Discover
Study
Skills
Online
Portfolio.
Name: ________________________
Discover
Study
Skills
Online.
Introduction
Activity 1 – Skills Assessment
For each statement, place a tick in the box that describes you most accurately.
Don’t cheat, this test is for you to work out what you need to develop, not for other
people to assess you!
Group work
Statement
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely /
never
I am good at bouncing my ideas off other
people.
I am aware that everybody in a group has
something to offer.
When I work in a group, I encourage others to
draw up agreements and timelines, and stick to
them.
I ask for help if a group project is not going well.
In groupwork, I suggest that tasks are divided
and everybody works just on their bits.
Research Skills / Information Literacy
Statement
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely /
never
I can compare and evaluate information obtained
from different sources.
I have developed successful strategies for finding
information from a variety of sources.
I can bring the various things I have read
together, and present my thoughts based on my
reading.
When I get set a task, I can work out where I
need more knowledge.
I mainly base my assignments on what I find on
Wikipedia.
Note Taking
Statement
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely /
never
I take notes in my lessons.
I take notes when I read books to study.
I write up my notes, and re-order them or
expand on them to make sure they will always
make sense to me.
I compare notes with friends, and work with
them to expand my notes and ideas.
I only copy what’s on the board, or rely on
handouts.
Critical Thinking
Statement
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely /
never
Before I make up my mind about something, I
will read about it from several sources, or listen
to several people.
I am aware how my upbringing and experiences
may influence how I interpret things around me.
I can formulate an argument based on evidence.
When I read some research-based information in
a popular magazine (“Eating 26 blueberries a
day will reduce your risk of heart disease”), I
wonder about the study it is based on.
I enjoy being argumentative and will play
devil’s advocate for fun.
Learning Styles
Statement
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely /
never
I have worked out ways in which I think I learn or
study best.
I can explain to others how I like to learn.
I have developed strategies for when I have to
learn something which I feel doesn’t come
easily to me.
I can see things from different angles and work
out how to approach them differently.
If I need to learn something that I find difficult, I
get stuck.
Organisational Skills/Time Management
Statement
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely /
never
I have “to do” lists, and stick to them.
When I get given homework, I think ahead and
plan to fit it into my diary in good time before
the deadline.
I think through the various steps my will take me,
e.g. making a plan, getting books out of the
library, asking questions, writing up, proofreading, and make sure I have time for all of
them.
I could tell you where all my books, exercise
books, etc. are right now.
It’s all very chaotic, but work kind of gets done
in the end.
Academic Writing
Statement
Always Often
Sometimes Rarely
/ never
I am aware of different “registers” when I
write, and make sure what I write is in a style
appropriate to the context.
When I am given a task, I carefully check how
it is worded to make sure I complete it in the
best possible way.
I plan my essays to ensure my argument is
supported and coherent.
In my writing, I ensure I include authors
opposed to my own views, or the point I want
to make.
I tend to find a website or article I like, and set
about re-wording what the author says, for my
own purposes.
Presentation Skills
Statement
Always
Often
Sometimes
Rarely /
never
I am a confident speaker in public.
I could list, right now, some things I am prone to
doing when I have to give a presentation
(mumble, wave hands, etc.)
I am confident in using presentation
technologies.
I am aware how my tone of voice, pitch and
intonation can influence what I say.
I avoid public speaking wherever possible.
Using the questionnaire for self-assessment
For each “Always”, give yourself 6 points, for each “Often” 4 points, for each
“Sometimes” 2 points, and for each “Rarely/Never” 0 points. Then, add up your total –
beware, though! You will need to subtract the last number!
Group Work: _____ + _____ + _____ + _____ - (minus!) _____ = _______
Research Skills/Information Literacy: _____ + _____ + _____ + _____ - (minus!) _____ = _______
Note taking: _____ + _____ + _____ + _____ - (minus!) _____ = _______
Critical Thinking: _____ + _____ + _____ + _____ - (minus!) _____ = _______
Learning Styles: _____ + _____ + _____ + _____ - (minus!) _____ = _______
Organisational Skills / Time Management: _____ + _____ + _____ + _____ - (minus!) _____ =
_______
Academic Writing: _____ + _____ + _____ + _____ - (minus!) _____ = _______
Presentation Skills: _____ + _____ + _____ + _____ - (minus!) _____ = _______
Results (for each skill):
20-24 – It looks like you have this skill fairly well in hand – well done!
15-19 – You have developed some strategies, but it would probably help you in your studies
to think about this skill more.
0-18 – This looks like a skill you could improve on. Look to the units in the study skills module
to help you learn more.
Discover
Study
Skills
Online.
Introduction
Activity 2 – My personal skills statement
You should now have a fairly good understanding of your study skills as they are.
Were there any surprises? As a next step, take the statements from the text and
develop a personal statement about your study skills development. Below are some
phrases that might help you, but do feel free to just write your own.
I feel that I am particularly good at …
An example I can think of to illustrate my skill in … is …
One of my strength lies in …
I know how/when/what/why…
I am working on developing my skill in … by (doing what)…
Something I need to watch out for is my tendency to…
The most important/urgent skill I want to develop further is…, because …
Other skills I want to develop are …, because …
I am proud of my ability to …
I think that I will need help in understanding more about …
I will use … to develop my skills in …
Put some time into composing this, and work hard to represent yourself honestly.
Self-awareness and the ability to plan for your own skills development are also
important skills! Write down your personal study skills profile statement on the next
page.
My personal study skills profile statement