it harder to determine their trustworthiness.
 Information Overload: The vast amount of information available can overwhelm students,
leading to difficulty in finding the most relevant and accurate sources for their research.
 Access Restrictions: Some digital sources, such as academic journals, require subscriptions
or fees, which might not be accessible without proper university credentials or library
access.
 Quality of Sources: Free digital sources may be less rigorous or scholarly compared to
subscription-based academic databases, leading to potential gaps in the depth and quality of
information.
 Plagiarism Risk: The ease of copying and pasting from digital sources can increase the risk
of plagiarism if proper citations are not used or if students rely too heavily on unverified
online content.
 Outdated Information: Free digital sources, particularly blogs or non-academic websites,
may contain outdated or inaccurate information, which could affect the accuracy of your
research.

6. Using the Library

Using the library effectively is a valuable skill for university students. Start by learning how
to use the library catalog to search for books, journals, and other resources available in the
library. Most university libraries offer an online catalog that can be accessed from home.

7. Book Review cards

A book reading card is a structured note-taking tool that helps readers capture essential
information about a book in one place. It typically includes details like the book's title, author,
genre, and completion date, along with a summary of the plot or main ideas. Key themes,
memorable quotes, and personal reflections allow readers to jot down their interpretations and
reactions, while a rating section lets them evaluate the book. By organizing these elements, the
reading card serves as a quick reference and a way to reflect on what was learned, aiding in
deeper understanding and recall of the book's content. The following is an example template of
a book review card.

Book review Card template

Book Title:
Author(s):
 Genre:
Date Completed:
Number of Pages:
Number of chapters:
Chapters:
Summary of Plot/Content:
(Briefly summarize the main events, themes, or arguments of the book.)
Favorite Quotes or Passages:
1.
2.

Personal Reflections or Critique:

(Your thoughts on the book, what you liked/disliked, its impact, etc.)

Practice:

Using the Book review card template, make a book review card of a book of your choice.

Lecture 07: Effective Exam Preparation

Introduction

Exams are a significant part of the university experience, designed to assess students'
understanding, skills, and knowledge. Effective preparation is important to performing well and
reducing exam-related stress. By understanding the objectives of exams, types of questions, and
preparation strategies, students can approach exams confidently and effectively.

1. Exam Objectives at University

 Assess comprehension of course material.

 Measure critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
 Evaluate the ability to apply knowledge in real-world or theoretical contexts.
 Foster independent learning and self-discipline.

2. Types of Exam Questions

Exams can include a variety of question types, such as:

  Objective Questions:
o Multiple Choice: Select the correct answer from several options.
o True/False: Determine whether a statement is True or False.
o Matching: Pair related concepts.

 Subjective Questions:
o Short-Answer Questions: Provide brief, precise responses.
o Essay Questions: Develop structured, detailed arguments or explanations.

3. How to Prepare for Exams

A. Before the Exam

1. Organize study material: summarize lecture notes, readings, and handouts. Create concept
maps or outlines to link ideas.
2. Plan your study time: set a realistic schedule with breaks. Prioritize challenging topics first.
3. Use active study techniques: test yourself with practice questions.
4. Understand the exam format: review the syllabus and past exam questions to familiarize
yourself with the question types
5. Take care of yourself: sleep well, eat healthily, and exercise regularly.

B. During the Exam

1. Read instructions carefully: ensure you understand what is required before answering.
2. Manage time wisely: allocate time for each question. Attempt all questions if possible.
3. Stay focused: avoid spending too much time on one question. Skip and return to difficult
questions if needed.
4. Stay calm: take deep breaths to manage anxiety.

C. After the Exam

1. Reflect on your performance: identify areas of strength and improvement.

2. Seek feedback: review your answers with professors or peers.
3. Plan for future exams: adjust study habits based on what worked well.

4. How to Answer Essay Questions

1. Understand the question: highlight keywords like analyze, compare, or discuss.

 2. Plan your answer: create a quick outline with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
3. Write clearly: stay focused on the question. Use paragraphs for each main point and include
examples or evidence.
4. Review your answer: check for grammar, spelling, and clarity.

5. Examination Stress

A. Causes of Examination Stress

 Pressure from oneself, family, or peers to perform well.

 Poor time management, procrastination or lack of a study plan.
 Feeling unready due to inadequate revision or understanding of material.
 Competitive environment through comparing oneself to others.

B. Effects of Examination Stress

 Physical effects: fatigue, headaches, or sleep disturbances.

 Emotional effects: anxiety, irritability, or mood swings.
 Cognitive effects: difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.

C. Ways to Overcome Examination Stress

1. Develop a study plan

2. Practice relaxation techniques
3. Seek support by talking to friends, family, or counselors about your concerns.
4. Get adequate sleep, eat nutritious food, and stay hydrated.
5. Use positive self-talk and replace negative thoughts with encouraging ones.

Practice Activity

Instructions: Complete the following activities to test your understanding of exam preparation and
answering techniques.

1. Multiple-Choice Practice

Which of the following is the best way to manage time during an exam?
a. Spend equal time on all questions.
b. Attempt easy questions first to build confidence.
c. Focus only on questions worth the most points.
d. Start with the hardest question to challenge yourself.
(Circle the correct answer)

2. Short-Answer Practice

Write two strategies you can use before the exam to reduce stress.

3. Essay Question Practice

Read the following essay question and write a brief outline of your response:
"Discuss the importance of time management during exams and its impact on academic success."