September can be like an academic new year, with the same opportunity for reflection, self improvement, and goals. One area for potential new school year resolutions is study and writing skills. Developing strong study skills and a polished writing style will not only help you this year, and the rest of your post secondary journey, but also your life and career beyond the University of Alberta.
This year in particular, with most students learning remotely, developing strong study skills without the natural rhythm of campus is a must! Our friends at the Academic Success Centre have remote appointments available, they also made a helpful eClass course and a website full of helpful tips: Student Resources for Remote Learning.
If you’re looking for a few more resources, the library has you covered!
Learning to Learn Online is an open educational resource written by Kwantlen Polytechnic University Learning Centres, that will help you adapt and succeed in this new online environment.
Academic skills for interdisciplinary studies is an excellent overview of the key steps and skills to great studying, researching, and writing in university.
Classes have just started but assignments and term papers will be here before you know it! Developing your research skills is the key to a robust analysis and a top notch paper. The library has a bunch of Tutorials that will guide you from picking a topic though finding different types of sources. If you need more help finding sources, don’t forget you can make an appointment with a subject librarian, or Ask Us.
Once you have your research completed you can turn your attention to crafting a great paper. Honing your writing skills can help you make sure your points are clear, concise and convincing. Our friends at the Centre for writers offer handouts, workshops and tutoring sessions to help polish your writing. Don’t forget to cite your sources and avoid plagiarism using the library’s Citation Guides.
The library has lots of writing guides to help you develop your skills, including many by subject area, try searching: writing guide and your subject area (eg, writing guide and psychology) to find something specific. Or, check out one of these broad writing guides:
You, Writing! A Guide to College Composition
Successful academic writing: a complete guide for social and behavioral scientists
Elements of Indigenous style: a guide for writing by and about Indigenous Peoples
The IEEE guide to writing in the engineering and technical fields
Writing essays: a guide for students in English and the humanities
A little planning and habit forming will go a long way to success this semester, and beyond. Best of luck with the semester ahead!