Lisa Harris Marketing

There are a number of resources available to help you maximise the value from your course at the University of Southampton. Here are a few examples to get you started:

Prepare for Success is an interactive learning resource to help UK institutions prepare international students for university study. It has been developed in the Centre for Language Study at the University of Southampton. These interactive multimedia learning resources help you to discover what British academic culture is like, and what kind of academic skills you will need for effective study in the UK. The resource also provides considerable scope for you to improve your English language skills.

Also check out the resources available on www.elanguages.ac.uk which cover Study Skills, Academic Writing and Living and Studying in the UK

Academic Skills is a new resource which is all about helping you learn how to be a more effective learner and develop the research skills that will help you now and in the future. For example, included within the site are:

Podcasts - these audio podcasts will help you develop your academic skills. Each one lasts around 10 minutes and includes lots of advice and tips. A transcript of the audio recording is also available.

Study Skills Toolkit -this course comprises a set of short self-contained interactive ‘learning objects’ on specific topics – with the emphasis on learning by doing, so expect lots of activities, exercises and quizzes.

• Learning Skills
• Academic Writing Skills
• Reading & Critical Thinking Skills
• Aspects of Academic Language
• Academic Speaking and Note Taking

Getting Started with Academic Skills – start with these quick-reference guides to gain a overview and lots of practical tips.

Developing Your Academic Skills – use this series of printable activity-based study guides to improve your skills.

Advice from the Students’ Union Advice and Information Centre -publications on Academic Integrity and How to Study Successfully.

English for Academic Purposes – enrol yourself on this Blackboard course which is packed with interactive learning materials for international students.

A Guide to Academic Integrity – this is a set of interactive guides that aim to help you gain a better understanding of academic integrity and develop your skills so that your assessed work does not accidentally plagiarise the work of others.

A Guide to Research methods - a useful set of self-study modules introducing postgraduate research. Some programmes offer these modules as an accredited course, and you really DO need to complete the written exercises to gain benefit from the process.

A later post this week will introduce you to some basic social media skills that will help you to manage information, build your network and develop your personal brand.