Learning made easier with innovative inductions

Learning Services have launched innovative inductions to help new students develop the academic skills they need for starting Edge Hill University.

Searching for information and writing an essay in higher educationcan be a daunting experience, especially when making the transition from school or college to university.

In recognition of this, the Academic Liaison Team has devised a new programme to help students improve the techniques they need to study in higher education.

"When students first start university it is a different learning environment to what they have been used to. They are expected to be more independent learners. Some don't know how to find resources and research properly or they struggle to read effectively in order to develop critical arguments. Also, constructing a 1,500 word essay can seem like a mammoth task," explained Margi Rawlinson, Academic Skills Co-ordinator. "To alleviate this challenge for students, we have extended our inductions to cover the basics and to assist students in developing the academic skills they need to progress at university. It is envisaged that students will become better learners and improve their marks."

The team have always offered one-to-one support but decided to adopt a more holistic approach to learning and trialled inductions on a small group last year. The initial programme had so much positive feedback that Learning Services decided to roll them out across the University this year.

Margi said: "In the past we found that some people felt embarrassed asking for one-to-one support. This new approach means that students don't feel isolated and can share ideas and skills working with their friends. This is something they value. The inductions will hopefully increase their motivation and confidence and make the transition to university less stressful.

The academic skills workshops cover topics such as what makes a good assignment, research and information skills, critical thinking, academic writing, and referencing.  There are also sessions focusing on essential tools that the University's network covers, library resources and IT skills.

Margi said: ""The sessions are very much tailored to suit the needs of the students and we encourage them to monitor their own progress We also encourage them to make use of the wide range of study resources available to them, and emphasise the importance of them as independent learners. It is a very new way of working and many other universities are looking to follow suit because of our innovative approach. Our ultimate goal is to enhance learning wherever it occurs. We are continually looking for new ways to improve the service we provide and the next stage for us is to tailor inductions to individual courses, which we are currently trialling in social work."

The inductions complement the other services that the team provides in order to support learning and to develop a responsive learning environment for all, through services and facilities, research and development, information and support.

For more information about Learning Services visit their web pages http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/ls/