Effective reading and research strategies Study Skills Workshops 2016

Effective reading Making effective notes from reading Reading critically Research strategies Accessing library services Session Outline

Reading for Understanding Be clear about what you are looking for – what is your reading goal? Read or watch something that gives you a general overview first - work up to more complex material. Keep active. Set yourself targets and jot down questions to answer. Read in short bursts of up to 20 minutes. Make notes of key points as you go along. Change reading speed. Discuss your reading with others.

Why Read? Reading for different purposes… ….what do you need to read at university? ….what types of reading do you need to do?

Effective Reading Strategies What is the structure of the writing and its general message? Survey the text. How is the text broken down? Skim read – use the text signposts Be selective – Close reading You could try the SQ3R method: survey, question, read, recall, review

Taking notes from reading Point 1 Point 2 Point 3

Get into the referencing habit What is a reference? - is an exact note of the source of a piece of information. A typical reference or citation for a journal article, for example, would include:- author(s) name(s) title of the article journal title year, volume or part when published page numbers Use referencing software e.g. Ref Me, Endnote or Zotero

Thinking critically when reading

Research strategies Selecting relevant information- questions to consider: Your purpose? What you already have? Is it the best source? Is it the best example? How much do you need?

Accessing library services

Useful Links

Session title Week commencing Tips for planning your assignment and managing your time 31 st October Structuring, referencing and writing assignments 7 th November Critical thinking for assignments to get a better grade 14 th November

Happy reading! Thank you