Welcome to the Study Matters Podcast!

This podcast is all about academic and study skills in higher education, brought to you by the Keele University Library team.

Each episode features a short interview with a guest expert on a topic related to academic skills, packed with practical tips to help you succeed in your university studies and beyond.

Visit our Academic Skills webpage for all episode transcripts and more information about the podcast: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Transcript: 

Welcome to Study Matters, a practical podcast hosted by the Keele University Library Team about academic skills and why they matter for students success in higher education. 

Each episode we’ll interview an educator about an area of academic practice in which students typically struggle from reading to writing and all things in between. And what's more, we'll share top tips to help you study and complete your work more effectively.

Introduction to Study Matters

Want to learn some top tips for managing time and workload to reach your academic goals? 

In this Study Matters episode, Aimee Merrydew and Emma Baines discuss organisation and time management.

By the end of the episode, you'll have learned why managing your workload matters for academic studies and some techniques you can use to organise your studies more effectively to help you achieve your academic goals.

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Twitter: Keele_AS

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 1: Managing Time and Workload at University

Fancy some tips for making your academic reading more strategic and effective? 

In this Study Matters episode, Angela Rhead joins Aimee Merrydew to chat about academic reading.

By the end of the episode, you'll have learned why reading strategically matters for academic studies and some techniques you can use to read more effectively to help you achieve your academic goals. 

The episode also includes tips for educators to embed academic reading activities into the curriculum to support students develop this academic skill. 

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Follow us on Twitter @KeeleLibrary to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 2: Reading for Academic Purposes

Do you ever think you're a failure? Do you feel anxious and doubt your abilities? Do you over-prepare or not ask for help because you're worried you should already know the answer?

Don't worry - you're not alone!  

In this Study Matters episode, Toni Karic joins Aimee Merrydew to share some of the reasons why imposter syndrome is so common among students and what can be done to manage these thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to support wellbeing and succeed at university.

Whether you're a student or educator, this episode will help you to understand:

1. What we mean by 'imposter syndrome' and why managing it matters for our learning;
2. Common issues and how to overcome them;
3. Practical tips for students and how to embed them into teaching as educators.

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Follow us on Twitter @Keele_AS to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 3: Managing Imposter Syndrome as a University Student

What does reflective writing mean? Why do I keep being told my reflections aren't reflective enough? How do I write reflectively for my studies?

In this episode, Will Foster joins Aimee Merrydew to chat about reflective writing.

Whether you're a student or educator, this episode will help you to understand:

1. What we mean by 'reflective writing' and why it matters for our learning.
2. Common issues and how to overcome them.
3. Practical tips for students and how to embed them into teaching as educators.

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Got an idea for an episode or want to be a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us here: https://forms.office.com/r/Yqx0JPa2Hw

Follow us on Twitter @Keele_AS to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 4: Writing Reflectively

What are literature reviews? Why are they important for my research? How on earth can I write one for my project?

In this episode, Rachael Lewis comes to the rescue and chats with Aimee Merrydew about how we can conduct literature reviews effectively and efficiently 🙌

Whether you're a student or educator, this episode will help you to understand:

1. What we mean by 'literature review' and why this academic skill matters for learning. 

2. Common issues people encounter when performing literature reviews and how to overcome them.

3. Practical tips for students and how to embed them into teaching as educators.

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Got an idea for an episode or want to be a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us here: forms.office.com/r/Yqx0JPa2Hw

Follow us on Twitter @Keele_AS to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 5: Conducting Literature Reviews

What do we mean by ‘theory’? Why is it useful to engage with theory in academic work? How can we use theory to help us build our ideas? 🤔

In this episode, Amy Blaney chats with Aimee Merrydew (host) about all things theory and why it’s often misunderstood as an angry bull… 

Spoiler alert: it’s not an angry bull and this episode provides pathways to help us access and navigate theory without encountering any angry bulls along the way (we hope) 🙌

Whether you're a student or educator, this episode will help you to understand:

1. What we mean by 'theory' and why it matters for learning and academic development.

2. Common issues students encounter when reading theoretical texts and engaging with them in their work.

3. Practical tips for students on engaging with theory and how to embed the techniques into teaching and the curriculum as educators.

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Got an idea for an episode or want to be a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us here: forms.office.com/r/Yqx0JPa2Hw

Follow us on Twitter @Keele_AS to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 6: Engaging with Theory in your Studies

What are academic conferences and why is it worth presenting at them as an undergraduate student? How can students prepare to present their research? And what can educators do to help students develop their presentation skills so they not only communicate their research effectively but also have fun in the process? 🤔

In this episode, Aimee Merrydew explores these questions with Dr Chris Little to share the ins and outs of academic conferences.

Whether you're a student or educator, this episode will help you to understand:

💡 What we mean by ‘academic conferences’ and why they matter for undergraduate students’ academic and professional development.

🚧 Common issues and barriers students encounter when presenting their research at conferences.

✨ Practical tips for students on managing presentation nerves and preparing to present their research confidently... Enter trusty clicky pens (among other tried-and-tested techniques) 🖋️

🔃 Examples of how educators can embed abstract writing and presentation opportunities into the curriculum through assessment design, helping students to practise their public speaking skills and create outward-facing research outputs they can re-use in different contexts (including conferences and publications).

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Got an idea for an episode or want to be a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us here: forms.office.com/r/Yqx0JPa2Hw

Follow us on Twitter @Keele_AS to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 7: Presenting at Academic Conferences

What do we mean by 'gamifying' libraries and why are games useful learning tools for students? How can students build their information, academic, and professional skills through game-based learning activities such as library escape rooms? And what can educators do to inject fun into information literacy training within their curricula (spoiler alert: we recommend escape rooms)? 🤔

In this episode, Aimee Merrydew explores these questions with librarian and game master Scott Chesworth to share the ins and outs of library escape rooms.

Whether you're a student or educator, this episode will help you to understand:

💡 What we mean by ‘gamification’ in libraries and why games matter for students’ academic development.

🚧 Common issues students encounter when using libraries and searching for sources for their studies.

✨ Practical tips for students on using game-based learning to build their information and wider academic literacies.

🔃 Examples of how educators can embed games into the curriculum through escape rooms, helping students to use libraries effectively for their studies without sacrificing fun.

1. Digital Library Escape Room Guide ("The Guide"): https://cutt.ly/escapeguide

2. Bitesized digital Library Escape Room ("Carrot or Stick?"): https://cutt.ly/carrotorstick

3. Escape Room article ("Escape [to] the Library: Reframing the Library Induction"): https://eprints.keele.ac.uk/6250/

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Got an idea for an episode or want to be a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us here: forms.office.com/r/Yqx0JPa2Hw

Follow us on Twitter @KeeleLibrary to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Episode 8: Building Information Literacies through Library Escape Rooms

What is experiential learning and why is it beneficial for academic studies AND employability? How can you get involved in experiential learning during your time at university? And what can educators do to help students make the most of these opportunities to enhance their learning outcomes and boost their employability? 🤔

In this episode, Aimee Merrydew explores these questions with Alice Whitehouse to share the ins and outs of experiential learning.

Whether you're a student or educator, this episode will help you to understand:

💡 What we mean by ‘experiential learning’ and why it matters for students’ academic and professional development.

🚧 Common issues and barriers students encounter when pursuing and engaging in experiential learning opportunities.

✨ Practical tips for students on finding placements or internships and how to make the most of these opportunities to apply their university learning to the world of work... The trick? Be a sponge! 

🔃 Examples of how educators can support students to engage in experiential learning.

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Got an idea for an episode or want to be a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us here: forms.office.com/r/Yqx0JPa2Hw

Follow us on Twitter @KeeleLibrary to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 9: Engaging in Experiential Learning

Why is academic writing important? ✍️

What common issues do people tend to experience when writing their university assignments? 🤔

How can you learn to write more confidently and effectively? 🤩

In this episode, Aimee Merrydew explores these questions with transformational writing coach Dr Malini Devadas to share the ins and outs of academic writing.

By the end of this episode, you should be able to:

💡 Identify why academic writing matters for your studies and success at university.

🚧 Understand some of the common struggles people encounter when it comes to academic writing.

✨ Apply practical strategies to help you become a confident and effective communicator through your writing.

Discover more about our guest, Dr Malini Devadas, and how she can help you to become a productive writer here: https://mdwritingediting.com.au/

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Got an idea for an episode or want to be a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us here: forms.office.com/r/Yqx0JPa2Hw

Follow us on Twitter @Keele_AS to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 10: Improving your Academic Writing Skills

Why should you consider making your own podcasts to support your learning and communicate your knowledge in your assessments? 🎙️

What common issues do people tend to experience when producing podcasts? 🤔

How can you learn to present your knowledge in creative ways through podcast formats? 🤩

In this episode, Aimee Merrydew explores these questions with Rebekka Jolley to share the ins and outs of student generated podcasts.

By the end of this episode, you should be able to:

💡 Identify why podcasts matter for your academic, personal, and professional development.

🚧 Understand some of the common struggles people encounter when it comes to podcast assessments and podcast production more generally.

✨ Apply practical strategies to help you communicate your knowledge to general audiences through podcasting, supporting your success at and beyond university.

Discover more about our guest, Rebekka Jolley, and how podcasts can support your learning here: https://openpress.sussex.ac.uk/ideasforactivelearning/chapter/active-learning-student-generated-podcasts/ 

The transcript and resources for our episodes can be accessed via our website: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Got an idea for an episode or want to be a guest on the podcast? 
We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch with us here: forms.office.com/r/Yqx0JPa2Hw

Follow us on Twitter @KeeleLibrary to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 11: Producing Podcasts for Learning and Assessments

Digital texts are part of our daily lives, whether that's reading a PDF, webpage, e-book, and social media or using library catalogues, databases, and search engines to find texts for our assessments.

In today's world, the ability to find, read, and use digital texts effectively is essential for academic and professional success, so how can you develop your digital reading skills to make the most of digital texts in your studies and work beyond university?

In this episode, Professor Jamie Wood joins Aimee Merrydew to share top tips on how to find and read digital texts effectively.

By the end of the episode, you should be able to:

1. Describe why digital texts matter for your learning and success at university ⭐

2. Explain the similarities and differences between reading on screen and on paper 🧑‍💻 📖

3. Identify the common issues people experience when reading digital texts 🤔

4. Apply digital reading strategies to find, read, and evaluate digital texts effectively 🤩

Find out more about Jamie and the Active Online Reading project: https://makingdigitalhistory.co.uk/read/active-online-reading/ 

While you're at it, why not download some infographics for more top tips on digital reading? Download your infographics here: https://makingdigitalhistory.co.uk/files/2022/08/QAA_posters_print_v4.pdf

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our Study Matters Podcast webpage: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/training/academicskills/studymatters/

Follow us on Twitter @KeeleLibrary to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 12: Reading Digital Texts for University Study

Feedback is an important part of the assignment process that helps you to understand your strengths and areas for development for future work.

What's more, the ability to use feedback as an opportunity for growth is highly prized by employers and will set you apart as someone who is committed to continuous learning.

Yet, many people often skip their feedback and fixate on the grade.

In this episode, Annabel Roberts joins Aimee Merrydew to discuss the benefits of feedback and how you can use your feedback strategically to build your skills for success.

By the end of the episode, you should be able to:

1. Describe why feedback matters for your success at and beyond university ⭐

2. Identify the common issues people encounter when it comes to feedback 🤔

4. Apply strategies to understand, learn from, and use feedback effectively 🤩

Don't forget to head to our episode transcript and resources to download an action plan that will help you to log your assignment feedback and identify areas for growth. The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our Study Matters Podcast webpage: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Follow us on Twitter @KeeleLibrary to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 13: Using Assignment Feedback to Maximise your Potential and Success

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have become famous, but how can you use these tools to enhance not replace your skills development and learning?

In this episode, Kieran Brayford joins Aimee Merrydew to debunk the common myths around Generative AI. What's more, we share tried-and-tested advice to help you use these tools effectively and appropriately.
 
By the end of this episode, you should be able to:

1. Understand how Generative AI tools work 💡

2. Evaluate when you should and shouldn’t use Generative AI tools for your university work 💭

3. Use Generative AI tools ethically to enhance your knowledge and to help build your academic skills for success ✨

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our Study Matters Podcast webpage: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Follow us on Instagram @KeeleLibraryIT or Twitter @KeeleLibrary to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 14: Using Generative AI as a University Student

Have you ever received feedback that your work isn’t ‘critical’ enough? Do you wonder how you can think and write more 'critically'? And what’s April Fools’ Day got to do with critical thinking skills? You’re not alone!  

In this episode, Aimee Merrydew and guest Kieran Brayford share top tips to help you master the art of critical thinking.  

By the end of the episode, you should be able to:  

1. Define critical thinking and why it matters for your success in your academic studies, work, and life beyond university 🌟 

2. Explain the common struggles people encounter when it comes to thinking critically 😣 

3. Break down complex ideas, question information, and build evidence-informed arguments 💭 

Hit play and take your academic skills to the next level ✨

The transcript and resources for the episode can be accessed on our webpage: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Episode 16: Thinking Critically to Boost your Academic Success

Does maths make you feel anxious? 😰 

Have you wondered how you can overcome maths anxiety but not known where to start? 🤷 

And what’s dancing got to do with maths? 💃

In this episode, Aimee Merrydew is joined by self-proclaimed maths geek Dr Lizzie Harling to discuss maths anxiety and how to overcome it using numeracy skills. 

By the end of this episode, you should be able to:

1. Identify maths anxiety and how it can impact many of us 💡

2. Describe the value of numeracy skills to succeed in your studies, career, and life generally 🎓

3. Apply strategies to help you develop your numeracy skills and overcome maths anxiety ⭐

Hit play and learn how to make maths manageable and more fun 🙌

The transcript and resources for this episode can be accessed via our Study Matters Podcast webpage: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/

Follow us on Instagram @Keele_LibraryIT or Twitter @KeeleLibrary to keep up-to-date with Study Matters news and opportunities to get involved.

Thanks for listening to Study Matters!

Episode 15: Busting Maths Anxiety through Numeracy Skills

In this episode, Aimee Merrydew and referencing guru Jodie Heap dive into the essential skill of referencing: why it matters, how to do it correctly, and common pitfalls to avoid. 

Whether you're struggling with citation styles or want to streamline your referencing process, this episode provides practical tips to help you reference with confidence.

🎯 What's in it for you? By the end of the episode, you should be able to: 

✅ Understand the importance of proper referencing in academic work.

✅ Learn how to use different citation styles.

✅ Identify common referencing mistakes and how to avoid them.

✅ Discover useful strategies and tools to up your referencing game.

Tune in to sharpen your skills and ensure your assignments meet university standards! 🎧✨

Read the transcript: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/academicskills/studymatters/studymatterstranscriptsandresources/#transcript-and-resources-for-episode-17:-why-reference?

Episode 17: Why Reference?

In this episode, Aimee Merrydew is joined by expert guest Dr. Riadh Ghemmour for the first of our four-part dissertation mini series to explore what a dissertation is and how it differs from other university assessments. 

Together, they unpack the concept of independent research and discuss the unique opportunities a dissertation offers for personal and professional growth.

🎯 By the end of this episode, you should be able to:

✅ Define a dissertation and its key components.
✅ Describe the role of independence and originality in dissertation work.
✅ Identify the transferable skills developed through dissertation research.
✅ Explain the value of dissertations for your success at and beyond university.

Tune in now to get the insider knowledge you need to kick-start your dissertation and get the grade you deserve 🎧✨

Read the transcript on our Study Matters Podcast webpage: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/libraryeducationcentre/guides/studymatters/

Episode 18: Getting Started with your Dissertation

In this second instalment of our four-part dissertation mini series, Aimee Merrydew and expert guest Dr. Riadh Ghemmour dive into one of the most common challenges students face when starting their dissertation: choosing a research topic.

Drawing on years of experience in supervising research projects, Riadh shares practical insights into why students often feel overwhelmed at this stage and how to overcome these challenges.

🎯 What's in it for you? By the end of this episode, you should be able to:

✅ Describe common pitfalls in selecting a dissertation topic.
✅ Apply practical strategies to narrow and refine your research focus.
✅ Identify sources of inspiration from previous academic work and personal interests.
✅ Demonstrate reflective practice to track and develop your thinking.

This episode is packed with expert advice to help you move from confusion to clarity. Tune in now to discover how to choose a topic that excites you and sets you up for final-year success 🎧✨

Read the transcript on our Study Matters Podcast webpage: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/libraryeducationcentre/guides/studymatters/

Episode 19: Choosing a Dissertation Topic that Matters

In this third instalment of our four-part dissertation mini series, Aimee Merrydew and expert guest Dr Riadh Ghemmour explore why understanding your dissertation’s marking criteria is one of the smartest moves you can make early in the research process. 

Drawing on Riadh’s experience as a supervisor and examiner, they break down what markers are really looking for and how you can meet those expectations in your work.

🎯 What’s in it for you? By the end of this episode, you should be able to:

✅ Describe the core components of your dissertation marking criteria.
✅ Explain how to engage critically with literature and to justify your methodological choices.
✅ Identify common pitfalls flagged in dissertation feedback, including vague research questions, weak argumentation, and inconsistent structure.
✅ Apply practical strategies to demonstrate clarity, consistency, and originality in your work.

📢 Want to know what markers are really looking for?

This episode gives you the inside scoop on how to meet—and exceed—assessment expectations. Tune in now to learn how to decode the criteria, avoid common mistakes, and set yourself up for dissertation success from the very start 🎧✨

Read the transcript on our Study Matters Podcast webpage: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/libraryeducationcentre/guides/studymatters/

Episode 20: Understanding the Marking Criteria for Dissertations

In the final episode of our dissertation mini series, Aimee Merrydew and expert guest Dr. Riadh Ghemmour explore the vital role of the dissertation supervisor and how you can build a productive relationship with them. Far from being someone who gives you all the answers, your supervisor is a mentor who supports your growth as a researcher.

🎯 What’s in it for you? By the end of this episode, you should be able to:

✅ Describe the role of a dissertation supervisor.
✅ Communicate effectively and proactively with your supervisor.
✅ Apply your supervisor’s feedback constructively to improve your dissertation.
✅ Explain the value of research and communication skills beyond university life.

📢 Want to get the most out of your dissertation supervision?

This episode is your guide to building a strong relationship with your supervisor. Tune in now to learn how to collaborate effectively, take charge of your research journey, and develop professional skills that will serve you well beyond your degree 🎧✨

Read the transcript on our Study Matters Podcast webpage: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/libraryeducationcentre/guides/studymatters/

Episode 21: Working with your Dissertation Supervisor

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of authentic assessments: what they are, how they differ from traditional exams and essays, and why they matter. 

Join host Dr Aimee Merrydew and expert guests Dr Pauldy Otermans and Dr Stephanie Baines to explore how these real-world tasks help you to develop key skills like teamwork, communication, adaptability, and critical thinking. 

Whether you're new to authentic assessments or looking to improve your approach, this episode is packed with insights to enhance your academic and professional experiences.

🎯 What’s in it for you? By the end of the episode, you should be able to:

✅ Define authentic assessment and how it differs from traditional assessment methods.
✅ Describe the key transferable skills developed through authentic assessment.
✅ Explain the benefits of authentic assessment for academic development and employability.
✅ Apply practical tips to prepare effectively for authentic assessment tasks.

Ready to rethink assessment? Hit play and discover how authentic assessment can help you to build skills for university, work, and beyond 🎧✨

Read the transcript on our Study Matters Podcast webpage: https://www.keele.ac.uk/library/libraryeducationcentre/guides/studymatters/

Want to find out even more about authentic assessments? Explore Stephanie and Pauldy's recent publication:
Baines, S., Chauhan, S., & Otermans, P. C. J. (2024). Students’ perception of authentic assessment in higher education: Exploring the relationship between assessment preference and motivation in higher education. Cogent Education, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2441067

Episode 22: Unlocking Skills for Life and Employability through Authentic Assessments

Are you a student and want to learn how to improve your academic skills, learn more effectively, and succeed in your studies? 

Are you an educator and looking for academic skills resources to share with students to help them reach their full potential? 

We've got you covered 🙌 

Study Matters is a practical podcast about academic skills and why they matter for student success in higher education.

Each episode, Aimee Merrydew interviews an educator about an area of academic practice in which students typically struggle, from reading to writing and all things in-between. 

🪄 Whatever the topic, our goal is to address common academic challenges by sharing strategies that help you to develop your academic skills, build confidence, and find joy in your learning at university.

Study Matters is brought to you by Aimee Merrydew in the Campus Library at Keele University.

Got any questions or ideas for future episodes? 

Get in touch using the short form below 👇

https://forms.office.com/r/Yqx0JPa2Hw

Study Matters Podcast

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