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