London School of Commerce Study Skills for Higher Education Report

This report, prepared for a Study Skills for Higher Education course, delves into the crucial aspects of effective learning and academic success. The report is divided into two projects. Project 1 explores the importance of note-taking, highlighting the stages involved and evaluating various methods for effective note-taking. It emphasizes the significance of timely notes for self-learning and revision. Project 2 shifts focus towards improving learning abilities and memory retention. It analyzes strategies for enhancing listening and learning abilities, and also examines techniques for memory retention. The report also discusses the role of teachers in promoting effective learning and offers recommendations for students to improve their study skills.

Study Skills for
Higher Education

Table of Contents
PROJECT 1......................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
1) Importance of taking notes and importance of stages........................................................3
2) Identification & evaluation of methods that can lead to taking of effective notes............4
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6
PROJECT 2......................................................................................................................................7
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................7
Analysis & Discussion.....................................................................................................................7
Evaluation of strategies for improvement of learning ability.................................................7
Efforts for teachers to promote the process of effective listening and learning:....................8
Techniques to improve memory retention .............................................................................9
Recommendations..........................................................................................................................10
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

PROJECT 1
INTRODUCTION
Notes making is a process that consist of noting down the leaning that is taught in class it
is a process that starts before classes start for a student. It is a process that is related with reading
of assigned chapters of upcoming sessions (Kayacan, Peschel and Chowdhary, 2017). Present
report is based on a essay writing that is affiliated with importance of notes making in life of a
student. There is also discussion of different notes making strategies that can be adopted by a
student during the course of their lectures.
1) Importance of taking notes and importance of stages
It is very important to make timely notes in class as it is related with process of self
learning and future revision of insights drawn in class by lecturer. Each lecture is divided in three
basic stages that leads to proper segmentation of the process of notes making, there is discussion
of such stages that are part of making notes as mentioned below:
Before each class: According to views of Sylvia James, 2020 process of notes making
stars even before classes start. This is the initial stage that starts even before lecture is actually
starting. Effective notes making is a process that starts before starting of class (Masitoh and
Fitriyani, 2018). It helps in reading of a assigned chapter that is part of upcoming sessions. It
leads to posses a basic idea of the profession that is being discussed in class. It is a tool that also
leads in formulation of short term goals before each lecture in this there has to be he motive that
can be to take proper insights in classroom when a particular topic is taught be lecturer.
During the class: In the middle of the lecturer there can be writing of the page and date
as essential part of making notes helps a individual in referencing to notes in future when they
are making revisions at time of examinations (Kos and Arslan, 2017). During class notes
making helps in raising questions in case there is presence of a doubt or student is not Satisfied
with a particular point then it can be clarified instantly that leads to minimization of doubts while
there is self study or making of assignments. Using of a recorder in lectures is one of most
effective tools that can help in self learning process by just listening to recording when the
student is facing situation of doubts in future.
After class: After lecture has been over this stage actually started the process of self
learning. After class is over notes are a permanent record of all the topics that have been

discussed in class. Lecturers generally focus on teaching about most essential topics as their
priority in classrooms and at same time these constitute high importance from point of
examinations (Chao and et.al, 2018). This can help in understand the relative importance of a
topic and dividing of available time period for different topics in a subject.
At time of exams these notes act as most crucial tool for making last minute revisions as
student hits have to go through it once and they can get a clear picture about learnings that are
being taught in class.
2) Identification & evaluation of methods that can lead to taking of effective notes
There are some methods that are divided according to three major stages as a part of effective
process of making notes as discussed.
Before class: Students must have a preference to sit on first rows for purpose of hearing
professor so that they are audible enough and can help in understand the views of lecturer.
Mobiles must be switched off so that there is not any type of disturbances that are affects the
process of notes making (Chincoli and Liotta, 2018). All writing materials that are essential for
notes making such as notepads, pens and textbooks must be kept ready and handy in order to
enhance the process of notes making.
During class: In the middle of class the page number and dates of notes should be always
clearly mentioned before starting of the lecture so that when there is revision taking place there is
proper differentiation that is made according to day of a particular lecture (Van Maanen and de
Rond, 2017). For the process of speeding up the process of notes making most crucial aspects so
that creative listening so that no aspect of whole lecture is left out. There has to be focus on
listening carefully so that if there are any unclear or ambigous points then it can be cleared at the
spot itself by raising of questions to professor and clarification can be made. There can be use of
a recorder to listen to lessons afterwards when lecture is completed.
After class: After the lecture is complete there can be checking of accuracy of points
that has been noted down during lecture. So that if any point has been missed out then it can
edited by filling of details that are missing. After that again there should be checking of notes to
summarise all the learnings of a particular lecture. There can be use of some marginal phrases
and then picking up of test questions to ensure that student is having a idea about the main key
areas of learnings.

There has to be a review made in a time period of 24 hours after completion of lecture and just
before next lecture of same subject. Notes mist always be kept at a secured place. For this there
can be use of a sturdy file to keep such notes in proper manner.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussed points it can be summarised that note taking method is
complete dependent on every individual they can choose it according to their willingness. As a
part of learning process this constitutes one of most crucial aspects that leads towards maximum
learning taking place through classroom lectures only. For every student study note constitute the
most crucial part of their learning process.

REFERENCES
Books & Journal
Van Maanen, J. and de Rond, M., 2017. The making of a classic ethnography: Notes on Alice
Goffman’s on the run.
Chincoli, M. and Liotta, A., 2018. Self-learning power control in wireless sensor
networks. Sensors, 18(2), p.375.
Kose, U. and Arslan, A., 2017. Optimization of self‐learning in Computer Engineering courses:
An intelligent software system supported by Artificial Neural Network and Vortex
Optimization Algorithm. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 25(1), pp.142-
156.
Masitoh, L.F. and Fitriyani, H., 2018. Improving students’ mathematics self-efficacy through
problem based learning. Malikussaleh Journal of Mathematics Learning (MJML), 1(1),
pp.26-30.
Kayacan, E., Peschel, J.M. and Chowdhary, G., 2017. A self-learning disturbance observer for
nonlinear systems in feedback-error learning scheme. Engineering Applications of
Artificial Intelligence, 62, pp.276-285.
Chao, H., Islam, N. and Cascaval, G.C., Qualcomm Inc, 2018. Methods and Systems for Using
Self-learning Techniques to Protect a Web Application. U.S. Patent Application
15/417,718.
Online
Note-taking Strategies Every College Students Should Know, 2020 [online], Available
through<https://communalnews.com/note-taking-strategies-every-college-students-should-
know/>

PROJECT 2
INTRODUCTION
In case of a student there are some techniques and strategies that can be used for purpose
of improvement of the process of memory retention and developing a learning of the individual
abilities. There can be use of some strategies that can help in the process of improvement of
listening and learning ability of a individual (Kusumadewi, 2018). Presently there is a discussion
that is based on developing learning among students and the way some strategies can help in
improvement of learning abilities of students.
Analysis & Discussion
Evaluation of strategies for improvement of learning ability
According to views of Kenneth shore, 2013 There are different strategies that can help in
improvement of learning abilities of students. For this there is a need to focus on some of the
strategies that can enhance the overall process of classroom learning and also self learning for a
particular individual.
Asking frequent questions:
It is very crucial for purpose of enhancing the learning process and learning ability that
there has to be timely learning that can take place (Zhang and Wu, 2017). For this there has to be
use of some questions every time there is difficulty in understand the motive behind a particular
topic. Asking timely questions will help in solving all doubts as early as possible and it will also
ensure that there is understand that is taking place simultaneously with listening to lecturer.
Having a before hand preview of topic:
Students can go through the topics that has to be taught in class. It will help them in
getting a overview of the intended topic to be taught in class. This will help them in building up
of interest to understand it in more depth. This process will double up the effectiveness of
learning process as it will be accompanies with self evaluation and there will be higher
concentration that is going to develop during class.
Adjust the notes formatting:
The most common differentiation feature between effective and non effective listeners is
that ineffective listeners are willing to jot down every point from the teachers lecture. Students

should not get confused when they are not able to review their notes and they only find lack of
focus, details and breadth in their notes that is confusing at same tome to differentiate topics. It is
a need for effective listeners that they should make changes in their note making according to
teaching styles of their lectures. There should be focus on jotting down of details and expanding
it by laying down focus on central concepts of a lecture.
Tackling of difficult situations:
It is uncommon for students that they have to tune with their professors when they are
discussing about complex or confusing topics. There can be situations when even after listening
to each and every word of lecture the topics are complicated and confusion (Mankel and
Bidelman, 2018). Good listeners have to focus on mental faculties to process the views to
process them quickly.
Linking of past & present learning:
Humans are able to learn best when they are working on improvement of their learning
skills by having active engagement in process with something new. It help in linking of past
learning with present learning as some subjects are related to their previous concepts that leads to
link that can be established between past concept and new learnings.
Efforts for teachers to promote the process of effective listening and learning:
According to views of Isis Artze-vega, 2012 On part of teachers also there can be use of
some strategies that can help in the process of effective and timely learning as mentioned below:
Understanding views of students:
Students have to listen to their instructors so that they are able to understand the
dimensional approach. Teachers must make efforts to understand their students as individuals.
For this students have to make efforts towards learning about their hobbies, interest and names
so they can also get insist about competence of a particular student. This model the good
listening behaviour There has to be formulation of statement that can help a student in listening
to them carefully during lectures. It will also help in enhancing the listening abilities of students
and try to paraphrase the student responses in order to convey whether they are listening
genuinely or not.
Helping each other: Teacher should make efforts that students are not missing anything
important. If this happens then they must encourage students to help each other in course of

attending the lecture in class. Students can also make a comparison with other fellow studenst in
class so that they are able to fill the gaps.
Techniques to improve memory retention
Making preparations for jotting down of points in classroom lectures:
Note making is one of most crucial aspects of memory retention. Many times hearing and
effective listening is not sufficient for a student. Such as they might forget what has been taught
in class if they are not able to retain it (Sobaihi, 2020). For this there has to be use of notes
writing as a part of technique for improvement of the process of memory retention.
Paying attention to body language:
According to views of Katherine Hurts, 2020 Just listening is not sufficient during a
classroom lecture. But it is very important to understand the process of learning process in
classroom that can be effective enough only if it is retained for a longer time period. For this
students must focus on actions and body language of lecturer that can also help in remembering
the teachings for a longer time period. Also, body language assist students in understand the
actual meaning of certain sentences that can be ambiguous in some situations.
Demonstration of listening skills by adoption of paraphrasing
Summarization and paraphrasing are two most important communication skills that can
help a speaker to allow the demonstration of listening skills (Picard and Velautham, 2016).
Many times if a student is not able to understand clearly what a lecturer is wiling to say that
happens in case of complex topics in these cases students should counter check by paraphrasing
in order to clarify if they have understood the topic correctly.
No distraction: There are some situations in which a listener might get distracted or not
able to pay attention towards what the speaker is trying to say. There are many thoughts that are
prevailing in minds of a speaker at a particular point of time. Attempts should be made that these
thoughts should not lead to getting distracted towards any other thought.

Recommendations
By analysing the above information, there are some recommendations is given to the
students and teachers which are as follows:
 It is recommended to the students to make improvements in their listening skills as it will
help them to gain an appropriate understanding of concept that is given through online
session from various applications such as Zoom. It is important for the students to be an
active listener and also written down key points as it will assist in easily recognising the
session which in turn help in gaining better results. It is suggested to the students to
directly ask open ended question to teachers after the session is over. It clear the concept
in minds and decline the level of confusion which leads to attainment of positive results
and outcome as well.
 It is suggested to teachers to focus on gaining the attention of students so that they can
understand the concepts through online classes. For this, the teachers can conduct an
interactive session of 10 to 20 minutes after the completion of session. This generate the
interest of students towards classes and also improve their listening skills which has a
positive influence on results of the students.
 In addition to this, it is recommended to the teachers to take feedback and ask questions
to the students after completing the lecture, this help in generating the interest of students
and also improve their communication and listening skill as well. In addition to this,
adding attractive images and using suitable quotes will assist in gaining attention of
students and make them clear the concepts. Further, the teachers can also give instruction
to their students to enable their webcam at particular time. This will pose student to listen
session actively and improve their listening skills in an effective manner.

Conclusion
From the above made discussion it can be said that there are some effective techniques
that can be used for the purpose of enhancing the present level of listening skills of individuals.
On part of both students and Teachers there are some specific steps that have to be undertaken in
order to ensure that there is most outcomes from the classroom lectures. Recommendations
drawn are based on the analysis made of how to enhance the process of learning for a student.

REFERENCES
Books & Journal
Kusumadewi, H., 2018, October. THE USE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING (ELT)
WEBSITE AS ENHANCEMENT OF TEACHER COMPETENCY AT SMPN 9 AND
SMPN 34 KOTA BEKASI IN LISTENING SKILLS. In The 1st International Conference
on ELT (CONELT) (Vol. 1, No. 1).
Zhang, T. and Wu, Z., 2017. The Impact of Consecutive Interpreting Training on the L2
Listening Competence Enhancement. English Language Teaching, 10(1), pp.72-83.
Mankel, K. and Bidelman, G.M., 2018. Inherent auditory skills rather than formal music training
shape the neural encoding of speech. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences, 115(51), pp.13129-13134.
Al Sobaihi, M., 2020. Reading and Listening in English Language Learning: A Critical Study of
Cognition and Metacognition. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English
Literature, 9(2), pp.53-60.
Picard, M. and Velautham, L., 2016. Developing Independent Listening Skills for English as an
Additional Language Students. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher
Education, 28(1), pp.52-65.
Online
8 Tips To Improve Your Listening Skills For Better Communication, 2020 [online], Available
through<https://www.thelawofattraction.com/8-tips-improve-listening-skills/>
Active Listening: Seven Ways to Help Students Listen, Not Just Hear, 2012 [online], Available
through<https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/active-listening-seven-
ways-to-improve-students-listening-skills/>
Improving a Student’s Listening Skills, 2013 [online], Available
through<http://drkennethshore.nprinc.com/for-teachers/improving-students-listening-skills/>