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Learning skills drop-in sessions and classes run by the Law Library

Drop-in sessions

Drop-in sessions commence in week 2 and run through to week 14. No bookings are required for drop-in sessions. These are held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12 - 2pm at the Law Library, Clayton Campus.

Undergraduates
  • Wednesdays and Fridays 12-2
Postgraduates can make appointments for consultation on
  • Thursdays 10am-12pm, 3-5pm (weeks 1-2 and 5-14 at the Law Chambers, City)
or by emailing the advisers at other times.

Undergraduate classes at the Law Library, Clayton

Venue: Mondays 12 - 1pm in 3rd Floor Meeting Room, Mondays 1 - 2pm in L5

*Note: in weeks 4 and 6 class will be held from 1-2pm, same venue.

Week Date Topic
1   Taking control of your study
2   Lectures, note-taking and tutorials
3   Coping with the reading
*4   Reading and note-taking
5   Assignments - where the marks come from
*6   Reading for critical analysis
No seminar over mid-semester break; drop-in sessions available
7   Building summaries: different styles
8   Analysing an essay question and building an argument
9   The writing process
10   Improving structure and coherence
11   Writing clearly and concisely
12   Preparing for exams
13   Essay questions in exams, and building an argument
14   Preparing for exams (repeat)

Bookings for 2010 will open shortly: online via my.monash (search for classes using Law as a keyword) or phone 990-58657.

Postgraduate classes at the Law Chambers, City

Title Description
Flying high: skills for success Managing a successful return to study including time management.  Finding your learning style and becoming an independent learner.
Making connections: optimising the learning experience. Listening analytically: plan ahead; use visual clues and think like a lecturer.  Your lecturer is also a resource to help you with your learning, so know why, when and how to approach him or her.
Drowning in words: reading efficiently Coping with your reading.  Changing reading styles and speeds to suit the purpose.   Evaluating while reading to improve understanding and to keep focused.
In brief: note-taking and summarising skills. Looking at styles of note-taking and choosing key ideas to create useful paraphrases and summaries. 
Be judgemental: reading critically Developing skills to help you question and evaluate your reading. Critical reading habits will improve your own analytical writing practice, which is essential for Law.
Be alert: tips to avoid plagiarism Managing your note-taking style to avoid unintentional plagiarism. Knowing how to avoid plagiarism is essential for your professional future as well as for academic study now.  
Case chase: reading and writing case notes Applying critical reading techniques when summarising cases.  Learn the value of analysis when applying the rules.  On 12 March, a Law research librarian will present part of each session, to help you access cases.
Essays 101: surveying essay writing Improve your results by becoming familiar with the predictable structures of legal essays.
Style file: finding an appropriate style. Using appropriate academic vocabulary and form in writing.
The write stuff: stepping stones in writing Approaches to planning your writing task. Brainstorming techniques and the use of headings. Tips to manage writer's block.
Balance and flow: key features of academic writing Investigating essential structures to assist flow in your writing.  The balance between information and analysis in your introduction, body and conclusion.
Argument alley: developing an argument in academic writing Strengthening your written response to the question and sustaining a relevant argument throughout your answer. Includes a basic introduction to logic and logical fallacies
Other voices: integrating the ideas of others into your writing Choosing appropriate ideas to extend your argument and joining them together in a smooth manner.
The good ref: referencing - 'what?' 'why?' and 'how?'

Using other's ideas appropriately through referencing. How to use reporting verbs effectively. A Law research librarian will present part of each session on 9 April.

Limp language: pitfalls of expression and how to avoid them Writing clearly and effectively can be learnt, by using plain English and thinking of your audience.  
Top marks: perfecting your final draft Using drafting and editing to get better results.  Techniques for linking ideas together, and combining brevity with precision.
Testing times: preparing for exams Strategies for preparing exam summaries and managing exam pressures including time pressure.
Looking your best: polishing your writing draft A final review of your work is worthwhile – improve your expression and presentation. Use headings effectively.

You can check when these sessions are scheduled and book your place online via my.monash booking system. Search for a specific session using the session title as a keyword or enter City Campus in the campus field and Law as a keyword to see all sessions.

Bookings: online via my.monash or phone 990-58657.

For further information about learning skills classes at the Law Library, or to arrange additional classes, contact:

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