Study skills

Successful learning at university requires more than attending classes. As an ISP student, you are expected to take an active role in your studies, manage your time effectively, and make use of the academic support and learning resources available to you.

Independent Learning

University study encourages students to become independent learners. Lecturers and tutors will guide you through the unit content, answer questions, and provide feedback on your work. However, it is your responsibility to complete required readings, prepare for classes, keep track of deadlines, and meet both academic and administrative requirements.

Developing independent learning habits will help you become more confident, organised, and prepared throughout your academic journey.

Critical Thinking and Analysis

Critical thinking is the ability to examine information carefully, ask relevant questions, compare different viewpoints, and make informed judgments. It helps you move beyond simply memorising information and instead understand why an idea is important and how it can be applied.

Critical analysis allows you to connect what you learn in class with readings, research, case studies, and other sources. These skills are particularly important when completing assignments, as you are expected to present your own ideas while using credible evidence to support your arguments.

Time Management

Effective time management is essential for balancing classes, assignments, group work, and personal responsibilities. Plan your study schedule at the beginning of each trimester and record important dates, including assessment deadlines, presentations, and examinations.

Break larger tasks into smaller steps and start assignments early. This will give you enough time to research, write, revise, and submit your work with confidence. Setting reminders and reviewing your schedule regularly can also help you avoid missing important deadlines.

Preparing for Lectures and Tutorials

To gain the most from each class, it is important to prepare before attending lectures and tutorials.

Before class, complete the required readings and review any learning materials provided on the E-learning system. This will help you become familiar with key concepts, vocabulary, and questions related to the topic.

During class, listen actively and take notes of key ideas rather than trying to write down every word. Participate in discussions, group activities, and presentations whenever possible. If you do not understand something, do not hesitate to ask your lecturer or tutor for clarification.

After class, review your notes and materials while the content is still fresh. Identify areas that need further study and use additional readings or reliable sources to deepen your understanding.

Reading at University

Reading is a key part of university learning. Textbooks, journal articles, reports, and other academic materials will support your understanding of each unit and help you prepare for assessments.

Read with a clear purpose. Use skimming to gain an overview of a text and scanning to locate specific information, such as definitions, examples, data, or key arguments. Take notes as you read and consider how the information connects to your lectures, tutorials, and assignment topics.

Students are encouraged to use the UEH Smart Library to access reliable academic resources, including books, journals, and databases: https://smartlib.ueh.edu.vn.

Academic Writing

Academic writing is clear, structured, and supported by evidence. When completing assignments, make sure you understand the assessment question, marking criteria, required format, and submission deadline.

A well-written assignment usually includes an introduction, clear body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea and use relevant evidence or examples to support your argument. Allow sufficient time to plan, draft, edit, and proofread your work before submission.

If you are unsure about an assignment requirement, refer to the Unit Guide or ask your lecturer or tutor for support.

Academic Integrity and Referencing

Academic integrity means completing your work honestly, responsibly, and respectfully. All students are expected to acknowledge the sources they use, including books, articles, websites, images, tables, data, and ideas.

Plagiarism occurs when someone uses another person’s work without proper acknowledgement. It is considered a serious academic offence and may result in academic penalties. To avoid plagiarism, use the required referencing style for your unit, provide accurate citations, and include a complete reference list.

Paraphrasing means expressing information from a source in your own words while keeping the original meaning. Even when you paraphrase, you must still cite the original source. Proper referencing shows respect for intellectual property and strengthens the quality and credibility of your academic work.