STUDY SKILLS (UGB 1053)

Pre-Requisite

None

Semester

August 2009

Lecturer

Mdm Eliza Idawaty Awang @ Nawi

Office Location

Centre for Languages & General Studies (CLGS), B2-4, UNITAR, Kelana Jaya,
47310 Selangor, Malaysia

Consultation hours

Thursday (10.30 am 12.30 pm)

Telephone

E-mail

03- 76277460
(or by appointment)
017-3785718

eliza@unitar.edu.my

COURSE SYNOPSIS
Introduction
The course Study Skills UGB 1053 is a compulsory course for all students to be taken in their first semester.
This course is specifically tailored for Universiti Tun Abdul Razak students as it covers topics like learning
environment at UNITAR, time management, various study skills, computer proficiency and critical and creative
thinking. All these topics are important as UNITAR students as it prepares students to become independent
learners. This course aims to empower students to study at university environment more effectively and
efficiently.
Overview
This is a university core course which is compulsory for all newly enrolled students. The course introduces
students to the study skills they will require for academic success. Topics include IT and library skill, time and
information management, learning how to learn, and critical and creative thinking.
Purpose
The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the learning environment at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
and to help them develop the learning strategies needed for success at the tertiary level.
Relevance to Industry
The working industry rates all this proficiency areas as highly relevant in the development of employee, both
personally and professionally.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, students will be able to:
Use UNITARs learning resources more effectively
Plan their time more efficiently
Study more productively
Think critically and creatively
Find and manage information more effectively
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS
Recommended Textbook
Shelly, G.B., Cashman, T.J. & Vermaat, M.E. (2002), Microsoft Office XP: Introductory Concepts and Techniques
(Boston: Thomson Learning).
G Bassham, W.Irwin, H. Nardone, J M Wallace, (2007), Critical Thinking: A Students Introduction (USA: McGrawHill International Edition).
Lewis Vaughn (2008) The Power of Critical Thinking, 2nd Edition (USA: Oxford University Press)
Cottrell, Stella (1999), The Study Skills Handbook (New York: Palgrave)
Hyperlinks

http://www.how-to-study.com/
http://www.studygs.net/

UGB1053 Study Skills

http://www.educationatlas.com/study-skills.html
OPTIONAL/ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Printed Materials
1. Posted slides on the respective titles on Announcement section in VOISS
COURSE ASSESSMENT
Attendance/Participation
Group assignment
Class activity
Quiz
Forum
Final Examination
Total

5%
:
:
:
:
50%

20%
10%
10%
5%
100%

COURSE REQUIREMENTS & POLICIES

Example:
You are expected to fulfill the following requirements of the course to obtain a grade:
Attendance & Class Participation (5%)
Students are required to attend class regularly (70% of attendance) and participate actively in class
discussion, exercises, assignment presentations and other class activities.
Group assignment (10%)
Each group (maximum 5 students per group) is required to submit one assignment. Details of this task will be
provided by the course leader.
Class activity (10%)
Each student is required to actively participate in class activity on selected cases/ module. This activity must be
done in group. Marks will be given base on relevance of the discussion during the FTF session. Details of this
will be informed in class.
Quiz (10%)
There will be one set of quiz. You will be examined on your level of understanding and knowledge on the subject
matter. Format: Multiple Choice questions and/or True or False questions
Forum (5%)
You are required to participate in online (for distance), hardcopy (conventional) forums scheduled during the
semester. You need to access VOISS and respond to the issues posted and/or published.
Final Examination (50%)
You will be examined on your level of understanding and knowledge acquired in this course. The format of the
examinations will include Multiple Choice questions and short essays. The final exam is comprehensive covering
all the topics.

UGB1053 Study Skills

Course Policies

Final Exam Result Automatic Fail result will be given to those who do not
achieve a 12.5 score in their final exam.

Exam Scores and Grades

RANGE
MARK
90 100
80 89
75 79
70 74
65 69
60 64
55 59
50 - 54
45 49
40 44
35 39
0 - 34

GRADE
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD
E
F

QUALITY POINT
EQUIVALENT
4.00
4.00
3.70
3.35
3.00
2.70
2.35
2.00
1.70
1.35
1.00
0.00

LEVEL OF
ACHIEVEMENT
Distinction
Distinction
Distinction
Merit
Merit
Merit
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Pass
Fail
Fail

Attendance policy Please refer to the university regulations. For any case of
emergency or any unavoidable matter such as sickness or death (supported with
official document), kindly email the lecturer/tutor to inform about this to avoid
getting a (0) for your attendance.
In accordance with clause 5 [5.4 (i)] Academic Regulation: Qualification to
sit Final Examination & Attendance, all students are eligible to sit for Final
Examination for all courses he has been registered, unless he has failed to meet
the attendance requirement of the course. The minimum attendance of a course
is 70% for conventional mode and 50% for distance learning mode.
Academic Honesty - UNITAR will not tolerate cheating or plagiarism on tests,
examinations, papers or other course assignments. Students who engage in
such dishonesty may be given failing grades or expelled from UNITAR.

UGB1053 STUDY SKILLS

COURSE SYLLABUS

LEARNING OUTCOMES
WEE
K
2

CHAPT
ER
1

TOPICS

DETAILS

Fundamental Of Skills

Definition of Skills
5 Main Study Skills Components
Soft employment skills

understand the fundamental of skills and

develop a portfolio for future preparation.

Definition of Intelligence
9 Different Views of Intelligence
Definition of Learning
5 Learning Dimensions
6 Conditions for Learning
Optimal Learning
C.R.E.A.M Strategy for Learning
Analyze Your Use Of Time
Organize Your Study Time
Time Management Strategies
Reevaluation Of Study Time Plan
Coping With Procrastination
Definition And Methods Of Note Taking
Definition Of Academic Writing
Types Of Academic Writing
Common Features Of Academic Writing
Writing Development

understand different views of intelligence.

distinguish between different learning styles.
identify effective learning strategies and ways
to implement them.

Learners will be able:

INTELLIGENCE AND
LEARNING

TIME MANAGEMENT

NOTE TAKING

GROUP WORKING
SKILLS
INTRODUCTION TO
CRITICAL & CREATIVE
THINKING
PROBLEM SOLVING

11

Definition And Major Features Of Group Dynamics

The Main Characteristic Of A Group
Factors That Influence Groups
Presentation Skills
Definition Of Critical And Creative Thinking
Characteristic Of Critical And Creative Thinker
Improving Life Through Critical And Creative Thinking

Definition Of Problem Solving And Decision Making

Barriers to Good Decision Making
Strategic Planning
SWOT Analysis

identify the causes, symptoms and

consequences of stress.
cope and manage stress.
determine personal time waster and identify
how to manage time more effectively.
understand how to use different techniques for
note taking
aware of different approaches to research and
academic writing
understand, prepare, plan and write an
academic paper
summarize the major features of group work
participate in group work by increasing their
self-assurance
understand the definition or critical and
creative thinking
develop the criteria for evaluating an
argument or a line of reasoning in a peace of
writing
learn how to identify and draw valid
conclusions
Identify problems and make decision through
different types of problem solving approaches

UGB1053 STUDY SKILLS

LEARNING OUTCOMES
WEE
K

CHAPT
ER

TOPICS

DETAILS
Learners will be able:
Needs Analysis

AND
DECISION MAKING
13

EXAMINATION SKILLS

Definition And Types of Examination

Examination Strategy
Dealing And Managing Exam Stress
Evaluation Of Examination Preparation

understand the importance of examination

develop strategies and techniques during
examination

COURSEPLAN
WEEK

DATE

11/1/201017/1/2010

METHOD

CHAPTER

BRIEFING SESSION

Introduction To The Course Plan And Course

Assessment
Ice Breaking

IDENTIFYING YOUR
SKILLS

Definition Of Skills
5 Main Study Skills Components
Soft employment skills

INTELLIGENCE AND
LEARNING

Definition of Intelligence
9 Different Views of Intelligence
Learning Definition
5 Learning Dimensions

FTF

18/1/201024/1/2010

FTF

25/1/201030/1/2010

FTF

1/2/20107/2/2010

FTF

MODULE

6 Conditions for Learning

Optimal Learning
C.R.E.A.M Strategy for Learning

EVALUATION

SUBMISSION DATE

QUIZ 1 (10%)

UGB1053 STUDY SKILLS

WEEK

DATE

8/2/201013/2/2010

22/2/201028/2/2010

METHOD

FTF

FTF

MODULE

TIME
MANAGEMENT

NOTE TAKING

CHAPTER

EVALUATION

SUBMISSION DATE

Analyzing Students Time Usage

Organizing Students Study Time
Time Management Strategies
Reevaluation Of Study Time Plan
Copping With Procrastination

Definition And Methods Of Note Taking

Definition Of Academic Writing
Types Of Academic Writing

Common Features Of Academic Writing

Writing Development
1/3/20107/3/2010

8/3/201014/3/2010

FTF

FTF

IN CLASS FORUM (5%)

WORKING WITH
OTHERS

Definition And Major Features of

Group Dynamics
The Main Characteristic Of A
Group

UGB1053 STUDY SKILLS

WEEK

DATE

METHOD

MODULE

CHAPTER

EVALUATION

SUBMISSION DATE

Factors That Influence Groups

Presentation Skills

15/3/201021/3/2010

FTF

INTRODUCTION TO
CRITICAL & CREATIVE
THINKING

Definition Of Critical And

Creative Thinking
Characteristic Of Critical And
Creative Thinker

10

22/3/201028/3/2010

FTF

11

29/3/20104/4/2010

FTF

12

5/4/201011/4/2010

FTF

13

12/4/201018/4/2010

14

19/4/201025/4/2010

FTF

Improving Life Through Critical And Creative

Thinking
PROBLEM SOLVING
AND DECISION
MAKING

Definition of Examination
Exam Strategy
EXAMINATION SKILLS Dealing And Managing Exam Stress
Evaluate Your Preparation
Mind Mapping

FINAL EXAM

CLASS SCHEDULE
7

Definition of Problem Solving and Decision

Making
Barriers to Good Decision Making
Strategic Planning
SWOT Analysis
Needs Analysis

CLASS ACTIVITY (10%)

IN CLASS SUBMISSION
OF GROUP
ASSIGNMENT

UGB1053 STUDY SKILLS

LECTURER
Mdm Eliza Irdawaty Nawi
Mdm Eliza Irdawaty Nawi
Mdm. Eliza Irdawaty Nawi

SECTION NO.
1C
2C
3C

DAY/ TIME
Tuesday / 11.30am 2.30pm
Wednesday / 8.30am-11.30am
Monday / 11.30am-2.30pm

EXAMINATION SCHEDULE
Refer to examination schedule from Timetabling and Scheduling Unit.

Study skills
8

VENUE

UGB1053 STUDY SKILLS

The ability of any learner to study successfully depends to a great extent on his fundamental study skills for example the ability
to concentrate, to perceive correctly and accurately, as well as the ability to remember what has been perceived.
Study skills should not be confused with study techniques and study methods. Likewise in a soccer game for an example, a
soccer player has to master the fundamental of soccer skills, e.g. passing, heading, and dribbling the ball. Only after that can be
he be taught techniques and methods. Thus in order to be a good student, a learner must first understand the fundamental of
study skills.
The basic fundamental skills that helps learners to be prepare for college success are:
1. Responsibility
2. Get motivated by building self-esteem and facing your fears
3. Learn from failure and celebrate success
Study Techniques
There are 3 study techniques that can be employed to make study more successful
1. Association: this is probably the most important and most effective of all learning techniques, of which mnemonics is
probably the most commonly used association technique.
2. Thinking in pictures: One is able to remember much better what has been seen in the minds eyes than what has been
thought in abstract terms. Therefore, ne should always consciously try to think in terms of pictures.
3. Reduce frequency of brain waves: The brain usually vibrates at 20 cycles per second or higher. Dr Georgi Lozanov was
probably the first who discovered that, if the frequency of the brain waves is reduced, more effective study becomes
possible. He found that playing slow Baroque music could reduce the frequency of brain waves. Jose Silva was probably
the frist who discovered a method to reduce the frequency of brain waves at will.
Study Methods
Most learners have the bad habit of only studying the day before a test or exam. There are two serious disadvantages attached
to this method of study:
1. There is never any regular practice of study skills.
2. It has been found that within 24 hours 0n an average one forgets up to 80% of what one has learned. If however, the
study material is reviewed after 24 hours, it takes 7 days before 80% is forgotten again, and if another review is done at
this point, then it takes 30 days to forget 80% again.
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UGB1053 STUDY SKILLS

Research has shown that, if the correct pattern or review of studied material is followed, memory consolidation is enhanced
significantly, and overall time spent in learning is slashed dramatically.
Basically skills can be broken into 2: soft skills and hard skills. Hard skills are tangible, specific, and usually teachable: typing 50
words per minute or changing tires. Hard skills embody the technical or administrative knowledge required by employers to
support their business activities. Soft skills are difficult to measure and are often personal attributes: good communication skills
or team-builder are commonly listed on resumes. Soft skills are learned throughout life, beginning with our parents and family
who teach us how to be polite, to get up on time and to do those things we would rather not to do. We also learned b trial and
error to deal interpersonally with other human beings.
Soft sklls as define by Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, 2006) can be said to incorporate all aspects of generic skills that
include to cognitive elements associated with non-academic skills. There are 7 main soft skills that have been identified and
chosen to be implemented to Malaysian Institution of Higher Education..
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.

Communicative skills
Thinking skills and problem solving skills
Team work force
Life long learning and information management
Entrepreneur skill
Ethics, moral and professionalism
Leadership skills

Table 1 The Must Have and Good To Have Elements of Soft Skills

No
.

1.

Soft Skills

Communicative Skills

Must Have Elements (Sub-Skills)

Ability to deliver idea clearly, effectively and with
confidence either orally or in writing
Ability to practice active listening skill and
respond.
Ability to present clearly and confidently to the
audience.
Ability to identify and analyze problems in

10

Good To Have Elements (Sub-Skills)

Ability to use technology during
presentation.
Ability to discuss and arrive at a consensus.
Ability to communicate with individual from a
different cultural background.
Ability to expand ones own communicative
skill.
Ability to use non-oral skills.
Ability to think beyond.

UGB1053 STUDY SKILLS

2.

Critical Thinking and

Problem Solving Skills

3.

Team Work

4.

Life-Long Learning &

Information
Management Skill

5.

6.

7.

Entrepreneurship skill

Ethics, Moral &

Professional

Leadership skill

difficult situation and make justifiable evaluation.

Ability to expand and improve thinking skills such
as explanation, analysis and evaluate discussion.
Ability to find ideas and look for alternative
solutions.
Ability to build a good rapport , interact and work
effectively with others.
Ability to understand and play the role of a
leader and follower alternatively.
Ability to recognize and respect others attitude,
behaviour and beliefs.
Ability to find and manage relevant information
from various sources.
Ability to receive new ideas perform autonomy
learning.
Ability to identify job opportunities.
Ability to understand the economy crisis,
environment and social cultural aspects
professionally.
Ability to analyze make problem solving
decisions related to ethics.
Knowledge of the basic theories of leadership.
Ability to lead a project.

Ability to make conclusion based on valid

proof.
Ability to withstand and give full
responsibility.
Ability to understand and accommodate
oneself to the varied working environment.
Ability to give contribution to the planning
and coordinate group work.
Responsible towards group decision.

Ability to develop an inquiry mind and seek

knowledge.
Ability to propose business opportunity.
Ability to build, explore and seek business
opportunities and job.
Ability to be self-employed.
Ability to practice ethical attitudes besides
having the responsibility towards society.

Ability to understand and take turns as a

leader and follower alternatively.
Ability to supervise members of a group.

Source: Maria Salih, Realising Sustainable Development In Higher Education Through Soft Skills, t.t ,UPSI, Perak, P.7.

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