Getting Support
What is it?
Knowing how to get the support you need, and getting it at the right time, is an important skill. It involves getting to know what support is available and also being aware that you need it. It could include asking tutors for help, using online services or resources, or working with other students. The support you find at university will be formative, that is, it will help you to develop so that in future you can do it yourself: it doesn't mean that you will be given the answers!
Why is it important?
It is important because it helps you to develop your abilities and reach your potential while also being an essential part of being an independent and lifelong learner. It is also worth mentioning that it reduces stress!
Examples
Examples of how to get support are:
- You get some feedback on an assignment, but you aren't sure what it means, so you ask your tutor for clarification.
- You realise that you don't know how to use databases, so you attend a workshop in the Library.
- Everyone says that there are lots of marks for critical thinking, but how do you show critical thinking in academic writing? You go to the Skills for Success academic skills homepage and put "critical writing" in the search box. You find that there are lots of materials to help with this.
How can I learn how to do it?
- Familiarise yourself with what support is available: Browse the Library website; notice posters around campus; go into the Library and ask about support services.
- Get into the habit of reflecting on your performance - you need to be aware of when you need support!
- Pay attention to the feedback you get from your tutors.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses, and try to be objective so that you don't under- or over-estimate your abilities.
- Take the attitude that you are the manager of your learning (rather than your tutors) and so you are responsible for getting help when you need it.
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