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Library training and events: New students

This guide includes details of all workshops and events run by your Library team.

Explore the Library - a self-guided tour

Explore the Library with this quick online guide with maps and images - you can always revisit this before your first visit to the Library building.

Take the pain out of referencing using EndNote or Mendeley

We offer help and training on the EndNote and Mendeley reference management systems to manage and create references. See the boxes below for details of our workshops.

Our reference management workshops count towards your Red Award.

For alternative ways to learn about these useful tools see our Managing references guide:

Reference management workshop times

Select from the following times. Just click on the title to book your place. In person workshops take place in the Library.

Academic skills training

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The Study Advice team run webinar throughout the academic year to support you with all aspects of your study. From revising for your exams to preparing for your dissertations, these friendly webinars are designed for you to get some tips from the experts and put your studies on track for success.

After attending a webinar, you may also want to book a 1-2-1 session with a Study Adviser to discuss a particular assessment or issue in more depth. Appointments can be booked by completing this simple online form

For those that prefer online resources, we have a suite of video tutorials and study guides covering all aspects of study on our Study Advice pages.

Academic Skills Semester One Workshops

 

Please ensure you are logged in to your student account before booking

For booking issues please email: studyadvice@reading.ac.uk

Our webinars are 1 hour with an extra 30 minutes at the end set aside for questions.

Week Date Topic Details Link to book
3

Wednesday, 16 October 

14:00 - 15:00

Critical reading and note making This webinar focuses on strategies for active reading and note making, so that you can keep track of information sources, use evidence effectively, and develop your own ideas. These strategies will help you make the most of your lectures and seminars, and will prepare you for the writing of assignments.  Book
4

Wednesday, 23 October 

14:00 - 15:00

Structuring and planning your assignments In this webinar, we will consider how to approach planning your assignments and how to improve your assignment structure, including identifying your argument or position and selecting your evidence. Book
5

Wednesday, 30 October 

14:00 - 15:00

Developing your academic writing This webinar explores how to develop ideas into well-formed paragraphs, including how to support your arguments with appropriate use of evidence in academic writing. We will break down the key features of good paragraphing and will examine different degrees of depth and complexity, appropriate for different levels of study. Book
7

Wednesday, 13 November

14:00 - 15:00

Understanding and avoiding academic misconduct  This webinar will review the key principles of academic integrity and some common mistakes that may lead to poor academic practice. We will then explore strategies you can use to improve the academic integrity of your work and avoid unintentional plagiarism.  Book
8

Wednesday, 20 November 

14:00 - 15:00

Designing your presentation This webinar will explore how to design a presentation that makes a strong impression. We will cover content, pacing, and the PowerPoint.   Book
9

Wednesday, 27 November 

14:00 - 15:00

Using generative AI tools effectively: tips and guidance Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly evolving technology that is becoming increasingly commonplace in work and study. Whilst it can be a helpful tool, there can also be significant ethical implications, as well as other potential pitfalls related to its use. In this webinar we will discuss the underlying technology of chat AI, its potential shortcomings, as well as how to use AI ethically and safely. Book
9

Wednesday, 27 November

15:30 - 16:30 

Delivering your presentation - In person It’s one thing to design a good presentation, another thing entirely to deliver it! In this workshop, we will cover how to develop your public speaking voice, including how to manage your nerves. Palmer 106

Book

In person

10

Wednesday, 4 December 

14:00 - 15:00

How to be critical Critical thinking is an important element of university study. In this webinar, we will explore the notion of critical thinking and identify key attitudes and strategies for becoming a critical thinker.  Book
10

Wednesday, 4 December  

15:30 - 16:30

Using generative AI tools effectively: hands on session - In person Come along to this in person session and try out some AI tools with your Study Adviser on hand to guide you. Library G12

Book

In person

11

Wednesday, 11 December 

14:00 - 15:00

How to write a good reflection

Reflection is a key skill for success at university and beyond. This is evident in the number of assignments with reflective components and requirements. In this webinar, we will examine what it means to be reflective and how to write reflectively. We will look at models which support the reflective process, and identify features of good reflective writing.

Book
12

Wednesday, 18 December 

14:00 - 15:00

Preparing for your exams With exams around the corner, this webinar will help you prepare for the weeks ahead. It will cover how to make an effective revision plan, considering when, where and what to study. Book