Study Skills for Higher Education - Assessment 1 and Assessment 2

This report discusses the VARK model and identifies the four learning styles. It also presents personal reflection on the chosen category of learning style. The report further focuses on important reading techniques and different methods of note-taking. It analyses the importance of note-taking and how it helps in maintaining focus in class. The report concludes by discussing the four methods of note-taking.

Study Skills for Higher
Education - Assessment 1 and
Assessment 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ASSESSMENT-1.............................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
Discussing four learning style of VARK model.........................................................................4
Reflection on the VARK model..................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
ASSESSMENT-2.............................................................................................................................7
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................7
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................7
Identifying important reading techniques to become more efficient readers..............................7
Discussing the different methods of note taking.........................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

ASSESSMENT-1
INTRODUCTION
Learning style helps individual in gathering and analysing data that is essential for the
growth and success in long run. Moreover, the present report will identify the four learning styles
of individual through VARK model. Lastly, personal reflection on the chosen category of
learning style will also be covered under this report in detail.
Discussing four learning style of VARK model.
VARK model is the most popular model that is developed by Fleming so that individuals
are able to identify the learning preferences. According to this model there are four types of
learners that are able to understand various learning concepts in well-defined manner. Thus, the
various type of learners according to this model are as follows:
Visual learning: These are type of individuals that prefers learning style where various
notes, diagrams and charts are been provided so that quick learning could be made. Also, through
use of various sketch notes processing of the information is made faster so that better
representation of the situation can be made (Durazzi, 2019). Also, such type of learners usually
ask lot of questions so that better clarification of concepts could be made. Hence, it can be said
that these learners are more focused than other types of learners. Moreover, such type of learners
are more organized, easily identify the similarities and differences in various things, good sense
of alignment as well as balance and much more.
Auditory learners: These are the type of learners that listen to what others are saying
along with use of certain audio and videos. Moreover, these students are able to learn faster
through exchanging ideas and involving in more discussions. Also, in such type of learning the
students are asked to repeat their own thoughts and ideas of learning so that greater learning
experience could be developed (Sousa, 2018). Further, explanation of concepts verbally allows
the student to share information in most the easiest manner with other people too. Also, these
learners have good speaking and listening skills due to which students have the opportunity to
become the best guidance counsellor, customer services professionals, sound engineer etc. in the
future.
Reading and writing: These type of learners prefer to learn various concepts in text
format where large amount of data is been collected and then later converted into presentation

format. Also, students through this style is most benefited in form of creating diagrams,
statements and then converting into form of meaningful sentences so that it could be easily used
in the other learning classes. Moreover, through writing down the important points the students
are able to remember the concepts in far better manner as notes could be rechecked later in the
future.
Kinesthetic learning: It is type of learning style where students are able to learn through
hand movements and situational examples so that better learning could be done. Also, these type
of learners are able to retain information for longer time period. Moreover, all the problems
solved by such students are on the basis of trial and error method rather than accepting the
information in original format (Hahnel and et.al., 2018). Thus, practical information is more
valued than the old theoretical concepts of learning. For example : Interactive documents, role-
playing exercises, micro learning sessions etc.
Reflection on the VARK model.
Based on the above model and my own learning experiences I can truly say that I fall into
the are and write category of learners where all the concepts related to learning are well
understood by me only when I am able to write to down properly. Thus, later I am able to revise
what I have learnt during the day and try to remember it with more clarity and research. Further,
through writing down the essential key points I am able to break down all long detailed concepts
into short formats and sentences so that easy understanding could be developed. Moreover, I
have realized that being this type of learner have allowed me to apply easily for certain quiz and
tests so that better learning could be gained (Bauer-Kealey and Mather, 2019). However, one of
the difficulty that I have faced while this type of learner was that I enjoy reading books in very
quiet environments and hence I am not able to concentrate when there is too much noise or
disturbances. Also, I have realized that best techniques that will be used by me in future learning
would be that I would find the good learning spot before writing any new concept so that better
understanding could be developed.
Moreover, I would take small breaks in mid of writing down complex concepts' so that
significant informations is not missed out. I will also use google scholar so that related articles
in context of my topic could have better explanations that will be helpful for my future studies.
Also, I have understood and will apply technique of using charts and graphs in topics where the
concepts are very (difficult) and confusing so that I would be able to grow better intellectually.

Furthermore, I have also known that this type of learning style would only be beneficial only
when I practice on regular basis so that my writing skills are also enhanced in systematic
manner. Moreover, I have accepted that mistakes are part of life and in learning from each
mistakes helps in better development (ÖZDEMİR, 2018). Also, I could also search various
examples relating to my context so that it would be far easier to understand these concepts for
real life events. Further, I have realized that being this type of learner it is very important for me
to make concrete plan that will help me to stick to daily routine of learning so that it does not
create stressful environments in various situations.
Hence, good learning is one where all the potential distractions of the firm are kept aside
before starting any learning session so that maximum useful information could be retained. Also,
I have understood that based on my current learning-style I should collect certain data and facts
before staring my learnings session so that any queries could be easily solved by my assessor.
Hence, improving this learning style I would be able to grab better opportunities in future that is
essential for my personal growth and professional development.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that through VARK model learning
preferences of individual are based on the style that person falls into. Also, report had identified
certain benefits and demerits of various forms of learning through this model. Moreover, the
study had presented personal reflection on the learning style that had been adopted by me in
understanding various concepts.

ASSESSMENT-2
INTRODUCTION.
Note taking skills is very important for any individual learner so that better learning could
be gained. Further, the present report will focus on certain important reading techniques that will
help in becoming more important readers in the future. Also, efficient reader techniques will help
in developing better skills of the individual in better future prospects. Moreover, the report will
analyse the importance of note taking as it helps in maintaining the focus in class and allow
individual in understanding certain concepts in well-defined manner. Thus, the individual will
be able to summarize points in way that develop the thinking skills and increase the class
attention. Furthermore, the study will focus on four methods that are been used for taking notes
in the class. Hence, it will allow the individual in remembering new concepts that are essential
for individual growth both personally and professionally.
MAIN BODY
Identifying important reading techniques to become more efficient readers.
It is very crucial that reader adopts the best technique so that bests learning could be
developed in the future. Also, efficient readers are those who are able to stabilize the emotions
and recall all the information in best of manner (Yasemin, 2020). Moreover, the best readers are
able to take inspiration from other readers so that language structure could be sharpened. Also,
there are various types of reading techniques that could be adopted by readers. Some of them are
briefly described as below:
Detailed reading: This is technique that allows the learners to carefully understand and
read certain concepts so that deeper insights could be gathered. Also, this type of technique is
more time-consuming and labour-intensive as each piece of work is analysed. Moreover, such
type of techniques helps in individual in gathering more accuracy on the subject matter so that
better learning experience could be gained (van der Boom and Jang, 2018). Also, mistakes are
closely analysed through this method so that learning process could be accelerated in best of
manner. Moreover, there are high level of chances that learner is able to learn new skill either
dependently or independently based on the interests and course person wants to purse in the
future.

Skimming: In this method individual get the insights and general idea about what
content wants to convey or deliver. Further, the person in this category might read the first and
last paragraphs by finding out the relevant section. Moreover, only main points are considered
while the details are skipped (7 Reading Techniques for Increasing Learning & Knowledge,
2022). Further, this type of techniques is used in reading contents like newspapers and articles.
Thus, it is better technique to refresh all the memories of large amount of material through
ensuring better flexibility and speed. Moreover, this could be in form of preview, overview or
review so that idea of concept could be gained before going into in depth reading.
Scanning: In type of learning individual identify the key terms that identifies where the
subject is being addressed. Also, learner in this technique locate the precise information so that
time could be saved and whole text could be briefly understood (Jõgi and et.al., 2021).
Moreover, it is mainly used for non-academic reading tasks such as news articles, list of email
subjects, food drink menu etc. Also, it is good technique for readers that wants to search for any
particular fact or word for a specific content. Also, scanning could be done in form of
alphabetical, chronological or in textual sense based on the details' reader wants to gather.
Revision reading: This is method where learners reads rapidly on the material that is
provided because individual is already familiar with the concepts. Also, the content is only read
so that better understanding and knowledge could be gained. Moreover, this technique allow the
individual to learn and remember certain concepts than other methods of reading. Also, through
using this technique the learner is able to improve the analytical and reading skill. Moreover,
individual is less stressed about the situations, chances of more improved grades in education are
higher (Siegel, 2020). Furthermore, through this method reader would be able to identify what
are the weaker subjects that requires more preparations and practices so that more time could be
invested in such area accordingly.
Speed: It is combination of various reading methods that increases the reading speed
without compromising on the text reading. Here, the reader identify certain words without
focusing on each letter. Hence, very less time is spent in understanding the small sections. Also,
through applying this technique the reader is able to build the discipline and helps in using more
brain power of the user. Thus, it helps in improving the memory power through increased
productivity and tasks. However, the reader might skip the most important part that might lead to
future misconceptions and confusions.

Structure proposition evaluation: This is technique that is mainly for all types of non-
fictional writing. It involves the method in which the readers studies the structure of work. Also,
person evaluates the merits that are related with the arguments and conclusions that are given at
end of content.
Extensive reading: It is technique that is used by learner when reading is done as part of
pleasure or as pastime activity. Hence, it is only done for enjoyment purpose and here the reader
is not actively involved in finding meaning of certain sentences and words. Thus, does not opt
for going in detail research relating to certain data or paragraphs (Oefinger and Peverly, 2020).
Also, chances of diversion of thoughts is relatively higher to certain thought or in case where the
meaning of the sentences is not understood in proper manner that will allow the reader to find
accurate meaning in the dictionary for the word.
Thus, above are the few techniques that could be used by the reader that will help in
developing the knowledge and skills accordingly. Moreover, these techniques are also adopted
by the reader based on the content that he/she is reading. Also, it is not necessary that reader
adopts the same technique for all types of learning material as it is based on the reader to acquire
knowledge on time that is available.
Discussing the different methods of note taking.
Note taking helps the students in focusing more deeply on certain concepts that are taught
in class so that better learning could be done in the future. Also, with help of making right notes
better understanding and memory could be improved. Furthermore, note taking allows the firm
to process information in more tangible manner. Moreover, there are different ways through
which students could take notes during any kind of learning session so that information could be
remembered deeply. The four methods of note taking are as follows:
Outline note taking method: It is the method where all the informations are stored in
the form of hierarchy so that clear understanding could be developed. Thus, through this method
very well-organized notes are being taken that can be later used both in inductive or deductive
order (Sunggingwati, 2018).
Advantages:
Moreover, outline notes are the best way through which piece of information could be
easily reviewed. Also, this method reduces the time involved in editing and reviewing the main
points to various questions. Furthermore, in this method the learner use bullet points to indicate

each subject and thus it is most well-structured method in understanding the relationship between
various concepts that is covered during the learning sessions. Moreover, it could be easily
adopted by any kind of learner as it does not require fast learning skills but only concentration
that will allow in understanding the side issues. Furthermore, this note taking method is also best
because no special kind of preparation or special note paper is required in making notes.
Disadvantages:
It is not the best method when notes are to be taken during any kind of live lecture as
information is passed out very quickly (The 6 Most Effective Note-Taking Methods, 2021). Also,
this method requires more thought processing during the lecture times so that accurate details
could be noted down. Further, more diversified detail or information could not be covered
through this method of learning. Thus, method is very useful in situations when the individual
note taking skills are very clear and sharp as well as individual is able to handle the outlining.
Mapping method: In this method where main topic is writed down at the centre of the
page and later it is branched down into smaller sub topics with little details. Thus, through this
method graphical view of lecture content is presented that is very helpful for all types of visual
learners.
Merits: It is very effective method for those learners that wants to understand and get the
overview of large concepts. Also, it is effective method that helps in maximizing the active
participation among the learners that wants to understand the concepts in right manner.
Moreover, little thinking is only required and it is easy to edit the notes by adding certain
numbers, colour or marks (Hartung and et.al., 2020).
Demerits: It is not good method when major changes have to be made in the map designed.
Also, the reader need to have good understanding related to the topic so that better mapping
could be done. Moreover, it is very time-consuming method and cannot be used in situations
when learning time is limited. Further, those individuals whose concentration power is very
weak cannot use this method.
Cornell's note taking method: This type of method was developed in earlier times and
here the learner uses top two columns that is cue and note together with bottom row to record
certain lecture notes. Also, this method is most versatile method and could be easily used for
types of subject matter.

Pros: This types of note taking allows the reader to systematically record and review certain
notes that have been covered during the learning sessions. Also, this is the most the easiest
method as it requires less time and efforts. Moreover, it is good method for extracting certain
major ideas and concepts that will also help in future development.
Cons: When there are large number of Cornell notes than individual might face difficulty in
organizing all the data and facts in well manner. Also, through this method size of the notes
would also not be able to reduce. Moreover, it can be used only during the lecture session and
not in real life learnings.
Charting note taking: It is the method where the note taking is done in form of charts
and graphs so that information could be classified easily within rows and columns. Moreover,
this method is used better when the lecture session comprises more of statistical information that
could be easily comprised into tables (Erguig, 2018).
Merits: This method allows easy comparison within different topics that is essential for the
reader to understand certain concepts in much efficient manner. Also, note size could be easily
reduced through this method in comparison to other methods. Thus, charted notes are better inn
reviewing.
Demerits: This type of technique could not be used when there are lot of subjects and it is also
very time-consuming process. Moreover, it is very difficult to edit and thus the learner need to
rewrite the whole information if certain changes have to be made. Also, it would be difficult to
identify categories and hence charts need to be prepared ahead of time. Moreover, if content is
not made clearer than this method not effective of taking certain notes.
CONCLUSION.
From the above report it can be concluded that though reading skill could be developed in
any individual through regular practice it is essential that right reading practice are been
incorporated so that efficient readers are developed for the future growth. Moreover, the report
had critically analysed the importance of the note taking in times when the all the learning
sessions are covered digitally. Moreover, the study had identified four
methods of note taking so that more efficient readers could be developed for the future
prospects. Lastly, the importance of reading in time when all the education system is online has
also been discussed under this report in detail.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals.
Bauer-Kealey, M. and Mather, N., 2019. Use of an online reading intervention to enhance the
basic reading skills of community college students. Community College Journal of Research
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Durazzi, N., 2019. The political economy of high skills: higher education in knowledge-based
labour markets. Journal of European public policy. 26(12). pp.1799-1817.
Erguig, R., 2018. “Study Skills”: An Investigation of Teachers’ and Students’ Attitudes. Journal
of Applied Language and Culture Studies. (1). pp.43-64.
Hahnel, C. and et.al., 2018. The role of reading skills in the evaluation of online information
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Hartung, C. M. and et.al., 2020. A New Organizational and Study Skills Intervention for College
Students with ADHD. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice.
Jõgi, A. L. and et.al., 2021. Reading Skills, Social Competence, and Physiological Stress in the
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Oefinger, L. M. and Peverly, S. T., 2020. The lecture note-taking skills of adolescents with and
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Siegel, J., 2020. Developing Notetaking Skills in a Second Language: Insights from Classroom
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van der Boom, E. H. and Jang, E. E., 2018. The Effects of Holistic Diagnostic Feedback
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Yasemin, B. A. K. I., 2020. The effect of critical reading skills on the evaluation skills of the
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Online:
7 Reading Techniques for Increasing Learning & Knowledge. 2022. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.iedunote.com/reading-techniques>.
The 6 Most Effective Note-Taking Methods. 2021. [Online]. Available through:<https://e-
student.org/note-taking-methods/>.