Thinking about study skills training
Although there are an increasing number of CAL packages, and other LT materials, available which can be used to smooth students' transition both into and through their time at university, it is still important for these materials to be integrated into courses rather than just being made available should students wish to obtain advice or assistance. Often, study skills such as time management and examination skills are timetabled in sessions during an induction or freshers' week when students might be referred to booklets or LT materials available on departmental or university networks which will be available to students at other times during their period of study. Holding an event such as this at the beginning of the academic year may not be the most effective time as students may not appreciate the relevance and importance of the advise on offer. During these first few days in higher education it is perhaps difficult for students to imagine what it might feel like, for example, taking notes from a lecture or to have the pressures of meeting several assignment deadlines. Further revision or exam techniques will only become uppermost in students' minds as they are approaching their first class test.
Lecturers and class tutors can assist students by integrating relevant parts of the study skills materials at various stages throughout the session. Students should be introduced to the material available in packages and provided with the necessary information on how to access them. For example, when students are given an essay assignment they could be directed towards study skills materials on essay writing. Thus students can refer to the various sections included in the package as and when required. Students are more likely to be motivated to use the facilities when the relevance of the content has been highlighted by integrating references to the available material in everyday course work.