Study Skills for University Success from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Learning to Be a Successful Student

In this first week of the course, we’ll talk about some things that will make your university life easier and more productive. You’ll learn about managing your time well and make a plan to fit in all the things you need to do for your classes and still have time for yourself. You’ll hear about different learning styles and take a quiz to discover what learning style is strongest for you. You’ll also hear some tips for success in taking an online class and hear about rules regarding academic integrity—what is and isn’t acceptable if you’re a university student in the U.S. Let’s get started on the road to university success!

Listening and Notetaking

This week we’ll learn about a skill you’ll need in every university class: Listening and notetaking. You’ll hear about the importance of taking good notes to help you understand class material and review later. You’ll also hear about several ways to organize your notes and have a chance to practice the Cornell Notes method. You’ll read some tips for improving your notetaking skill and focus on an important part of any lecture—the introduction—so you’ll know what kinds of information might be included, and what are the most important points to include in your notes. Are you ready to take notes? Let’s get started!

More Skills for Successful Learning

This week you’ll hear about more skills to help you succeed in university classes. First you’ll learn some hints for reading more effectively. Next you’ll consider some vocabulary for describing and analyzing graphs and charts, which are a vital way of representing data. You’ll practice by choosing a graph from real-life news sources and recording your description of it for your classmates to respond to. You’ll hear some tips for building your vocabulary of both general academic words and specialized words from your field of study. Finally, you’ll learn some strategies for doing well on tests, whether they’re multiple choice, true/false, or essay styles. So let’s get going on mastering these important skills!

Participating in a University Class

This last week of the course will focus on “people skills” that lead toward success. You’ll learn about expectations for class participation in American universities and what you should and shouldn’t do in class. You’ll hear some suggestions for communicating with professors, along with tips for making friends with classmates and neighbors. Finally, you’ll watch a video introducing an American university and hear students, faculty, and administrators talk about their experiences. Your final practice will be to put all your skills to use by watching a video of an authentic university lecture, taking notes, and taking a short quiz on the material. Good luck as you prepare for university life!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Has an explicit focus on study skills essential for university courses

Covers key topics such as time management, learning styles, effective reading, notetaking, listening, and participation

Features practical tips and strategies for improving academic success in university

Provides guidance on navigating the social aspects of university life, such as participating in class and interacting with professors and classmates

Taught by instructors with experience in university-level education makes it relevant and reliable for students

May be useful to university students or those preparing to enter university

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Study Skills for University Success with these activities:

Note Taking Basics

Show steps

Review effective note-taking techniques to improve your ability to capture and retain key information.

Browse courses on Note taking

Show steps

Review different note-taking methods (e.g., Cornell, Outline)
Identify key points and supporting details in texts or lectures
Practice taking notes using various methods

Read 'A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra)'

Show steps

Enhance your learning skills, develop a growth mindset, and overcome obstacles to mathematical success.

View Learning How to Learn: How to Succeed in School... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and take notes
Apply the techniques to your own learning
Discuss the book with classmates or a mentor

Effective Listening Skills

Show steps

Prepare by reviewing active listening techniques to enhance understanding during lectures.

Show steps

Recall different listening techniques
Practice active listening in conversations
Reflect on your listening effectiveness

Ten other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 13 activities

Learn about Time Management Techniques

Show steps

Explore time management strategies to maximize your time for studying and personal life.

Browse courses on Time Management

Show steps

Research time management methods
Choose techniques that align with your learning style
Implement the techniques in your daily routine

Attend a Time Management Workshop

Show steps

Join a workshop to gain practical strategies for optimizing your time and achieving academic success.

Browse courses on Time Management

Show steps

Research and select a reputable workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate
Implement the techniques and strategies you learned

Develop a Study Plan

Show steps

Create a personalized study plan to organize your time and optimize your learning.

Browse courses on Effective Learning

Show steps

Identify your learning goals
Set aside dedicated study time
Break down large tasks into smaller chunks
Schedule breaks and rewards

Practice Note-Taking Techniques

Show steps

Sharpen your note-taking skills to enhance your recall during lectures and reading sessions.

Browse courses on Note-Taking

Show steps

Study different note-taking methods
Practice taking notes from lectures or readings
Review your notes to reinforce learning

Learn about Active Reading Techniques

Show steps

Enhance your reading comprehension and retention by employing active reading strategies.

Show steps

Research active reading methods
Practice applying these techniques while reading
Reflect on the effectiveness of the strategies

Join a Study Group

Show steps

Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding, exchange perspectives, and support each other's learning.

Browse courses on Effective Learning

Show steps

Find or create a study group
Meet regularly to discuss course material
Support each other with questions and explanations

Study Group for Exams

Show steps

Form study groups to review course materials, prepare for exams, and enhance understanding.

Show steps

Organize study groups with classmates
Review lecture notes and assigned readings
Discuss concepts, ask questions, and clarify misunderstandings
Work together on practice questions or assignments

Develop a Mind Map to Organize Your Notes

Show steps

Create a visual representation of your notes to enhance your understanding and recall.

Browse courses on Note-Taking

Show steps

Choose a topic or concept to mind map
Brainstorm and organize your ideas
Create a visual representation using colors, images, and connections
Review and refine your mind map

Summarize Lectures

Show steps

Enhance comprehension by summarizing key points and insights from lectures in written or visual formats.

Show steps

Attend lectures and take detailed notes
Review and organize notes after each lecture
Identify main ideas, supporting arguments, and examples
Create summaries using written outlines, concept maps, or visual presentations

Create a Personalized Learning Portfolio

Show steps

Track your academic progress, identify areas for improvement, and develop a personalized learning plan.

Browse courses on Metacognition

Show steps

Gather evidence of your learning experiences
Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses
Set goals and strategies for future improvement

Career center

Learners who complete Study Skills for University Success will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

University Administrator

University administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of a university or college. They may be responsible for a variety of tasks, such as managing the budget, planning and implementing academic programs, and overseeing student services. The course "Study Skills for University Success" can be helpful for university administrators by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help administrators learn how to manage their time effectively, communicate with students and faculty, and participate effectively in meetings.

See salaries and explore the career path for University Administrator

Academic Advisor

Academic advisors help students make informed decisions about their academic and career goals. They provide students with information about academic programs, course requirements, and career options. The course "Study Skills for University Success" can be helpful for academic advisors by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help advisors learn how to communicate effectively with students, understand student learning styles, and help students develop effective study habits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Advisor

Teacher

Teachers plan and deliver instruction to students in a variety of settings. They may work in public or private schools, colleges or universities, or other educational institutions. The course "Study Skills for University Success" can be helpful for teachers by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help teachers learn how to manage their time effectively, create lesson plans, and assess student learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They work in a variety of settings, such as public libraries, school libraries, and university libraries. The course "Study Skills for University Success" can be helpful for librarians by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help librarians learn how to conduct research, organize information, and teach information literacy skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Museum curator

Museum curators are responsible for planning and managing museum exhibits. They may also conduct research, write articles, and give lectures. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for museum curators by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help curators learn how to manage their time effectively, conduct research, and write clearly and concisely.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Archivist

Archivists are responsible for preserving and managing historical records. They may work in a variety of settings, such as libraries, museums, and government agencies. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for archivists by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help archivists learn how to manage their time effectively, organize and preserve historical records, and conduct research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. They may teach at colleges or universities, work in museums or libraries, or write books and articles. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for historians by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help historians learn how to conduct research, analyze primary and secondary sources, and write clearly and concisely.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for journalists by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help journalists learn how to conduct research, interview sources, and write clearly and concisely.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They may specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, civil law, or corporate law. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for lawyers by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help lawyers learn how to conduct research, analyze legal documents, and write clearly and persuasively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Doctor

Doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. They may specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as family medicine, internal medicine, or surgery. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for doctors by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help doctors learn how to conduct research, analyze medical data, and communicate effectively with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Doctor

Engineer

Engineers design, build, and maintain machines, structures, and systems. They may specialize in a particular area of engineering, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for engineers by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help engineers learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and solve problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engineer

Scientist

Scientists conduct research to learn more about the natural world. They may specialize in a particular area of science, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for scientists by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help scientists learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and write scientific papers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scientist

Business Analyst

Business analysts help businesses improve their performance by analyzing data and making recommendations. They may work in a variety of industries, such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for business analysts by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help business analysts learn how to conduct research, analyze data, and write reports.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project managers plan and execute projects. They may work in a variety of industries, such as construction, engineering, and software development. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for project managers by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help project managers learn how to manage their time effectively, plan and execute projects, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee the human resources department of an organization. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, such as recruiting and hiring employees, managing employee benefits, and developing and implementing human resources policies. The course "Study Skills for University Success" may be helpful for human resources managers by providing them with skills that can help them succeed in their roles. For example, the course can help human resources managers learn how to manage their time effectively, communicate effectively with employees, and resolve conflicts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager