PPST100 Study skills

PPST100 is a course we have developed to support students in their transition into university life.The aim is to provide students with the tools and insights they need to master a new academic everyday life.

The course is divided into three modules:

• Part 1: Practical aspects of student life
• Part 2: Study skills, learning, and learning strategies
• Part 3: Belonging, coping, stress, and motivation

The course aims to strengthen students’ ability to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop good study habits early in their academic journey. It is designed to help students build a study life characterized by joy, a sense of mastery, and confidence in their own abilities.

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of:

• the transition into the student role, including new routines, expectations, and what it means to be a university student
• fundamental principles of time management, planning, and structure in everyday academic life
• relevant digital tools for organisation, learning, and study work (calendars, learning management systems, note‑taking tools, productivity tools)
• key components of a sustainable student life, including finances, housing, health, and support services
• effective study techniques, learning strategies, and student‑active learning methods
• basic academic norms: characteristics of academic texts, assignment instructions, assessment criteria, AI, use of sources, and plagiarism
• group dynamics, collaboration, and the characteristics of a well‑functioning learning community
• factors influencing belonging, motivation, and self‑efficacy in higher education, including growth mindset and self‑regulated learning

Skills

The candidate is able to:

• apply relevant structuring tools to plan the semester, organise weekly study sessions, and work strategically with long‑term assignments
• use digital tools to structure, prioritise, and carry out academic and practical tasks
• apply appropriate study techniques such as active reading, note‑taking strategies, self‑testing, collaboration, and strategic use of course materials and learning activities
• demonstrate fundamental academic skills: interpret assignment prompts, use assessment criteria, and locate and apply sources correctly
• use strategies for group work, establish and follow a group contract, and contribute to constructive collaboration
• apply self‑regulated learning strategies, including goal‑setting, planning, monitoring, and adjusting their own learning processes
• use techniques to manage performance pressure, comparison, and academic challenges in a health‑promoting manner

General Competence

The candidate can reflect upon and take responsibility for:

• their own role in the transition to student life and in developing good, sustainable study habits
• how academic and practical choices influence study progression, well‑being, and learning outcomes
• their own motivation, sense of belonging, and self‑efficacy, and how these can be strengthened over time
• academic integrity, ethical guidelines in student life, and the importance of source criticism
• how a conscious and structured approach to studying, collaboration, and personal well‑being can contribute to an inclusive and productive learning environment
• how to seek help, use support services, and make effective use of university resources