Student Learning Unit, Victoria University, Melbourne

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These Language and Learning Resources are in the areas of:
Communication, Assessment, Learning and Mathematics (CALM)  

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Subject-specific Resources 

These have been created by lecturers working within your subject area, and are organised according to the faculty that you are in:

» Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
» Faculty of Business and Law
» Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development 

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General Resources

» English As A Second Language (ESL) | Study Skills | Mathematics

If you have any queries about language and learning skills, or on how this resource could be improved, feel free to leave a reply below!

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Introduction

If you have looked through our resources and feel that you still need support, you may like to make an appointment to see a language and learning skills lecturer. If some of your classmates have the same sorts of queries, then you may also book a Group Consultation. 

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What happens in an appointment?

An SLU lecturer will look at any concerns you have, and skills you need to develop, then work out various strategies to help you. The sorts of topics which students raise in ICs are often similar to those that are covered in workshops: 

• critical analysis

• referencing and citation

• grammar

• vocabulary

• presentation

This may lead onto other areas such as:

• study skills (time management, study strategies etc.)

• note-taking skills

• vocabulary development

• academic expression.

There are also ICs available in:

• mathematics
• statistics
• general science.

Support is offered to students requiring assistance with understanding theory, problem-solving, and preparation for tests and examinations. In the case of projects, solutions are not provided, though students are guided through the requirements.

SLU lecturers do not proofread or help you actually write an essay. Do not expect to arrive at an appointment a few hours before an assignment is due to be handed in, and have someone correct your mistakes. This is not how the SLU works.

 

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How many appointments can I have? 

For reasons of equity, we only offer one hour per student per week, but if you feel you have special circumstances, then please contact either Bernadette Trickey or Monica Kemp on the phone number below.  ICs are often in high demand, especially at certain times of the year. For this reason, we advise that you book at least two weeks in advance.

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How do I book an appointment?

1. Come into the SLU reception in person -
   we are located in Building M, Footscray Park ( Map available here)
2. Call us on: 9919 4744
3. Email: studentlearning@vu.edu.au

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What should I bring?

• the assignment question (if relevant)
• the task instructions
• the assessment criteria
• your essay/ dissertation draft (preferably in hard copy)

SLU welcomes your feedback on any individual consultations that you have attended.

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Who are these course for?

These are for students enrolled in VU degrees or higher awards.  They are for both new students to the university and for students who have been at university for a while but who still feel unsure about some of the academic expectations.  Usually we divide the students into Faculty groupings and separate undergraduate students from postgraduate students.  

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What are the aims of these courses?

To make explicit the skills required to be successful at university.

• To assist the transition to higher education from a wide range of student backgrounds.
• To acknowledge the experiences that students bring with them to higher education.
• To make explicit the meaning of academic writing.
• To assist students with a range of strategies to help cope with university life.

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What will I study?

The timetable will be developed in conjunction with the participants of Uniskills.  In the past the program has focused on how to tackle different types of assessment, in particular different writing styles.  There are often questions and discussion around plagiarism, referencing and finding appropriate academic sources.  For the new students the program tends to concentrate more on how to get the most out of lectures and tutorials.

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When can I start?

Uniskills usually runs at Footscray Park in the week before Semester 1 starts (February) and in the week before Semester 2 starts (July). 

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How do I apply?

You need to register for Uniskills.  This can be done in person by coming to Student Learning Services Reception, Level 3, Building M, Footscray Park Campus or by using the phone number or email address below.

The Student Learning Unit reception:  9919 4744, otherwise email studentlearning@vu.edu.au .

 

If you have any queries about uniskills, or on how this information could be improved, feel free to leave a comment/ reply below!

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This post contains a couple of powerpoint presentations that were created for a writing skills workshop for nursing students.

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Case Studies in Nursing

The link below will give you information on how to write a case study, with a particular focus on how to transfer meaning into writing. It covers the following topics: overall report structure, method, findings, discussion and conclusion.

Case Studies In Nursing

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Quoting / Referencing in Nursing

link below takes you to information on how to include your own voice inyour writing, while refering to what other writers have said about your topic. It gives clear guidlines on when and how to reference (support your claims). It also looks at how to paraphrase without

Quoting In Nursing

If you have any queries about quoting, or on how this resource could be improved, feel free to leave a reply below!

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This post is in progress! It is being developed to give you some tips and strategies to help you work more effectively in groups. Why not post a comment below with your own ideas for this resource!

1. What makes a good team leader?
2. What are some ways of keeping a team motivated over time?
3. How do you get team members to take “ownership” of the project?
4. What is the best way to facilitate  communication within the team?
5. How do you get members to stick to the ground rules?
6. How can a team leader get the team to work brilliantly?
7. How can you develop a culture of co-operation in your team?
8. How can we make sure the team is continually improving?
9. What are some of the most common mistakes that teams make?

Have a look at this video and try to answer the questions