Introduction to Westminster Effective Study Tutorials

Activity 1 Reflecting on your Study Strengths

For each reflection point, place a tick in the box that describes you most accurately. Now be honest,
this test is for your own reflection, not for the benefit of other people.
Group work
Reflection Point
I am good at discussing my
ideas with others
I am aware of the opinions other
people offer
I encourage others to make
action points and to stick to
them.
I will ask my group for help if
stuck
I like everyone to individual
tasks within the group rather
than all together.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Research Skills / Information Literacy

Reflection Point
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.

Always

Often

Note Taking
Reflection Point
I take notes in my lessons.
I take notes when I do my own
reading.
I write up my notes, and revise
them to make sure they will
always make sense to me.
I compare notes with friends
and then adapt my own
I only copy whats on the board,
or rely on handouts from my
teacher.

Always

Often

Critical Thinking
Reflection Point
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 where Im from
and my existing beliefs may
influence how I interpret things
around me.
I can evaluate points made
argument based on evidence.
When I read some researchbased information in a
popular magazine (Drinking
wine can actually reduce the
risk of heart disease.), I wonder
about how theyve come to that
conclusion.
I enjoy being argumentative and
argue the opposite opinion just
to where it goes.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Rarely

Never

Learning Styles
Reflection Point
I am confident about the ways in
which I think I learn best.
I can explain to others how I like
to learn.
I have ways of tackling things
that dont seem easy to me.
I can see things from different
angles and work out how to
approach them differently.
I am confident in asking for help
and who to turn to if I feel
stuck.

Always

Often

Organisational Skills/Time Management

Reflection Point
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 in stages and
doing all of them in time.
I could tell you where all my
books, exercise books,
etc. are right now.
I dont really plan, but work kind
of gets done in the end.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Academic Writing
Reflection Point
I am aware of different tones
and formality when I write, and
make sure what I write is in a
style appropriate to the purpose.
When I am given a n essay, I
carefully proofread how it is
worded.
I plan my essays to ensure my
argument is structured so it
follows a clear path of
discussion.

Always

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

In my writing, I ensure I include

viewpoints of writers different to
My own views and conclusions.
I tend to paraphrase what other
people have said in my own
words.

Presentation Skills
Reflection Point

Always

Often

I am a confident speaker.
I could instantly tell you my
habits when giving a
presentation
I am confident in using IT tools
to present.
I avoid public speaking
wherever possible.
I am aware how my tone of
voice and volume can influence
what I say.

Scoring
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.

Activity 2
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 below.
My personal study skills profile statement