The Effective Learning Service (ELS) offers guidance and support to all students who wish to develop their academic writing and study skills. Our aim is to help you become as self-reliant as possible as you progress through your degree programmes here at QMU.
You can arrange individual appointments to talk about any study issues you have; you can also book to attend our weekly workshops and classes.
You can do both of these at: https:/qmu-els.libcal.com
Our door is always open for you to drop in and have a chat or to browse through our guides and resources.
We look forward to seeing you!
What happens in an appointment?
An ELS advisor will discuss any concerns you have, such as taking notes, reading effectively, planning and structuring essays or exam techniques; and then work out various strategies to help.
The ELS does not proof-read or check completed essays – the aim of the sessions is for you to build up the skills and confidence you need to tackle academic tasks successfully yourself.
Appointments will usually be held in room 1153. One session is enough in many cases, but students often have several sessions over a semester.
How to book an appointment?
The best way is to choose a day and time which suits you and book it at: https:/qmu-els.libcal.com
If you need to get in touch for any other reason then just send an email message to:
Study Skills Workshops
Do you want to find out
The workshops below are small, informal, and aimed at undergraduate students.
To book a place, go to https:/qmu-els.libcal.com.
Topic |
Day(s) |
Making the most of lectures |
Tues 22nd January Weds 23rd January |
Understanding feedback |
Tues 29th January Weds 30th January |
Reading and note-making |
Tues 5th February Weds 6th February |
Essential academic writing |
Tues 12th February Weds 13th February |
Essays: planning and structuring |
Tues 19th February Weds 20th February |
Referencing (recommended for level 1-2) |
Tues 26th February |
Critical thinking (recommended for level 3-4) |
Weds 27th February |
Workshop times and rooms
Tuesdays |
12.15 – 1.15pm |
Check booking system for room details |
Wednesdays |
1.15 – 2.15pm |
Please book using this link: https:/qmu-els.libcal.com.
Contact: ELS@qmu.ac.uk
If you are unable to come to any of these workshops, or are interested in a particular topic but can't find a workshop on it, do contact us. We can do our best to organise extra workshops for small groups at times that suit you.
Drop-in
If you are looking for some quick advice or guidance, you can drop in and see us in room 1153. There should be someone there Monday to Friday, between 9.00 and 16.30. There is a supply of study guides, and if we are free, it is possible to have a short consultation with one of us.
If you drop in to the ELS and we are not there for any reason, or a workshop is running, do email us with your query and we shall get back to you.
Guides and Resources
The leaflets and the basic one-page guides below are also available at the Effective Learning Service, room 1153, in the LRC.
The LRC has a wide range of study skills books available in individual subject areas.
Leaflets:
Quick guides:
Key study websites at QMU:
See our Library section for useful study and information skills.
Write and Cite: The QM Guide to the Harvard Style of Referencing.
Other key study websites:
Academic Phrasebank - A site containing lots of examples of academic English arranged by function.
Effective Learning Service for international students
The Effective Learning Service for international students at QMU is here to provide support for all students wishing to develop their English language skills.
Where are we?
We are based in room 1153 in the Learning Resource Centre – just follow the signs.
What do we offer?
Individual appointments, in-sessional Academic Writing Classes, and a Pre-sessional English Course
What happens in an individual appointment?
During an appointment the tutor will work with you to identify your specific needs and develop a plan of action. We can offer personal help with any aspect of your coursework, study skills or exam preparation. We can help you improve but we will not complete your assignment for you or proof read your work.
It would be useful if you could send us by email any writing you want us to look at in advance. If the piece of writing is over 1,500 words long please indicate clearly which portion of it you would like to be considered. We would also like you to send us the assignment title, instructions and any marking criteria that you have been given.
In-sessional Academic Skills Classes:
The classes are small, informal, and aimed at undergraduates whose first language is not English.
The classes take place on Tuesdays and on Wednesdays at 1.30 p.m. and last 90 minutes.
If interested, you need to plan to attend all six sessions on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
(the topics may change depending on needs of the class)
Week |
Date |
Room |
Topic |
3 |
25th September 26th September |
2171 2171 |
Signing up session/questionnaire |
4 |
2nd October 3rd October
|
2091 2171 |
The essay and paragraphs |
5 |
9th October 10th October
|
1153 2173 |
Writing introductions and conclusions |
6 |
16th October 17th October
|
2173 2173 |
Using sources – reporting verbs |
7 |
23rd October 24th October
|
2174 2173 |
Dealing with essay titles |
8 |
30th October 31st October
|
2174 2173 |
Critical thinking |
To book, or for further details, please email elsinternational@qmu.ac.uk
Pre-sessional English Course
These courses are designed to prepare non-native speakers of English for university study in Britain. For more information about this course, or to book a place on a 12-week or a 4-week see Pre-sessional English Course.
How to contact us
Come along to the Effective Learning Service at the LRC and we can make an appointment at a time which suits you. Alternatively, you can make an appointment by email at the following address: ELSinternational@qmu.ac.uk
The ELS is based in room 1153 in the Library.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 09.00 a.m. - 16.30 p.m.
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