Study skills development

Study skills development involves a permanent process of reviewing the level of skills you have already reached and planning for future activities.

The process passes through several stages.

The first step is identification of:

	the current skills and their level;
	the required skills
	resources that could help in skills improvement
	ways of continuously improving personal performance

The second step is skills improvement through:

	identifying targets (the skills which have to be developed)
	using different ways of doing things (stress on positive attitude, different strategies, improving motivation and improving 'poor' areas that cause confusion)
	using opportunities, resources and support
	choosing the appropriate strategies
	making an action plan

Third step is development monitoring and reviewing through:

	regularly reviewing the action plan
	monitoring progress
	developing strategies for evaluating progress

The fourth step is presentation of the work done:

	process and outcomes
	style and format
	evidence of progress

Study skills development requires the adult educator to be clear about the specific study skills that could help learners to deal with different study tasks. Some of the most important skills are:

	developing study activities planning and action plans
	gathering, organising, using, and critical analysis of information
	learning through different sources (written, audio and video aids, internet, etc.)
	note taking
	essay (report) writing
	oral presentation
	learning through experience
	revising information
	passing assessment and exams
	solving study problems

You can organise specific discussions on study skills development and improvement, combining some skills in groups. Based on such discussions you can ask your learners to make their personal study skills evaluation.