Developing study skills

• Study groups


  • Allow members to share personal problems and help one another
  • Explanations at that level is often more effective than during lectures
  • Allow higher quality of work to be produced
  • Allow academic issues to be solved
  • Allow members to improve upon their writing through the discussions they have
• Bringing people together is not an easy task
• Factors to consider when joining or forming a study group


  • Group members must participate and contribute to discussions during meetings
  • Arrive on time for group meetings
  • Be respectful and not underrate others
  • Share books, copies of assignments and other relevant materials with all members
  • Be friendly and supportive at all times
• Note taking


  1. Listen carefully before writing down anything

  2. Do not write down everything the lecturer says

  3. Jot down only the main ideas, important details and illustrations

  4. Look out for verbal signposts

  5. Watch out for repetitive cues during the lecture
• Note making


  1. Students will jot down salient points from what they hear during lectures

  2. Students will take material from written sources such as from books, journals and academic reports
• Note taking


  Jotting down information from lectures
• Note making


  Writing down information from written sources
• Notes are not taken or made for decoration
• Key points when taking care of your notes

  • Read notes immediately after lectures
  • Use your notes during group discussions
• The academic discourse community is a very competitive and intimidating place
• Surest ways to succeed in the academic environment

  • Employ effective time management skills
  • Join/Form compatible study groups
  • Take notes and make notes
• Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea or argument.
• The body paragraphs are where you present evidence and arguments to support your claims.
• The purpose of the introduction is to introduce yourself, your research question or thesis statement, and any relevant background information.
• Avoid using contractions (e.g., don’t, won’t) in formal writing.
• In an essay, use first person pronouns only if necessary.
• Always proofread your work carefully for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and mechanics.