Academic Study Skills: Resources, Techniques, and Learning Styles

This document discusses academic study skills, including the resources, techniques, and learning styles. It covers different note-taking techniques such as linear, mind mapping, and graphical organizers. It also explores the impact of lifestyle choices on health and the importance of making healthy choices. The document includes sources from a journal article, an e-book, and a website, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Running head: ACADEMIC STUDY SKILLS

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ACADEMIC STUDY SKILLS
TASK 1:
Poster –
Contents of the poster: Learning is a long and continuous process that is facilitated by a number
of resources including human resource
While teachers, tutors, coaches and parents are the human resources available for learning, they
are not considered resources for own learning.
Own or self-learning requires resources that individuals could use on their own and learn (Ally
and Prieto-Blázquez 2014).
To some, educational or learning resources might invoke visuals of small typed classroom
textbooks, large printed charts with diagrams, outdated information and content that encompass
the breadth but not the depth of any subject.
Own learning is different however because it does not require many of these resources.

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In own learning, the most important and foremost resource is the timetable or the study plan. The
timetable or the study plan helps the individual to set the goals – both short term and long term –
for study.
Own learning requires resources that could assist in making an individual learn without the help
of others.
Websites, software, applications, study guides, graphic novels are some of the many resources
for own learning (Nunan and Richards 2015)..
The use of technology in learning has made it easier for own learners to learn independently.
In fact, the social media platforms that are often considered a waste of time, are utilized as
platforms for own learning.
Tutors and teachers post study materials on the social media platforms that the student could
easily access.
As Popescu (2014) suggests, managing the social media in a better way could further enhance
own learning.
Various mobile applications have also been introduced for the students to learn on various topics.
These applications not only help in own learning and study but also provide opportunity to take
self-assessment tests as well.
Evaluation of 3 note taking techniques
Linear – In this process of note taking, we have to write down the information in an order
in which we receive it that is, noting down the first information we found first and then the

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second and so on. In linear note taking, the paper is two-dimensional itself and hence, the pattern
of writing follows from page one to two and so on. Linear note taking is helpful for us in a way
that it helps us remember the notes we have taken on the precise date and page number. The
sequential pattern of linear note taking helps us in locating our notes easily without any hassle.
Mind mapping for flowchart diagrams – In this type of note taking process, we create a
visual representation of our concepts and ideas that we gather from the information we find.
Mind mapping is a type of graphic organizer. Mind mapping is very effective in gathering
information in our mind and out of our mind as well. It is very creative and logical in that it
requires us to take notes with the help of graphs and visuals. As the name suggests, mind
mapping means mapping out our ideas. In Mind mapping, we use organizational structure that
come from the center and use symbols, lines, colors, images and words in accordance with
simple concepts.
Graphical organizers – Graphical organizers, as the name suggests, are the type of note
taking techniques where we organize the gathered information in charts, diagrams and other
visual materials. Mind mapping is also a part of graphic organizer. However, in graphic
organizer, we could use our creativity to another level to gather and disseminate information. In
graphic organizers, we have the freedom to use different types of graphics including pictures,
graphs and symbols and even videos to collect information. Note taking becomes easier and
more fun with graphic organizer. In addition, it not only helps in organizing notes but also in
providing instructions.
My learning style –

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Using the VARK questionnaire, I found that I have a great kinesthetic learning style that
is, using practical examples or videos. I score the highest in kinesthetic modality with a score of
13 while my visual score was the lowest – 2. This means that I learn worse through maps,
diagrams and flowcharts. Apart from the kinesthetic skills, I have also scored a decent score in
aural learning, which means that I learn well when I hear instructions more than viewing. In
reading and writing, I have had a low score of 3. This shows that taking notes using writing or
reading techniques would not be a good idea for me. Therefore, I went with graphical organizer
because it also includes watching videos and it helped me organize my notes and enhanced my
understanding.
TASK 2:
Source 1 – Journal
In this article, the authors have dealt on the topic of “future perspective and healthy
lifestyle choices in adulthood”. Thus, it is clear that the article focuses primarily on lifestyle
choices during adulthood. In the article, the authors conducted a study on participants belonging
to old age and adulthood. They found that the older individuals had greater intentions on making
healthy lifestyle choices than the younger adults (Tasdemir-Ozdes et al. 2016). The main aim of
the authors was to find the influence of future perspective on health on the healthy lifestyle
choices in adulthood. The analysis found that out of the three future perspectives on health
(“global future time perspective, future health perspective and perceived importance of future
health-related events”) – the first two had a profound effect on the healthy lifestyle choices
(Tasdemir-Ozdes et al. 2016).

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Furthermore, the authors found that a positive view on an individual’s future health and
perceiving events associated with health in the future have had a greater influence on the
intentions of the adults to make healthy lifestyle choices. Making healthy lifestyle choices is also
important in understanding the importance given to physical and mental health by the adults. It
was found that the personal physical health was not associated with the healthy lifestyle choices.
This resulted in increased cholesterol, diabetes, hearing problems and other health issues. Thus,
the article states that the healthy lifestyle choices depend on the personal or individual choices of
the adults who give little importance to physical health. It affects the mental health as well.
Source 2 – E-book
In the book titled Health Promotion Throughout the Lifespan, authors Carole Lium
Edelman and Carol Lynn Mandle and Elizabeth C Kudzma talk about the importance of health in
the society and making the correct lifestyle choices. They begin with the description of health
being a core concept in the society. The authors also state that parents and families are largely
influential in the lifestyle choices that the children make (Edelman, Mandle and Kudzma 2017).
The authors then explain that the middle age is a time that is frequented by turmoil and change.
At this stage, the individuals find it difficult to concentrate on their health or even give adequate
time to their health. The middle-aged adults, state the authors, overtime become conscious about
the slight and negotiating changes in physical, emotional and cognitive liveliness. Furthermore,
the middle-aged adults have to accept the fact that they have already made the lifestyle choices
and now they must face its health consequences. These consequences might have lasting
influence on the individual’s health. On the contrary, some middle-aged adults might also be
quite content with their lives having made prior lifestyle choices that focused more on health
than on other issues.

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Therefore, it is evident from the discussion of the authors in the book, making healthy
lifestyle choices at an early age is very crucial. People must not wait too long to amend their
lifestyle during the middle age when it becomes difficult make any changes. In case of children,
families must make sure that they set an example of healthy lifestyle because children learn from
adult’s behaviors.
Source 3 – Website
The website of Warwickshire County Council provides a detailed description and
explanation of the lifestyle factors that affect an individual’s health and wellbeing. Health is a
multifaceted and complex thing that is influenced by several factors including age, employment,
living conditions, education, and history of illness in the family (Hwb.warwickshire.gov.uk
2019). It has also been mentioned in the website that various health and lifestyle related habits
could pose a massive influence on an individual’s health. the website then states that alcohol,
smoking, poor diet that lead to malnutrition or obesity, lack or absence of physical exercise, drug
addiction and sexual behaviors are the social and behavioral issues that impact health
(Hwb.warwickshire.gov.uk 2019). Addiction to smoking, alcohol, drug and sex are lifestyle
choices that individuals make. Although people might not have control over the social issues all
the time but the behavioral issues are under control of the individuals.
The website then provides detailed explanation of each of the social and behavioral issues
that lead affect health. In case of alcohol, the website states that using alcohol responsibly is a
lifestyle choice that one needs to make. In the UK, alcohol is one of the top mood-altering
substance people uses. Smoking is another lifestyle choice that people make and then regret after
losing control over it and letting it become an addiction. As given in the website, smoking is one

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of the major causes of premature death and preventable mortality. Therefore, it is clear that the
lifestyle factors of the people affect their health remarkably.
TASK 3:
Refer to the attached doc file named as Fact Sheet
TASK 4:
Timetable for study programme –
Weeks Plan Description of
the Plan
Expected
Outcome
Time frame
Week 1 Poster making To learn the
basics of A4
poster making,
using effective
and proper
pictures and
sentences;
making use of
info-graphic
Enhanced
knowledge on
the use of
visuals and
words to make a
perfect poster
4 to 5 days
Week 2 Academic
writing
Academic
writing refers to
a well-planned
and structured
academic paper
that includes all
A systematic
and structured
academic paper
produced for
evaluation
3 to 6 days

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the information
without any
plagiarism.
Hence, the plan
is to learn
academic
writing
effectively
Week 3 Avoiding
plagiarism
To avoid
plagiarism that
is, paraphrasing
or copying any
author’s work
without
attributing it to
the author
Plagiarism is an
offence and thus,
the plan is to
learn the tricks
to avoid
plagiarism
Produce an
academically
correct paper
without any
issue of
plagiarism
2 to 4 days
Week 4 Using Harvard
referencing
style
In academic
writing,
referencing is
extremely
In depth
knowledge and
stronghold on
Harvard
5 to 7 days

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important
because it
ensures that the
paper is free of
plagiarism.
Therefore, the
plan is to learn
to use Harvard
referencing style
to avoid
plagiarism and
produce a clean
paper
referencing
style
Critical reflection –
After undertaking this module, I could say that I have largely improved my academic
learning and study skills. I have been able to refine my study skills after undertaking this course.
Initially, I had difficulties researching or even starting an academic paper. I used to feel low in
confidence and feel anxious whenever I was given the task to write an academic paper. The
anxious came due to my lack of knowledge regarding the components of the process of academic
writing. However, with the help of this module, I was able to let go of the weakness I had. I was
able to realize that I lacked in knowing the right kind of note taking method that could suit my
learning ability. I was also able to know about my learning style in this module. I undertook the
VARK questionnaire online and found about my learning style. I found that I am a kinesthetic

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learner who relies heavily on practical and real examples rather than on diagrams or charts. I
scored two on visual, which meant that I am bad at understanding flowcharts and diagrams.
Mind mapping and graphic organizer are the two kinds of note taking method that are not meant
or suited for my learning style. While in mind mapping, I have to take notes using graphs and
charts and symbols, graphic organizer involves the use of images and such to take notes. As the
VARK test revealed, I am bad at understanding the visuals and I find linear note taking as easier.
I have good aural or listening skills and that I know from the VARK test score on aural modality,
which were 11. With good aural or listening skills, it could help me in my note taking as well
especially in class where we have to listen to our teachers to take notes. Although the teachers
also make use of visual aids but since I am stronger in listening than viewing, I could take notes
by listening to the teacher. The test was helpful for me to have a better insight into my learning
style. With this knowledge, I was able to take notes for the Task 2 where I compiled the three
major sources for the write up using my kinesthetic learning style along with my strength of
listening well. I first watched videos on lifestyle choices affecting individual health and then
after understanding the topic clearly, I was able to search for the three sources on the internet.
While watching the video, I could easily take down notes using my aural capability. I then
prepared a time management plan for myself for the future to be able to come up with better
outcomes. In the time management plan, I included those areas of my academic writing where I
was weak. I included poster making in the plan because I did not have basic knowledge about
creating poster on A3 or A4 size paper. Furthermore, I included academic writing, avoiding
plagiarism and using Harvard referencing style as the plans on which I needed to work. This
module also helped me to understand what is own learning and in what ways I could engage in it.

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I created a poster on own learning after searching for it on the internet and realized that as I was
doing it, it itself was own learning.

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References:
Edelman, C.L., Mandle, C.L. and Kudzma, E.C., 2017. Health Promotion Throughout the Life
Span-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Hwb.warwickshire.gov.uk (2019). Lifestyle Factors Affecting Health and Wellbeing –
Warwickshire Health and Wellbeing. [online] Hwb.warwickshire.gov.uk. Available at:
http://hwb.warwickshire.gov.uk/themes/lifestyle/lifestyle-factors-affecting-health-and-wellbeing/
[Accessed 6 May 2019].
Tasdemir-Ozdes, A., Strickland-Hughes, C.M., Bluck, S. and Ebner, N.C., 2016. Future
perspective and healthy lifestyle choices in adulthood. Psychology and Aging, 31(6), p.618.