What's on at the ASC

Online drop-in support

We host a weekly online drop-in on a Wednesday afternoon (14:00-15:00 UK time) during term time, where you can receive quick advice relating to academic skills. Enrol on our Canvas course to access the Zoom link. Please note that we alternate between offering advice on research and writing skills. Please check the schedule to see what is being covered each week.

During week 11, we will be hosting three additional online drop-ins where you can seek support on writing and research skills.  You can access these through our Canvas pages.

  • Monday 4 December 2023, 12:00 - 13:00 UK time
  • Wednesday 6 December 2023, 14:00 - 15:00 UK time
  • Friday 8 December 2023, 12:00 - 13:00 UK time

In-person drop-in support

We will also be holding in-person drop-ins in the ASC Training Room, first floor, Main Library on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 8 November 2023, 15:00 - 16:00
  • Thursday 16 November 2023, 12:00 - 13:00
  • Friday 24 November 2023, 13:00 - 14:00
  • Thursday 30 November 2023, 11:00 - 12:00
  • Thursday 7 December 2023, 12:00 - 13:00

Week 11 revision and assessment support workshops

During week 11 (week beginning 4 December 2023), we are delivering and recording several online workshops to support you as you prepare for your assessment. See the full schedule of workshops and book your place.

Welcome 2023 workshop recordings

Using Generative AI tools for study

This workshop will introduce you to some Generative AI tools. It will explain what the tools are and how they work. We’ll also consider how they could enhance your study and learning whilst making you aware of their limitations. This is a great workshop to attend if you’re curious about these tools and want to learn more.

Learning at University (passcode: X0J*6YQ$)

This workshop will help you gain confidence with some essential learning skills, including time management, independent learning, and notetaking. It will help you to reflect on your own approaches to study, ensuring that you feel prepared for the year to come. 

Introduction to Library Resources (passcode: TC4d$iMj)

This workshop will introduce you to some key Library resources that will help you with your study: how to access and use your module Resource List and how to get the most out of the library catalogue, FindIt@Bham. 

Preparing for your final year

This online workshop will help you prepare for your final year. It will help you to:

  • Reflect on your previous studies and identify how you want to develop this year
  • Manage your time and work-load
  • Strengthen your critical thinking and academic voice
  • Start preparing for final year projects or dissertations

Preparing for second year

This workshop will help you reflect on your first year so that you feel confident and prepared for your second year. We’ll think about how you can consolidate and develop skills you will have picked up in your first year, including time management, reading and notetaking, and writing critically. 

Digital tools (Passcode: zdf&mF3z)

This workshop will introduce you to the core digital tools of the University such as Canvas, Microsoft 365 and LinkedIn Learning.  We’ll show you how to get the most from these tools and where you can go for further help and support beyond the session.  

Other upcoming workshops

PGT Essentials

The ASC and The Graduate School have teamed up to provide a range of online workshops to support your academic skills development. For more information and to book a place online, visit The Graduate School’s Event page. These workshops are for postgraduate taught students only.

Birmingham Scholars

The ASC run workshops for Birmingham Scholars. If you are a Birmingham Scholar you will have access to the following Canvas course and will be able to find information about our workshops.

Students in Dubai

The ASC are running several workshops for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Dubai. For a full schedule of what’s happening, visit the Dubai Library pages. These workshops are for students studying in Dubai.

Archive of past workshop recordings

The following videos are taken from recordings of our open programme workshops for the Assessment Support Weeks in December 2022 and May 2023.

New resources

Studying at University 23/24 

What's it like to study at University? What's the difference between a lab or a seminar? Get all the tips from the Academic Skills team in Library Services with our handy short videos.

Cite them right online

In this short video, learn all about Cite them Right Online, an online platform designed to advise students on how to reference correctly across eight referencing styles. The video will show you how to use the tool and get the most out of ithis online tool.

How we can learn effectively

There are so many different ways to learn. This short guide explores some possible strategies and suggestions to help you learn effectively.

Commenting on the evidence

When writing a paragraph, one of the most important features is to comment on evidence you have provided to back up a point. What does it mean to comment and how do you do this effectively? Watch this short video to find out.

Managing your research project

This new video is perfect for Taught students managing a research project for the first time. It covers three aspects: managing your relationship with your supervisor, using your time effectively, and writing an effective research question.

For more resources please see our Academic Skills Gateway.

Contact us

For any Taught student queries (UG/MA/MSc) please contact asc@contacts.bham.ac.uk

For Research postgraduate queries (MRes or PhD) please contact libraryresearchskills@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

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