Student Success Modules

Techniques and strategies for being a successful student!

Study Skills  |  Writing Strategies

Study Skills

Study Skills Module 1: Mastering Your Time

Study Skills Module 2: Goals & Academic Success

Study Skills Module 3: Mastering Your Textbooks

Study Skills Module 4: Effective Lecture Note-Taking Strategies
 
 

Writing Strategies

Writing Strategies Module 1: Coping with Writing Anxiety

Writing Strategies Module 2: How to Write an Introduction

Writing Strategies Module 3: How to Write a Conclusion

Writing Strategies Module 4: What is Plagiarism?

Writing Strategies Module 5: Effective Writing Strategies

Writing Strategies Module 6: Effective Writing Strategy Checklist

Writing Strategies Module 7: Guide to Writing a Research Paper
 
 



Study Skills Module 1:

Mastering Your Time

A successful student manages time effectively. Balancing school, family, friends and work requires common sense planning. You must have a specific goal, you must make a plan of action and you must take the action necessary to accomplish your goal.

Why should you have a schedule?

A schedule helps you:

• Focus your attention on tasks at hand
• Prevent avoidance of unpleasant or difficult tasks
• Eliminate the rush of working on assignments or studying for a test at the last minute
• Regulate your study breaks
• Engage in cumulative review
• Make time for friends and family
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle


How to Manage Your Time:

Getting the BIG PICTURE

• Obtain a large monthly calendar
• Designate dates of exams, due dates for papers and projects and dates of family, friends and work obligations.


Focusing on Weekly Activities

• Create a weekly schedule planning for classes, studying and daily living activities
• Include time for family and friends


Making Daily To-Do Lists

• Focus attention and prioritize your time for important daily activities
• Learn the importance of saying, “no”


General Principles for Planning A Schedule

• Study most subjects as soon after class as possible
• Study for oral presentations classes shortly before the class
• Study after each lecture class
• Study for short daily periods of time: 50 minutes of studying and 10 minute break
• Study hardest subjects first
• Use unscheduled hours and odd moments constructively
• Revise schedules periodically
• Be realistic about your schedule

 

Study Skills Module 2:

Goals and Academic Success


A successful student is one that has a clear understanding of what he/she wants to accomplish for any given task. One way of accomplishing this is to set long and short-term goals that address studying, test-taking, and grades. Being able to plan, implement, monitor, evaluate and reassess the stated goal is key to effective goal setting.

Five Elements Necessary When Setting Useful Goals

1.  Is the goal specific?  Does the goal completely describe what you want to accomplish?

2.  Is the goal measurable?  Can the goal be clearly evaluated?

3.  Is the goal challenging?  Does the goal require effort and discipline?

4.  Is the goal realistic?  Can the goal be attained?

5.  Is there a stated completion date?
 
 



Study Skills Module 3:

Mastering Your Textbooks


Reading a textbook can be a challenging task. A successful student thoroughly plans for each reading assignment by using a study-reading strategy to process text material.

How does a study-reading strategy help the reader get the most out of his/her textbook?

A study-reading strategy allows the reader to:

• Identify prior knowledge about the topic
• Determine a purpose for reading
• Prepare for note-taking
• Identify main points
• Develop effective note-taking strategies
• Review material more than once
• Conduct a self-test to check understanding


Three Steps to Effective Textbook Reading
Associate, Read, Connect (ARC)

Associate

1.  Quickly preview the chapter by skimming the subheadings, introduction, and conclusion.
2.  Look at all graphics, charts, or pictures.
3.  Review all new vocabulary words.
4.  Think about what you already know about the topic.
5.  Write questions that you would like to find answers to from your reading.
6.  Draw a graphic organizer that includes the information you gathered from your preview steps.

Read

1.  Read each subheading section focusing on key points and examples.
2.  Write marginal notes next to each paragraph that focus on the key concepts.
3.  Identify key vocabulary words and write their definitions in the margins.
4.  Summarize in your own words the main points that the author was making.
5.  If you cannot summarize what you just read, go back and reread that section.

Connect

1.  Review your notes.
2.  Revise your graphic organizer by adding key points and supporting details learned from your reading.
3.  Test your understanding and recall of the information. Using your marginal notes recite the important points for each key term.
4.  Test yourself by writing the answers to your previously posed question
 
 



Study Skills Module 4:

Effective Lecture Note-Taking Strategies


Effective note-taking means being a good listener. You must be able to listen ahead by processing and remembering what you hear while you are writing. This means that you must be an active listener, paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal signals.

Verbal Signals - Lecture’s organization pattern

• Chronological order
• Comparison & contrast
• Cause & effect


Non-verbal signals

• Items written on chalkboard
• Handouts
• Visual presentations
• Lecturer’s body language


15 Hints for Taking Effective Lecture Notes

1.  Read about the topic prior to the lecture.
2.  Sit in the front of the room.
3.  Use 8 ½ x 11 paper.
4.  Only write on one side of the paper, skipping lines as you write so you may add any additional information at a later time.
5.  Write notes in outline or phrase form.
6.  Develop your own abbreviations and symbols.
7.  Write down key words or new vocabulary.
8.  Capture idea concepts as well as facts.
9.  Copy all material the instructor places on the chalkboard or from a PowerPoint presentation.
10.  Be sure to include all examples.
11.  If you miss a point, leave a blank space so you may go back and fill in the missing information.
12.  Keep taking notes during student discussions.
13.  Review your notes after class while the ideas are still fresh in your mind.
14.  Complete any missing information.
15.  Rewrite or type your notes
 
 



Writing Strategies Module 1:

Coping With Writing Anxiety


The anxious feeling you get when sitting down to take a test, speak in front of a large group or sink a basket during the big game is normal. Often that anxious feeling helps your adrenaline level rise and your body react positively to the challenge ahead. For some people, writing a paper can create that same anxious feeling. The trick is to use it to your best advantage.

Anxiety controlling tactics

• Locate your favorite place to write, a place away from distractions
• Gather your favorite writing tools, such as a favorite pen, pencil or computer
• Practice some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing
• Concentrate on your topic by free-writing about your topic for 5 minutes
• Focus on the main ideas that you want to generate by creating a concept map
• Use your concept map to identify the main points your paper will present


These tactics will get you over that feeling of dread that impedes the flow of words. Once you begin writing you will have freed yourself of the worry about having to write a paper and instead will be able to let your good ideas flow on to your paper.
 

 
 
 

Writing Strategies Module 2:

How to Write an Introduction


In informative and persuasive writing, an introductory paragraph sets the stage and prepares a reader for what lies ahead. Introductions provide a bridge from the reader’s mind to yours. For this reason, the introduction must clearly relate to the rest of your paper. If the introduction points in one direction and the essay goes off in another, your reader will be confused, and will likely stop reading.

In most cases, the introductory paragraph should include your thesis statement. The thesis statement is the central theme of your paper. It is the main point that you will be proving up in your paper. Thesis statements are often found in the last sentence or two of the introductory paragraph. Prior to this statement, an introductory paragraph often includes an introductory device that leads into the thesis. Such devices serve to stimulate the reader’s interest in the subject of your paper.

                                  Four Devices for Introductory Paragraphs

1.   Provide relevant background information.
2.  Tell an interesting brief story or anecdote.
3.  Give a pertinent statistic or statistics.
4.  Avoid “announcing” what you are going to be talking about in your paper, i.e., “In this paper I will ….”
 

 
 
 

Writing Strategies Module 3:

How to Write a Conclusion


In informative and persuasive writing, a conclusion serves to end your discussion. Too abrupt an ending leaves your reader feeling suddenly cut off. Also, a conclusion that is merely tacked onto a paper does not give the reader a sense of completion. On the other hand, an ending that flows gracefully and sensibly from what has come before it reinforces your ideas and enhances your paper.

Five common ways of concluding a paper:

1.  Use the devices for introductory paragraphs, such as providing an interesting anecdote or relevant statistics, but avoid using the same exact device in both the introduction and the conclusion.
2.  Summarize the main points of the paper. Do not just re-hash them though! Find a way to re-invent the ideas stated in the introduction and body of your paper.
3.  Show the significance relative to the reader.
4.  Call for awareness and/or action.
5.  Point to the future by making suggestions or offer solutions.

What to avoid in a concluding paragraph

1.  Do not go off the track. Avoid introducing an entirely new idea or adding a fact that belongs in the body of the paper. Your conclusion should flow from the rest of the paper. An effective conclusion should not detract from the central message of the paper.
2.  Do not just reword your introduction. Avoid simply listing the main idea in each topic sentence or restating the thesis. While a summary can refer to those points, it must tie into what was covered in the essay. A good test is to check if the introduction and conclusion are interchangeable. If they are, you need to revise. Remember: Don’t repeat …re-invent!
3.  Do not announce what you have done. Avoid statements such as “In this paper I have tried to show that…”
4.  Do not apologize. Avoid casting doubt on your material by making statements such as “I may not have thought out all the arguments, but …” or “Even though I am not an expert, I feel that what I have said is correct.”
 
 



Writing Strategies Module 4:

What is Plagiarism?


In the most obvious sense, plagiarism is submitting someone else’s paper as you own, e.g., buying a term paper, borrowing an essay from a friend, or copying an entire article without acknowledging the source. However, plagiarism also involves some little offenses that students do not recognize. For example, they think that by paraphrasing (changing the wording) or by summarizing information, the information no longer needs to be documented. Or, they commit plagiarism through sloppy note taking because they fail to keep a careful record of information received from written sources. Or, because they are insecure about their own ability to write clearly, they allow another person to rewrite their papers for them.

Plagiarism is theft. Therefore, students are under moral obligation not to use any words or ideas other than their own in any paper they write, unless they are willing to acknowledge the real source. Information form other sources enhances a paper and makes it more informative. However, you must document your source. When in doubt, cite!
 
 





Writing Strategies Module 5:

Effective Writing Strategies

• Does Your Paper Have a Clear Organizational Division?

 
• Do you have introductory, body, and concluding paragraphs?
• Does your introduction establish the relevance of your topic?
• Do you tell the reader why you are discussing your topic?
• Do you let your reader know what approach you are taking?
• Do you have paragraphs with clearly expressed supporting points?

 
• Do your statistics, examples, testimony, comparisons and/or other materials

give evidence to back up each point?
 
• Is your paper organized clearly according to an organizational plan that a

reader can reasonably detect?
 
• Does the organization of your paper conform for the most part to your outline?

 
• Do all of your paragraphs support the thesis statement?

 
• Does your paper stay on topic?

 
• Does each of your paragraphs include the following necessary elements?
• A clearly stated topic sentence?
• Supporting sentences?
• Transitional and unifying devices to link sentences?
• Transitional and unifying devices to link paragraphs?
• Do all of your referenced materials follow either MLA or APA Guidelines?

 
• Do all quotations, paraphrases, and summaries contribute to the paper as a

whole?
• Is your paper merely a string of quotations?
• Are quotations woven into each paragraph so that they support your topic
• sentence or supporting details?
• Do you add reflective or analytical statements?
• Does each quotation have internal citations?
• Do you have either a Works Cited Page or a Reference Page?
• Does your paper have a concluding paragraph that does not merely restate the

introduction?
 
• Have you proofread your paper for spelling, grammar, and syntax?

 

 
 





Writing Strategies Module 6:

Effective Writing Strategy Checklist


1.   Are the terms clearly defined?
2.  Is the thesis stated promptly and clearly?
3.  Are the assumptions likely to be shared by your readers? If not, are they argued rather than merely stated?
4.   Are the facts verifiable?
5.   Is the reasoning sound?
6.  Are the references reliable?
7.  Are the authorities really authorities in their field?
8.   Does the paper make use, where appropriate of concrete examples?
9.  Are all the substantial counter arguments recognized and effectively responded?
10.  Is the organization effective?
11.  Does the paper begin interestingly, keep the thesis in view and end interestingly?
12.  Is the tone appropriate?
13.  Are all citations properly referenced according to MLA or APA Guidelines?
 
 





Writing Strategies Module 7:

Guide to Writing a Research Paper


What is a research paper?

A research paper is one in which you have identified a topic, have research what others have written about that topic, and then have taken a position of your own about this topic.  This position is the basis for your paper’s thesis statement. You support your thesis by presenting referenced information from reliable secondary sources, such as books, periodicals, journals, newspapers, on-line databases, web sites, etc. All referenced material, whether paraphrased or quoted, must be cited properly following one of the recognized formats, such as the Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines.

Where should you begin?

Writing the research paper is not a simple task, but one that is quite manageable as long as you develop a plan and stick to it. Your plan should start with the creation of a realistic time-line, detailing all your researching, pre-writing, writing and proofreading activities. By having a time management plan in place, you will know exactly when you have to begin each task and how long you have for that task, thus eliminating that last minute rush just before the paper is due. Check your timeline periodically to see if you are adhering to your plan. Make adjustments as you progress through the research and writing stages.

Ten Basic Steps to Writing a Research Paper

1.  Identifying your topic –
 

The first step in the research process is identifying your topic. Your topic must be broad enough so that it allows for an in depth investigation and discussion, yet narrow enough for you to address within the confines of your assignment.


2.  Researching your topic –
 

Once you have identified your topic, you are ready to begin gathering information about your topic from the various reference materials, i.e., journals, magazines, books, newspapers, databases, and web sites that are available to you. As you read, you will begin to get a better understanding of your topic and will be able to formulate your thesis, the position that you will take about your topic.


3.  Taking notes –
 

As your read, you should record key ideas and supporting details from your source material. Recording each point on a separate note card allows you to keep track of all the information you are gathering, as well as the source of this information. You should write your notes in your own words, paraphrasing your sources. Record quotes carefully and sparingly. You will learn more about your topic if you can put your information in your own words. Be sure to include all source information for all the material you use. Source information includes, title, author, publication, date of publication, publisher, and city of publication. Electronic sources must include the URL address and date of access.


4.  Brainstorming and Concept mapping –
 

Using your notes, identify all key points or main ideas about your topic. Cluster all supporting points around each main point identified. Do not edit yourself. This will be done later when you develop your outline.


5.  Developing a working thesis statement –
 

Once you have completed your initial research and brainstorming activity, you are ready to review your notes and determine what you want to say about your topic. In other words, the point you are making about your topic that you want your readers to understand after reading your paper. This then becomes your initial thesis statement. You may use this thesis statement as the central point from which to build your case.


6.  Writing an outline –
 

Writing an outline helps you keep your thoughts organized and ensures that you are staying on topic. It also helps you develop the key points and supporting cards, organize your information into logically grouped sections. List all your main ideas and then the supporting ideas and details that support your thesis. Remember that your outline is there to guide you along as you write your paper. You can modify your outline and your paper’s organization as you begin writing if necessary.


7.  Writing a first draft –
 

Using your outline as a guide, you can begin to write your paper. Remember, that this will be a first draft of the paper and not the final product that you will turn in for a grade. The first draft allows you to get your ideas down on paper. This draft is a place for you to experiment with the way in which you want to present your information. It allows you to see if you have presented your thesis clearly and have developed your ideas in a way that your reader will understand.
All papers begin with an introductory paragraph or two. Your introduction should not only present your thesis, but it should also entice your reader into reading your paper. Writing a thought provoking introduction takes time and some creativity. This is the place where you engage your reader and want him/her to continue reading.
Your body paragraphs present information that supports your thesis. You will develop main ideas that state your position on your topic and support this position with information you gathered from your reference material. Referenced material, either paraphrased or quoted must be threaded into your paper. You must develop transitional sentences that tie this information to your own thoughts and conclusions. You must never just drop a quote into the body of a paragraph without making the necessary connection to your other ideas.
All referenced material must be cited using one of the approved citation styles, such as MLA (Modern Language Association) or APA (American Psychological Association). Each style has a specific structure and format for citing paraphrased and quoted materials for all types of print, electronic, and multi-media sources. Be sure to refer to the appropriate style manual when inserting this material into your paper.
The concluding paragraph brings closure to your paper. While ending your discussion, it can also present ideas for further research into your topic. A well-written concluding paragraph allows you to re-visit your thesis statement without restating it or your introductory paragraph.
The final section of your paper is a list of referenced material. Your References (APA) or Works Cited (MLA) page is the last page of your paper. This is where you list all the sources you used for your paper. The structure of this section depends on the stylistic format that you are following. Using either the MLA or APA Handbook, follow the layout dictated by the type of source material you used.
If you have any supplemental material that clarify or add to information in the body of the paper, then you may include this information as an Appendix to your paper. The Appendix must be clearly labeled and is inserted after theReference or Works Cited page.


8.  Revising/editing your first draft –
 

After writing your first draft you should set it aside for a day or two before re-reading it. When reading your paper, read it aloud, thus using your visual and auditory senses. This way you will be reading the paper from a fresh perspective, and will be able to identify through sight and sound areas that need clarification and re-wording. You will also identify any undeveloped thoughts, as well as sections that are too wordy. While rereading your paper, you should check for grammatical and structural problems. Using the spell-check program incorporated into your word processing program is a must. After revising this draft, you should ask someone to read your paper to see if your thesis is clear and if you have developed your points so that he/she understands your position.


9. Proofreading –
 

Writing your final draft does not mean that you are ready to turn your paper in to your instructor. You must always proofread your paper one more time making sure to check for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. Using a research paper checklist will insure that you identify all key elements of your paper.


10. Using a submission checklist –
 

Using a submission checklist ensures that the paper is ready for submission. Be sure you have included all the necessary paper elements and have followed the stylistic guidelines.
 
Checklist:

1.   Does your Title Page include title, author (your name), course, and date?
2.   Are the page margins 1” on all sides of the paper?
3.   Are the pages numbered and double-spaced throughout?
4.   Are punctuation and typing rules followed?
5.   Have you avoided plagiarism by referencing all sources?
6.   Does the Reference or Works Cited page follow strict style guidelines?
7.   Are Appendices labeled and numbered properly?
 

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