Back This section gives you specific strategies to help with study and also course work such as presentations and group work tips provided by our Academic Skill Centre team.
From experience of working in ASC with our neurodivergent students on campus we can suggest some study tips that help and some advice on presentation skills and group work tips to help you thrive on campus.
Study tips for autistic students
Mind-mapping, this really helps to break down a lot of information when beginning any project. Follow up on Instagram for regular updates.
Using colour when organising your note taking
Chunk information
Read aloud or use a ‘study buddy’
Use the SQ3R method to help condense your notes
Always take regular breaks and ask for help from your tutor when you need to. Everyone studies differently so knowing yourself and your study style can really help.
If you are feeling too overwhelmed about the presentation -check in with your ASD worker/tutor or speak to your lecturer.
About ASC tutors
Tools/tips to try
a-The Pomodoro Technique is originally developed by
Francesco Cirillo as a tool to enhance productivity.
The basic instructions are: -Decide on a task to be done -Set a timer to 25 minutes (= “1 Pomodoro”) -Work on the task -When timer rings take short break
A Pomodoro cannot be divided. If you are off-task for more
than a minute, you should restart your entire Pomodoro.
If you use an egg-timer, benefit is that the ticking sound of
the timer becomes associated with focus.
b-The 5 minute task
This tool is very popular in our Effective Studying courses at
the University of Groningen.
It is based on the fact that the hardest part of a task, is
getting started.
In the 5-minute-plan you don’t plan in to finish a certain
dreadful task. Instead, you just plan in to work on it for 5
minutes. Actually agree with yourself to spend at least 5
minutes, whether you feel like it or not! After this time, if it is
still dreadful to you, allow yourself to stop.
Always have a reward for yourself for trying!
Additional information
Group work tips
Group work can be a challenge at times for students. It is a great way to learn to collaborate and communicate in preparation for life outside college. However, it is important to know how to get started with your group work.
1-If you can always start with an agreed work schedule and assign roles people are comfortable with – these can always be rotated if necessary.
2-Share the workload into tasks and communicate fully on content and deadline times.
3-If problems arise and you can’t resolve them, ask a 3rd party for independent advice/ lecturer.
4-Always be open as a group to avoid miscommunication.
Presentations
This is probably the most anxiety inducing part of college life which affects all students. There will always be individual/group presentations throughout your studies. So practice is key to overcoming your presentation delivery. Tips include:
1-practice alone first, maybe record your delivery or ask a friend or tutor to give you feedback.
2-avoid using flash-cards. use them for practice only. your presentation is to allow you to talk about the topic at hand.
3-take your time and remember to breathe.
4- if you can try to make general eye contact around the room. If you are very nervous hold a pen in your hand and focus on one point to look at the back of the room.
5-practice, practice, practice- it does get easier over time.
6-You can practice in private in ASC with your tutor at any time.
About the author
Academic Skills Centre tutors at SETU recommend these tips for study.
Pomodoro Technique is originally developed by
Francesco Cirillo.
The 5 minute task c/o University of Groningen.