Using the Student Learning and Achievement Centre
Using the Student Learning and Achievement Centre
When starting with BNU, I had no idea how to write academically. When it came to sitting and writing essays, I didn't have the skills necessary to pass to a higher standard or grade. I felt upset that I'd be going through three years of just barely passing, when I wanted to do well in all aspects of my degree – even the research and theory side.
Every Thursday I would be sat in the library writing lecture notes from my theory lessons, when one day we had a guest lecturer from BNU’s Student Learning and Achievement Centre, She was set to give us a lecture on plagiarism and academic integrity and after the lessons, I was able to get her email address after I spoke to my tutor about getting help.
Once I emailed her, we had our first meeting. I explained to her that I needed help writing essays and reports at a higher education level. From there I would send her my work and when we had our next meeting, we would go through what needed to be changed and how I could do this.
Now granted, most of our meetings turned into a good old chit-chat, but with the help and guidance from her, I was able to go from getting 40s in my first year to getting my first in my second year, which is an enormous jump. I was so happy!
I am incredibly thankful for her and the Student Learning and Achievement Centre. The guidance I received over the two years meant I’ve got an amazing grade for my dissertation and will be continuing my studies with an MA.
For myself who is a diagnosed dyslexic, to get where I am today is incredible. I am so very grateful for the SLA. I recommend all university students to go get guidance at the centre to help them boost their learning and academic development.
Regardless of the subject, year, or level of competence, the SLA works with students who are eager to advance their academic skills and raise their grades. They focus a lot of their assistance on one-on-one tutorials, so they can cater to the unique requirements of each student. Along with team teaching with subject academics, they also work with small groups and do workshops.
Can they help you in any way? They assist students with all facets of their academic work and can aid you in a variety of ways to maximise your learning. They can help you with, for instance:
- effective note-making strategies;
- research skills;
- evidence-based academic writing (including referencing);
- critical thinking;
- getting the most from the feedback on your assignments.