Reading in print and in digital: Strategies and choices
This material introduces students to basic strategies for reading in digital and print formats. It encourages them to consider the advantages and challenges of each one, and the different learning contexts for which they may be most appropriate.
There are 6 strategies:
• Copy and paste function
• Digital annotation tools
• Split screen and working with multiple documents
• Support reading with online tools
• Using a mixture of mediums
• Word search function
Each document is designed as a flip-card of a strategy. One side outlines what the strategy is, and then poses questions for the student/s to think about. The second side outlines the advantages and challenges in relation to shallow and deep learning. We hope this will encourage students to reflect upon the choices they make when reading, and make purposeful and informed choices.
Following this, there are 2 scenarios provided as a separate document. Students are asked to select from 3 given responses to the scenario and then reflect upon the advantages and limitations of the response/s. This should allow students to situate the strategies within a real-world scenario.
These materials could be used within a number of learning settings, including a workshop or a one-to-one appointment.
These resources were developed from an ALDinHE funded research project into how students read for their studies, focusing on digital and print mediums. The selection of strategies and guidance given is based upon focus groups conducted with students at Lancaster University.
Notetaking for better learning and assessments
This workshop will introduce students to the under-estimated skill of note-creation. It will cover taking notes in a variety of situations: in lectures, seminars and support meetings and when reading for assignments. Developing an effective approach to taking, organising and revisiting your notes can improve your classwork, assignments and exam revision. This workshop will consider both traditional and digital approaches to note-taking.
Active note-making skills
Understand the value of keeping a record of information and insights - Understand how to differentiate between important and unimportant information - Understand how to apply recorded important information to help complete a task - Understand the importance of note-making at university
Activity time: 45-60 minutes
Types of media: Worksheet, Handout/s, Word Document, Interactive Learning Object, Quiz
The Three Domains of Critical Reading
The Three Domains of Critical Reading
Activity time: Depends - could be 10 mins to 1 hour
Types of media: PowerPoint File, Word Document
Academic writing with free writing
Workshop activities on academic writing, including a powerpoint download outlining activities.
Activity time: Activities range from 1-10 minutes.
Types of media: PowerPoint File
Getting started with writing
This resource includes ideas for initiating discussions about writing with students, and facilitates the opportunity to begin writing assignments during the activity.
Notemaking: ten top tips
An informative mindmap showing the top ten tips for notemaking.
Notemaker
An online resource on notemaking, including links to information on Linear, Pattern and Cornell notes. An easily navigable resource. Also features templates for the learner to experiment with note taking.
Draw to Learn
A workshop designed to show how drawing and visually representing objects or themes can help to support learning and increase creativity. Includes links to the theory behind creative/visual practices.
Activity time: 2-3 hours workshop, plus extra curricular feedback time.
Types of media:
Essay writing pack
A downloadable workbook for students which can be tailored to different essay questions. The workbook structures enables the essay to be structured in an orderly way, allowing for the process to be learned as the assignment is completed.
Activity time: Varies
Types of media: Helpsheet, Word Document, Interactive Learning Object
Reviewing your notes
A series of suggestion on how to engage students in effective notemaking at appropriate times.
Brainstorming notetaking
A short description of an end of teaching period activity which encourages students to take notes.
Notemaking in lectures
A student helpsheet describing a process for effective strategies for notemaking in lectures. Includes notes on preperation and process.
Free writing
A resource which would be particularly useful for staff teaching on a creative writing programme. Includes two structured writing exercises and information on free writing.
Six steps to success
A presentation outlining a whole new approach to successful study. The six steps are:
S = Study Techniques and practices
O = Overview
C = Creativity
C = Communicate effectively
E = Emotions
R = Review, review, review
Also includes a booklet for students' reference, and some suggested activities to follow the presentation.
Activity time: 40 minutes
Types of media: Handout/s, Slides, PowerPoint File, Word Document
Teaching notemaking: tutor handbook
A guide for staff on how to teach notemaking to students. Includes an overview of structured brainstorming, linear and pattern notes; active vs passive learning; how to make notes; and some suggested activities.