Writing Centre Seminar
Writing Centre
Doing Uni
Rosie Gronthos
Writing Centre
Welcome
Congratulations on joining the University of
Adelaide study body.
You’ve achieved a lot to get here.
I hope this talk will inspire you to become
independent learners so you can make a
smooth transition to uni life.
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University study
You need to work smart by taking a
critical approach to your studies
and manage deadlines because at
university you are responsible for
your own learning .
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Outline
• One student’s perspective…
• Take responsibility for your
learning and manage deadlines
• Find the answers for yourself
• Work smart by taking a critical
approach to your studies
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One student’s perspective…
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Manage your time
Need to be proactive
Know course deadlines
Organise timetables
Submit assignments on time
Attend tutorials and lectures and
arrive on time
• Participate in group work
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Self-directed learning
• Independence is highly valued
• Prioritise your studies
• Expected to study for at least 3 outside
hours for every 1 hour of contact time
If you do not hand up an assignment
no one will chase you up.
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How to find your own answers?
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Ask questions
Ask a question when you don’t understand
but make sure you’ve done your reading and
tried to understand first.
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What can you expect of the tutor?
Read your course guides and MyUni
information carefully
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Tutors assume you have done this
Teaching staff are not readily available
Send appropriate emails
Use feedback
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How to work smart?
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What does an independent learner do?
• Uses an analytical approach
• Looks for meaning in content
• Makes connections between prior
understanding and new ideas
• Enjoys learning
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Taking a critical approach
An independent learner is self-reliant
and in control of their own learning.
• Actively engages in tutorial sessions
• Demonstrates critical thinking in
assignments
• Prioritises tasks
• Flexible in their study patterns
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Work smart!
Take time out to recharge your batteries.
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Is what I'm reading relevant?
• Have I really understood what the
question is asking me?
• Have I done my readings?
• Do I have a point of view based on my
research?
• Can I state my argument concisely?
• Have I understood the readings properly?
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Reading strategies
Why am I reading this?
Establish your purpose then adopt the
right reading strategy:
• Skim
• Scan
• Deep reading
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Useful Learning Guides
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School to Uni: What's the difference?
Learning at University
Practical Study Habits
Participating in Tutorials
Making the Most of Feedback
Procrastination and How to Beat it
Reading Effectively
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To sum up
• As a first year student you are responsible
for your own learning and managing
deadlines.
Learning is more open-ended in a university
context.
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To sum up
• Your tutors and lecturers give direction
and supervision so you need to find the
answers yourself.
You need to be proactive and not wait for
others to offer help or support.
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To sum up
• Work smart by taking a critical approach
to your studies.
Your informed opinion is valued at uni.
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For further thoughts
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Have a great first year experience!
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Writing Centre Details
WEB:
FACEBOOK:
EMAIL:
PHONE:
VISIT:
www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre
www.facebook.com/WritingCentreUofA
writingcentre@adelaide.edu.au
8313 3021
Level 3 Hub Central, 10am-4pm Mon-Fri