Browse by topic
New Students
Learning resources
Welcome to studying at Ara, we understand that this could be a steep learning curve, these learning resources were found to be helpful to other students like you.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Organising your time - Strategies to help you achieve your study goals and meet deadlines. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| Tips for learning through Moodle - Guidelines on how to learn effectively using Moodle. | |
| Timaru campus brochure - Library guide for Timaru campuses | |
| Semicolons and colons quiz - A quiz on semicolons and colons. | Webpage - External |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Request items - "How do I" guide | |
| Punctuation quiz - A quiz from the grammar book on punctuation, capitalisation, and writing numbers. | Webpage - External |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| Poster presentation - Tips for preparing a poster presentation. | Webpage - External |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Overview of punctuation - This handout clarifies when and how to use various marks of punctuation. | Webpage - External |
| Oamaru campus brochure - Library guide for Oamaru campuses | |
| Library support for off-campus students - | Webpage |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| Get set up for study - Online help you set up log into institute technology and install office 365. | Webpage |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Find books, CDs & DVDs - "How do I" guide | |
| Find and print from an e-book - "How do I" guide | |
| Find an article in your recommended reading list - "How do I" guide | |
| Find an article in a database - "How do I" guide | |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| Commas quiz - A quiz from the grammar book on commas. | Webpage - External |
| City campus brochure - Library guide for City campuses | |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| Ashburton campus brochure - Library guide for Ashburton campuses | |
| Apostrophes quiz - A quiz from the grammar book on apostrophes. | Webpage - External |
| Add credit to my print account - Handout | |
| Academic support at Ara - Academic support services are provided to help students to succeed in their academic work. They are available free to enrolled students. This activity introduces you to the types of support available to help you to achieve your study goals. | Online course |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. | |
| “How do I?” - Guides to using Library and other Ara resources | Webpage |
| PASS Study Groups - Information about one hour weekly study groups set up by learning services to help with particular subjects, business, computing, nursing, midwifery, allied health, pre health, Maori language | webpage |
| Using the library website - Quick guide on how to use the library website | |
| Lynda.com - Quick guide on accessing and using Lynda.com | |
| Getting ready for study - Quick start guide on connecting to Wi-Fi, installing office 365, logging into campus computers, Moodle, student portal, email and visiting campus life. | |
| Using the ScienceDirect database - "How do I" guide | |
| Weekly planner - Use this planner to organise your weekly tasks. |
Feeling nervous, stressed or anxious
Learning resources
When studying there are lots of things that can make you fell anxious or stressed. These learning resources were found to be helpful to other students like you.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Organising your time - Strategies to help you achieve your study goals and meet deadlines. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| Tips for learning through Moodle - Guidelines on how to learn effectively using Moodle. | |
| Strategies to help with your learning - Introducing a number of strategies to help you learn. | Online course |
| Semicolons and colons quiz - A quiz on semicolons and colons. | Webpage - External |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Punctuation quiz - A quiz from the grammar book on punctuation, capitalisation, and writing numbers. | Webpage - External |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| Poster presentation - Tips for preparing a poster presentation. | Webpage - External |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Overview of punctuation - This handout clarifies when and how to use various marks of punctuation. | Webpage - External |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Effective Time Management - The following activity introduces the reasons that tutors think time management is important. It also shows you some ways to plan your study and manage your workload effectively. | Online course |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| Commas quiz - A quiz from the grammar book on commas. | Webpage - External |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| Apostrophes quiz - A quiz from the grammar book on apostrophes. | Webpage - External |
| Academic support at Ara - Academic support services are provided to help students to succeed in their academic work. They are available free to enrolled students. This activity introduces you to the types of support available to help you to achieve your study goals. | Online course |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. | |
| PASS Study Groups - Information about one hour weekly study groups set up by learning services to help with particular subjects, business, computing, nursing, midwifery, allied health, pre health, Maori language | webpage |
| Maths Support - Overview of the services offered by maths support | Webpage |
Creative Students
Learning resources
As a design or arts student, there are a number of resources you might find useful to support your study.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Reflective writing - Guidelines to common types and styles of reflective writing. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| PowerPoint presentation tips - Tips on how to prepare and design a PowerPoint presentation. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Organising your time - Strategies to help you achieve your study goals and meet deadlines. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Effective academic writing - Examples of effective phrases when citing secondary sources in your assignments. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| Writing an annotated bibliography - The University of Toronto resource on writing an annotated bibliography. | Webpage - External |
| The official web site for APA - This is the homepage for APA Style | Webpage - External |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Report writing - Learning services Moodle course on report writing. | Screen text |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| Poster presentation - Tips for preparing a poster presentation. | Webpage - External |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Overview of punctuation - This handout clarifies when and how to use various marks of punctuation. | Webpage - External |
| Mind map on self-directed learning - A mind map visual overview of skills/requirements, required for successful self-directed learning. | |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Evaluating websites: why can't I just google - Learn how to evaluate a website, make sure that you are getting correct information. | Video |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| What is a peer-reviewed article? - Cues on how to recognise that an article is peer reviewed. | Webpage - External |
| Develop your essay writing - University of Reading guidance on essay writing. | Webpage - External |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. |
Online Students
Learning resources
These resources have been helpful to other students studying remotely, use them to help you put in place strategies to succeed in your learning journey.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| PowerPoint presentation tips - Tips on how to prepare and design a PowerPoint presentation. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Organising your time - Strategies to help you achieve your study goals and meet deadlines. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Effective academic writing - Examples of effective phrases when citing secondary sources in your assignments. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| Writing an annotated bibliography - The University of Toronto resource on writing an annotated bibliography. | Webpage - External |
| Tips for learning through Moodle - Guidelines on how to learn effectively using Moodle. | |
| The official web site for APA - This is the homepage for APA Style | Webpage - External |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Report writing - Learning services Moodle course on report writing. | Screen text |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| Poster presentation - Tips for preparing a poster presentation. | Webpage - External |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Overview of punctuation - This handout clarifies when and how to use various marks of punctuation. | Webpage - External |
| Mind map on self-directed learning - A mind map visual overview of skills/requirements, required for successful self-directed learning. | |
| Library support for off-campus students - | Webpage |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Evaluating websites: why can't I just google - Learn how to evaluate a website, make sure that you are getting correct information. | Video |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| Develop your essay writing - University of Reading guidance on essay writing. | Webpage - External |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. |
Disability or health condition
Learning resources
When you are studying and have needs which could benefit from specialist support, we know that the following resources are useful to you.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| PowerPoint presentation tips - Tips on how to prepare and design a PowerPoint presentation. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Organising your time - Strategies to help you achieve your study goals and meet deadlines. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Effective academic writing - Examples of effective phrases when citing secondary sources in your assignments. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| Writing an annotated bibliography - The University of Toronto resource on writing an annotated bibliography. | Webpage - External |
| The official web site for APA - This is the homepage for APA Style | Webpage - External |
| Support Arrangements - Information about available support once you are registered with Disability Services. | Webpage - Internal |
| Study Strategies - If you have a disability or health condition that affects your study or if you are a member of the Deaf community, you may find this information about study strategies helpful. | Webpage - Internal |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Report writing - Learning services Moodle course on report writing. | Screen text |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| Poster presentation - Tips for preparing a poster presentation. | Webpage - External |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Overview of punctuation - This handout clarifies when and how to use various marks of punctuation. | Webpage - External |
| Mind map on self-directed learning - A mind map visual overview of skills/requirements, required for successful self-directed learning. | |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Exam support - Information about available exam support for those registered with disability services. | Webpage - Internal |
| Evaluating websites: why can't I just google - Learn how to evaluate a website, make sure that you are getting correct information. | Video |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| Disability Services Information - Handout information if you require disability-related practical support with your studies or assessment, then you will need to register with Disability Services. | |
| Disability Services Information - Online information if you require disability-related practical support with your studies or assessment, then you will need to register with Disability Services. | Webpage - Internal |
| Develop your essay writing - University of Reading guidance on essay writing. | Webpage - External |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. |
Pressured for time
Learning resources
Studying with lots of external commitments is hard, you are not on your own, others in similar situations have found these resources helpful on their learning journey.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| PowerPoint presentation tips - Tips on how to prepare and design a PowerPoint presentation. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Organising your time - Strategies to help you achieve your study goals and meet deadlines. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Effective academic writing - Examples of effective phrases when citing secondary sources in your assignments. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| Writing an annotated bibliography - The University of Toronto resource on writing an annotated bibliography. | Webpage - External |
| The official web site for APA - This is the homepage for APA Style | Webpage - External |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Report writing - Learning services Moodle course on report writing. | Screen text |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| Poster presentation - Tips for preparing a poster presentation. | Webpage - External |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Overview of punctuation - This handout clarifies when and how to use various marks of punctuation. | Webpage - External |
| Mind map on self-directed learning - A mind map visual overview of skills/requirements, required for successful self-directed learning. | |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Evaluating websites: why can't I just google - Learn how to evaluate a website, make sure that you are getting correct information. | Video |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| Develop your essay writing - University of Reading guidance on essay writing. | Webpage - External |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. |
Māori background
Learning resources
Kia ora, we have collated a number of recourses that other Māori students and their whānau, hapū, and iwi, found useful in their journey towards improving their futures, and helping them achieve success.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Report writing guide - Guidelines for structuring and writing a standardised report. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to learn - Proven techniques to help you learn. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| VARK Strategies - Strategies to help you learn according to your preferred learning style. | Webpage - External |
| VARK Questionnaire online - Online questionnaire to determine your learning strategy. | Webpage - External |
| Study groups - Guidelines for setting up effective study groups. | |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. |
Pasifika background
Learning resources
Kia ora, we have collated a number of resources that other Pasifika students and their families found useful in their journey towards improving their futures.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Report writing guide - Guidelines for structuring and writing a standardised report. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to learn - Proven techniques to help you learn. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| VARK Strategies - Strategies to help you learn according to your preferred learning style. | Webpage - External |
| VARK Questionnaire online - Online questionnaire to determine your learning strategy. | Webpage - External |
| Study groups - Guidelines for setting up effective study groups. | |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. |
Trade students
Learning resources
You are not on your own when studying for a trade at Ara. The resources listed here were helpful to others on their learning journey.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| PowerPoint presentation tips - Tips on how to prepare and design a PowerPoint presentation. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Organising your time - Strategies to help you achieve your study goals and meet deadlines. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Effective academic writing - Examples of effective phrases when citing secondary sources in your assignments. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| Writing an annotated bibliography - The University of Toronto resource on writing an annotated bibliography. | Webpage - External |
| The official web site for APA - This is the homepage for APA Style | Webpage - External |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| Poster presentation - Tips for preparing a poster presentation. | Webpage - External |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Overview of punctuation - This handout clarifies when and how to use various marks of punctuation. | Webpage - External |
| Mind map on self-directed learning - A mind map visual overview of skills/requirements, required for successful self-directed learning. | |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| How to remember what you learnt - Tips for remembering learning | |
| How to pass an open book test - Key tips for passing open book tests | |
| How to find answers in your book - Tips on finding what you want in a book | |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| Develop your essay writing - University of Reading guidance on essay writing. | Webpage - External |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. |
Nursing Students
Learning resources
Studying nursing is a great challenge learning about caring for people, anatomy, and mathematical calculations for drugs. Other nursing students have found these learning resources helpful.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Reflective writing - Guidelines to common types and styles of reflective writing. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| PowerPoint presentation tips - Tips on how to prepare and design a PowerPoint presentation. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Organising your time - Strategies to help you achieve your study goals and meet deadlines. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Effective academic writing - Examples of effective phrases when citing secondary sources in your assignments. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| Writing an annotated bibliography - The University of Toronto resource on writing an annotated bibliography. | Webpage - External |
| The official web site for APA - This is the homepage for APA Style | Webpage - External |
| San Jose - Writing a literature review paper - Learn how to research, structure and write a literature review paper that synthesizes the key theories and results in your field of study. | video |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Report writing - Learning services Moodle course on report writing. | Screen text |
| Quick APA referencing guide for nursing - Quick how to guide for APA referencing with Nursing examples. | |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| Poster presentation - Tips for preparing a poster presentation. | Webpage - External |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Overview of punctuation - This handout clarifies when and how to use various marks of punctuation. | Webpage - External |
| Mind map on self-directed learning - A mind map visual overview of skills/requirements, required for successful self-directed learning. | |
| Literature reviews - An overview on what a literature review is, and how to complete one. | Webpage - Internal |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| How to write a literature review - This animation is a partnership project between staff and students within Buckinghamshire New University. | video |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Find an article in your recommended reading list - "How do I" guide | |
| Find an article in a database - "How do I" guide | |
| Evaluating websites: why can't I just google - Learn how to evaluate a website, make sure that you are getting correct information. | Video |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| What is a peer-reviewed article? - Cues on how to recognise that an article is peer reviewed. | Webpage - External |
| Develop your essay writing - University of Reading guidance on essay writing. | Webpage - External |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. | |
| Using the library website - Quick guide on how to use the library website |
International students
Learning resources
Being in a new country brings with it many challenges, a new environment, new language, different cultural languages to learn. Other students in your position have found these resources helpful.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| PowerPoint presentation tips - Tips on how to prepare and design a PowerPoint presentation. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Organising your time - Strategies to help you achieve your study goals and meet deadlines. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Effective academic writing - Examples of effective phrases when citing secondary sources in your assignments. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| Writing an annotated bibliography - The University of Toronto resource on writing an annotated bibliography. | Webpage - External |
| Understanding how you think and learn - Understanding how you think and learn can help you to choose the most effective learning strategies. This activity will help you to identify the strategies that best suit your learning style so you can study efficiently and effectively. | Online course |
| The official web site for APA - This is the homepage for APA Style | Webpage - External |
| Successful learning in English - To learn successfully in New Zealand your spoken and written English must be understood by others. You will also have to understand spoken English in lectures and tutorials. | Online course |
| Strategies to help with your learning - Introducing a number of strategies to help you learn. | Online course |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Report writing - Learning services Moodle course on report writing. | Screen text |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| Poster presentation - Tips for preparing a poster presentation. | Webpage - External |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Overview of punctuation - This handout clarifies when and how to use various marks of punctuation. | Webpage - External |
| Mind map on self-directed learning - A mind map visual overview of skills/requirements, required for successful self-directed learning. | |
| Library search - Use the library catalogue to find books, e-books, titles of journals and magazines (both print and electronic), videos, DVDs and material in the High Use Collection. | Webpage - Internal |
| Introduction to studying in New Zealand - Learn about, study at Ara, and about living and working in New Zealand, Maori culture and the South Island. | Online course |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Evaluating websites: why can't I just google - Learn how to evaluate a website, make sure that you are getting correct information. | Video |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| English vocabulary - Exercises to practice your English vocabulary. | Webpage - External |
| Effective Time Management - The following activity introduces the reasons that tutors think time management is important. It also shows you some ways to plan your study and manage your workload effectively. | Online course |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| Effective note taking - Much of the formal teaching of course content occurs in lectures and other structured classes. Therefore, taking effective notes in class is a key study skill. This learning activity explains how to take notes that will be useful after classes as you work on assignments and prepare for tests. | Online course |
| Develop your essay writing - University of Reading guidance on essay writing. | Webpage - External |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| Active Learning and the three stage process - In New Zealand tutors expect students to be actively involved in their own learning, because they believe that active learners will be more successful. In this type of learning, the student does not expect the tutor to do all the work. Instead, the student will read, write, think about and analyse course content outside of the classroom. This learning can involve problem-solving or applying course ideas to a practical situation. | Online course |
| Academic support at Ara - Academic support services are provided to help students to succeed in their academic work. They are available free to enrolled students. This activity introduces you to the types of support available to help you to achieve your study goals. | Online course |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. |
Writing skills
Learning resources
This material introduces you to writing clearly and concisely. You will find resources to help you understand instructional words, write clear paragraphs, as well as structure and format your assignment well. It also provides various resources on grammar and punctuation.
| Learning Pathway | Start Learning |
|---|---|
| Annotated Bibliography - A guided pathway to help you learn how to create an annotated bibliography and start work on your assignment. |  |
| Critical Thinking - A guided pathway to help you learn about thinking critically. | |
| Editing and Proofreading - A guided pathway to help you learn about editing and proofreading. | |
| Essay Writing - A guided pathway to help you learn the basic of writing a good essay. | |
| Grammar - A guided pathway to help you improve your grammar skills. | |
| Literature Review - A guided pathway to help you learn the basics of writing a literature review and start work on your assignment. | |
| Paragraphs - A guided pathway to help you learn about writing good paragraphs. | |
| Reflective writing - A guided pathway to help you learn about reflective writing. | |
| Report writing - A guided pathway to help you learn about report writing. | |
| Spelling and Punctuation - A guided pathway to help you learn about spelling and punctuation | |
| Starting your Assignment - A guided pathway to help you analyse your assignment question and start work on your assignment. | |
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Academic Writing - Introduction - Activities to help you understand what is meant by academic writing. | Online activity |
| Academic writing : Evidence-based - Activities focussing on what evidence-based academic writing looks like. | Online activity |
| Academic Writing : Formal style - Activities focussing on what formal academic writing looks like. | Online activity |
| Academic Writing : Structure - Activities focussing on best practice to structure your academic writing. | Online activity |
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. | |
| Apostrophes quiz - A quiz from the grammar book on apostrophes. | Webpage - External |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| Being critical - Phrases you might use to express critical ideas in your assignment. | Webpage - External |
| Commas quiz - A quiz from the grammar book on commas. | Webpage - External |
| Develop your essay writing - University of Reading guidance on essay writing. | Webpage - External |
| Effective academic writing - Examples of effective phrases when citing secondary sources in your assignments. | |
| English vocabulary - Exercises to practice your English vocabulary. | Webpage - External |
| Essay structure (part A) - Quick overview of writing an essay. | |
| Essay structure (part B) - Detailed overview and examples of the different parts within an essay. | |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Fix run-on sentences - How to identify a run-on sentence and fix it. | |
| Fixing incomplete sentences - An overview on how to write a sentence that conveys complete thoughts. | |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| How to paraphrase - How to re-write someone else's text in your own words while fully retaining the original meaning of the source. | |
| How to summarise - Brief overview of summaries: how and when to summarise. | |
| Improving sentence clarity - This is a Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) handout, it can help you to improve sentence clarity. | Webpage - External |
| Introducing academic work - Phrases you might use for writing your introduction. | Webpage - External |
| Linking words and phrases - Important words and phrases that help clarify the relationship between elements in your writing. | |
| Making subjects and verbs agree - ver get "subject/verb agreement" as an error? This handout will help you understand this common grammar problem. | Webpage - External |
| Overview of punctuation - This handout clarifies when and how to use various marks of punctuation. | Webpage - External |
| Paragraph structure - Resource on how to create a clear paragraph structure with good logical flow. | |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Punctuation quiz - A quiz from the grammar book on punctuation, capitalisation, and writing numbers. | Webpage - External |
| Reflective writing - Guidelines to common types and styles of reflective writing. | |
| Report writing - Learning services Moodle course on report writing. | Screen text |
| Report writing guide - Guidelines for structuring and writing a standardised report. | |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| Semicolons and colons quiz - A quiz on semicolons and colons. | Webpage - External |
| Sentence fragments - Fragments are incomplete sentences. Usually, fragments are pieces of sentences that have become disconnected from the main clause. This handout gives examples on fixing fragments. | Webpage - External |
| Spelling - accept - except - This resource covers common spelling errors including accept/except, ei/ie, noun plurals, and –ible/able. | Webpage - External |
| Verb - tense consistency - This handout explains and describes the sequence of verb tenses in English. | Webpage - External |
| Writing an annotated bibliography - The University of Toronto resource on writing an annotated bibliography. | Webpage - External |
Study Skills
Learning Resources
Here are some resources that will give you strategies and ideas how to make the most of your study time. These resources will help you to: make notes; organise your time; prepare for exams and tests; and set up study groups.
| Learning Pathway | Start Learning |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking - A guided pathway to help you learn about thinking critically. | |
| Effective Note Taking - A guided pathway to teach you the concepts of effective note taking. | |
| Exams and Tests - A guided pathway to help you prepare for exams and tests. | |
| How to learn - A guided pathway to different learning strategies to help you find your preferred learning style. | |
| Mind Maps - A guided pathway to help you to use mind mapping as an effective learning and study tool. | |
| Organising your Time - A guided pathway to help you learn how manage your time better. | |
| Reading strategies - A guided pathway to help you learn about reading strategies. | |
| Study groups - A guided pathway to help you learn about study groups. | |
| Three Stage Learning - A guided pathway to teach you about how to learn best in three stages, before, during and after class. | |
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| 3 Stages of Learning - This three-stage learning system ensures you get the best from every class. | |
| Academic support at Ara - Academic support services are provided to help students to succeed in their academic work. They are available free to enrolled students. This activity introduces you to the types of support available to help you to achieve your study goals. | Online course |
| Active Learning and the three stage process - In New Zealand tutors expect students to be actively involved in their own learning, because they believe that active learners will be more successful. In this type of learning, the student does not expect the tutor to do all the work. Instead, the student will read, write, think about and analyse course content outside of the classroom. This learning can involve problem-solving or applying course ideas to a practical situation. | Online course |
| Effective note taking - Much of the formal teaching of course content occurs in lectures and other structured classes. Therefore, taking effective notes in class is a key study skill. This learning activity explains how to take notes that will be useful after classes as you work on assignments and prepare for tests. | Online course |
| Effective Time Management - The following activity introduces the reasons that tutors think time management is important. It also shows you some ways to plan your study and manage your workload effectively. | Online course |
| Guides and tutorials - University of Reading guides and tutorials around study and assignment writing. | Webpage - External |
| How to learn - Proven techniques to help you learn. | |
| Making notes - Different techniques for taking notes from your classes and readings. | |
| Maths Support - Overview of the services offered by maths support | Webpage |
| Mind maps - Tips on how to create and use mind maps. | |
| Mind map on self-directed learning - A mind map visual overview of skills/requirements, required for successful self-directed learning. | |
| Note taking example: Cornell method - Example cornell note taking method on the topic research ethics. | |
| Note taking example: Mindmap - Example mind map on the topic research ethics. | |
| Organising your time - Strategies to help you achieve your study goals and meet deadlines. | |
| PASS Study Groups - Information about one hour weekly study groups set up by learning services to help with particular subjects, business, computing, nursing, midwifery, allied health, pre health, Maori language | webpage |
| Strategies to help with your learning - Introducing a number of strategies to help you learn. | Online course |
| Study groups - Guidelines for setting up effective study groups. | |
| Successful learning in English - To learn successfully in New Zealand your spoken and written English must be understood by others. You will also have to understand spoken English in lectures and tutorials. | Online course |
| Understanding how you think and learn - Understanding how you think and learn can help you to choose the most effective learning strategies. This activity will help you to identify the strategies that best suit your learning style so you can study efficiently and effectively. | Online course |
| VARK Questionnaire online - Online questionnaire to determine your learning strategy. | Webpage - External |
| VARK Strategies - Strategies to help you learn according to your preferred learning style. | Webpage - External |
| Weekly planner - Use this planner to organise your weekly tasks. | |
| Year planner - Use this year planner to get organised early for your assignments, tests and exams. |
Referencing
Learning resources
These resources will help you when you have to reference material in your assignments, essays and other assessments. APA referencing is the style of referencing that is expected in your assignments.
| Learning Pathway | Start Learning |
|---|---|
| APA Referencing - A guided pathway to help you learn about APA referencing. | |
| Information skills - A guided pathway to help you find resources for your assignments. | |
| Plagiarism - A guided pathway to help you avoid plagiarism. | |
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| APA referencing a guide for ARA students - General information about referencing, avoiding plagiarism and some general ‘rules’ about APA referencing style, including comprehensive examples on how to reference different material. | |
| APA style blog - An online blog on how to Cite APA style | Webpage - External |
| Medical imaging APA referencing quiz - A quiz on APA referencing for medical imaging. | Quiz |
| Part A: An introduction to referencing - Quick overview on referencing. | |
| Part B: examples of APA referencing - Examples of APA referencing. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| Quick APA referencing guide for nursing - Quick how to guide for APA referencing with Nursing examples. | |
| The official web site for APA - This is the homepage for APA Style | Webpage - External |
| Noodle Tools Express Referencing Tool - This is a recommended free online APA referencing tool. | Webpage - External |
| Microsoft Word APA referencing instructions - Use this tool only if your tutor specifically requires it for your assignment. | Webpage - External |
Assessment
Learning resources
These resources help you to work on your assessments confidently by showing you how to understand what you are being asked to do, and how it is to be presented. Here you will find resources for all types of assessment, from written reports and essays, to oral or poster presentations.
| Learning Pathway | Start Learning |
|---|---|
| Annotated Bibliography - A guided pathway to help you learn how to create an annotated bibliography and start work on your assignment. | |
| Critical Thinking - A guided pathway to help you learn about thinking critically. | |
| Essay Writing - A guided pathway to help you learn the basic of writing a good essay. | |
| Exams and Tests - A guided pathway to help you prepare for exams and tests. | |
| Information skills - A guided pathway to help you find resources for your assignments. | |
| Literature Review - A guided pathway to help you learn the basics of writing a literature review and start work on your assignment. | |
| Oral Presentations - A guided pathway to help you learn about oral presentations. | |
| Plagiarism - A guided pathway to help you avoid plagiarism. | |
| Poster presentations - A guided pathway to help you learn about poster presentations. | |
| Reflective writing - A guided pathway to help you learn about reflective writing. | |
| Report writing - A guided pathway to help you learn about report writing. | |
| Starting your Assignment - A guided pathway to help you analyse your assignment question and start work on your assignment. | |
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. | |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| Develop your essay writing - University of Reading guidance on essay writing. | Webpage - External |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Guides and tutorials - University of Reading guides and tutorials around study and assignment writing. | Webpage - External |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| How to write a literature review - This animation is a partnership project between staff and students within Buckinghamshire New University. | video |
| Marking guide example - Your assignments should have their own marking guides, here are a couple of marking guide examples from a commerce and media course. | Webpage - Te Kete |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| San Jose - Writing a literature review paper - Learn how to research, structure and write a literature review paper that synthesizes the key theories and results in your field of study. | video |
Reading Skills
Learning resources
These resources help you to understand how to read the different types of documents that you may encounter in your study, and how to understand what message you are supposed to get out of reading it.
| Learning Pathway | Start Learning |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking - A guided pathway to help you learn about thinking critically. | |
| Effective Note Taking - A guided pathway to teach you the concepts of effective note taking. | |
| Information skills - A guided pathway to help you find resources for your assignments. | |
| Reading strategies - A guided pathway to help you learn about reading strategies. | |
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| Reading strategies - articles/chapters - Effective strategies for reading academic articles and chapters in books. | |
| Reading strategies for books - Effective strategies for reading academic books. |
Information Skills
Learning resources
If you need academic quality resources for your assignment it is a good idea to work through the Information Skills guided pathway below. This includes an interactive "Show me" section to help you use the Library website, search Library databases and learn how to search Google smartly.
| Learning Pathway | Start Learning |
|---|---|
| Information skills - A guided pathway to help you search the Library catalogue, databases and Google to find and use academic quality resources ethically for your assignments. | |
| APA Referencing - A guided pathway to help you learn about APA referencing. | |
| Plagiarism - A guided pathway to help you avoid plagiarism. | |
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Article search -Find an article in a database - "How do I" guide | |
| Article search - Find an article in Science Direct database - "How do I" guide | |
| Article search - Find an article in your recommended reading list - "How do I" guide | |
| Article search - Crafting a savvy search: UCLA - Hints and tips on creating a savvy library search | video |
| Article search - Using Google Scholar and more - How to set up Google Scholar on your own device to search Ara databases and more. | |
| Article search - What is a peer-reviewed article? - Cues on how to recognise that an article is peer reviewed. | |
| Ebooks - Accessing Safari Books Online - "How do I" guide | |
| Ebooks - Find and print from a Proquest e-book - "How do I" guide | |
| Evaluating information - Tips on how to evaluate information to check the suitability for inclusion in your assignment. | |
| Evaluating information - CRAAP test - A guide to a useful acronym to help you assess your resources for currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose. | Webpage |
| Evaluating websites: why can't I just google - Learn how to evaluate a website, make sure that you are getting correct information. | Video |
| Information Skills Subject Guide - A guide to help develop your information literacy skills. | Webpage - Internal |
| Library search - Find books, CDs, DVDs, ebooks & more - "How do I" guide | |
| Library search - Type your search terms where it says "Search books and more" to find books, ebooks, and more. | Webpage - Internal |
| Library search - Using the library website - Brochure on how to use the library website | |
| Library Search - Renew items - "How do I" guide | |
| Library Search - Request items - "How do I" guide | |
| Library Search - Request items - off-campus - "How do I" guide | |
| Library search - What are primary and secondary sources? - "How do I" guide | |
| Literature reviews - An overview by Learning Services at Ara | |
| Literature reviews - Buckinghamshire New University -How to write a literature review - An animated video on literature review writing. | video |
| Literature reviews - San Jose - Writing a literature review paper - Learn how to research, structure and write a literature review paper that synthesizes the key theories and results in your field of study. | video |
| Referencing - APA referencing: a guide for Ara students - Full guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| Referencing - Quick APA referencing guide - Quick guide on how to reference with examples. | |
| Referencing - Endnote installation - How to download and use Endnote. | Webpage - Internal |
Presentations
Learning resources
These resources will help you to create and deliver a presentation as a talk or as a poster. You will find hints and tips as to how to prepare and structure your work, as well as support for making it look good with presentation tools such as PowerPoint.
| Learning Pathway | Start Learning |
|---|---|
| Oral Presentations - A guided pathway to help you learn about oral presentations. | |
| Poster presentations - A guided pathway to help you learn about poster presentations. | |
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Effective oral presentations - Guidelines to planning, writing and presenting better oral presentations. | |
| Effective poster presentations - Guidelines to planning, designing and presenting better poster presentations. | |
| Poster presentation - Tips for preparing a poster presentation. | Webpage - External |
| PowerPoint presentation tips - Tips on how to prepare and design a PowerPoint presentation. | |
| RMIT study tips oral presentations - This resources gives tips on giving effective oral presentations. |
Maths
Learning Resources
Ara has a large collection of online maths learning support material. If you can't find what you are looking for, or you are not sure what aspect of maths you need help on, contact us and talk to one of our maths tutors.
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Strategies for learning maths - Explore some useful ideas to help you with your maths studies. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Step-by-step numeracy lessons - Brush up on your numeracy skills. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Pathways Awarua - Interactive maths - Strengthen your numeracy skills and your calculation strategies. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Areas and volumes - Maths Room Online geometry course about areas and volumes, includes activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| BEDMAS and Calculators - Maths Room Online course about BEDMAS and calculators, includes activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Calculus - Maths Room Online course about calculus, includes activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Decimals - Maths Room Online course about decimals, includes activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Drug Calculations - Maths Room Online course for fluids and medication drug calculations, including activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Exponents / Indices - Maths Room Online course about exponents / indices, includes activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Fractions - Maths Room Online course about fractions, includes activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Graphs - Maths Room Online course about graphs, includes activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| ICT Maths - Maths Room Online course about ICT maths, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Introduction to Algebra - Maths Room Online course about algebra intro, includes activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Linear Equations - Maths Room Online course about linear equations, includes activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Logarithms - Maths Room Online course about logarithms, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Maths anxiety and learning - Maths Room Online course about maths anxiety and learning, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Maths - Articles and Books - A useful compilation of articles and books, including books about Mathematics for engineers, Technical trades, nursing and healthcare, electrical trades and general mathematical and numeracy concepts. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Maths - Puzzles and games - Maths Room Online collection of maths puzzles and games. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Maths Support - Overview of the services offered by maths support | Webpage |
| Maths Support - Find the contact details and learn where to go to get maths help on campus. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Metric Conversions - Maths Room Online course about metric, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Percentages - Maths Room Online course about percentages, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Pythagoras - Maths Room Online course about Pythagoras, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Quadratic Equations - Maths Room Online course about quadratic equations, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Ratios and Rates - Maths Room Online course about ratios and rates, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Rearranging Formulae - Maths Room Online course to help you develop strategies for rearranging formulae, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Times Tables - Maths Room Online course about times tables, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Trades Maths - Maths Room Online course about trades maths, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Trigonometry - Maths Room Online course about trigonometry, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Vectors - Maths Room Online course about vectors, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Videos and Apps - Maths Room Online course about videos and apps, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Whole numbers - Maths Room Online course about whole numbers, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Word Problems - Maths Room Online course about word problems, includes, activities, examples and demonstrations. | Webpage - Moodle |
| Maths Room Video Playlists - YouTube videos on a range of maths topics. | Webpage - External |
| Maths Room Playlist: Numeracy Pre-Health Maths - Videos on addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, metrics, percentages and ratios. | Webpage - External |
| Maths Room Playlist: Drug Calculations - Videos on metric conversions, tablets, volumes, patient’s body weight, flow rates, ml per hour, drop rates, drops/min, length of infusion. | Webpage - External |
| Maths Room Playlist: Algebra - Videos on positive and negative numbers, factorising, expanding, simplifying algebraic expressions, solving equations, rearranging formulae, transposition, logs and exponents. | Webpage - External |
| Maths Room Playlist: Calculus - Videos on laws of indices, differentiation, product rule, quotient rule, composite functions, chain rule, differentiation by substitution, differentiation by inspection, implicit differentiation, parametric differentiation, logarithmic differentiation, applications of differentiation, turning points, integration, integration of powers of x, integration by substitution, integration by inspection, integration of cos squared, applications of integrations, distance, velocity, acceleration. | Webpage - External |
| Desmos Graphing Calculator - Free online graphing calculator from Desmos.com A fantastic easy-to-use tool that will help you graph functions (linear, quadratic, cubic, exponential, log, sine, co-sine, tangent – and others) and explore transformations of these graphs (straight line, parabola, cubic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions – and others). | Webpage - External |
| Equations2Go – Linear Equations - Equations2Go (by Daphne Robson and Matthew Wratt) is an interactive maths program to help you learn how to solve linear equations. It focuses on the strategies you need to use to solve equations. | Webpage - External |
| Pathways Awarua – Numeracy Pre-Health Maths - Click the link to register. Click on the No join code button. Pathways Awarua is an interactive online resource to support adult learners to strengthen their numeracy skills. It’s easy to navigate and you can do it at your own pace! Important: Always ensure that you are on the General Numeracy pathway. | Webpage - External |
| Addition Maths video: addition, whole numbers | Webpage - External |
| Subtraction Maths video 1: subtraction, whole numbers | Webpage - External |
| Subtraction Maths video 2: subtraction, whole numbers | Webpage - External |
| Subtraction Maths video 3: subtraction, whole numbers | Webpage - External |
| Multiplication Maths video 1: subtraction, whole numbers | Webpage - External |
| Multiplication Maths video 2: multiplication, whole numbers | Webpage - External |
| Multiplication Maths video 3: multiplication, whole numbers, calculating an area of a rectangle | Webpage - External |
| Division Maths video 1: division, whole numbers | Webpage - External |
| Division Maths video 2: division, whole numbers Maths video 1: division, whole numbers | Webpage - External |
| Addition of Decimals Maths video: addition, decimal numbers, calculation a perimeter of a triangle | Webpage - External |
| Subtraction of Decimals Maths video: subtraction, decimal numbers, calculating a waste of skirting board | Webpage - External |
| Multiplication of Decimals Maths video: multiplication, decimal numbers, calculating an area of standard plaster board | Webpage - External |
| Division of Decimals Maths video: division, decimal numbers | Webpage - External |
| Percentages: one quantity as a % of another quantity Maths video: multiplication, division, decimal numbers, calculating an area of a rectangle, calculating amount of standard plaster boards to cover a wall | Webpage - External |
| Calculating Areas Maths video: multiplication, division, decimal numbers, calculating an area of a rectangle, calculating an area of a waste of plaster board, calculating a percentage of a waste | Webpage - External |
| Rearranging Formula Maths video: rearranging formula, Ohm’s law, transposition of formula | Webpage - External |
| Trades Maths Playlist: | Webpage - External |
Technology
Learning resources
You may need to prepare your work in an electronic format. If you have not produced electronic documents often, such as Microsoft Word for essays and reports, or PowerPoint for a presentation, you may want to use these resources to help you get started.
| Learning Pathway | Start Learning |
|---|---|
| Quick start: Moodle, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook - A guided pathway to help you learn about using the common technology that you will need during your study. | |
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Get set up for study - Online help you set up log into institute technology and install office 365. | Webpage |
| Getting ready for study - Quick start guide on connecting to Moodle, Student Portal, Student Email and more. | |
| Library support for off-campus students - | Webpage |
| Lynda.com - Quick guide on accessing and using Lynda.com | |
| PowerPoint presentation tips - Tips on how to prepare and design a PowerPoint presentation. | |
| PowerPoint tips - Tips on how to insert images, audio, video, transitions and animations into powerpoint slides. | |
| Tips for learning through Moodle - Guidelines on how to learn effectively using Moodle. | |
| Getting started with OneDrive - Tips for accessing and using your OneDrive account with 1TB of storage. | |
| Get Office365 for free - How to access the link to download Office 365 to your own device. |
Learning Pathways
| Learning pathway | Start learning |
|---|---|
| Oral Presentations - A guided pathway to help you learn about oral presentations. | |
| Poster presentations - A guided pathway to help you learn about poster presentations. | |
| APA Referencing - A guided pathway to help you learn about APA referencing. | |
| Information skills - A guided pathway to help you find resources for your assignments. | |
| Critical Thinking - A guided pathway to help you learn about thinking critically. | |
| How to learn - A guided pathway to different learning strategies to help you find your preferred learning style. | |
| Quick start: Moodle, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook - A guided pathway to help you learn about using the common technology that you will need during your study. | |
| Editing and Proofreading - A guided pathway to help you learn about editing and proofreading. | |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guided pathway to help you learn more about analysing assignment instructions | |
| Paragraphs - A guided pathway to help you learn about writing good paragraphs. | |
| Reflective writing - A guided pathway to help you learn about reflective writing. | |
| Report writing - A guided pathway to help you learn about report writing. | |
| Reading strategies - A guided pathway to help you learn about reading strategies. | |
| Study groups - A guided pathway to help you learn about study groups. | |
| Spelling and Punctuation - A guided pathway to help you learn about spelling and punctuation | |
| Mind Maps - A guided pathway to help you to use mind mapping as an effective learning and study tool. | |
| Effective Note Taking - A guided pathway to teach you the concepts of effective note taking. | |
| Three Stage Learning - A guided pathway to teach you about how to learn best in three stages, before, during and after class. | |
| Essay Writing - A guided pathway to help you learn the basic of writing a good essay. | |
| Exams and Tests - A guided pathway to help you prepare for exams and tests. | |
| Starting your Assignment - A guided pathway to help you analyse your assignment question and start work on your assignment. | |
| Plagiarism - A guided pathway to help you avoid plagiarism. | |
| Literature Review - A guided pathway to help you learn the basics of writing a literature review and start work on your assignment. | |
| Grammar - A guided pathway to help you improve your grammar skills. | |
| Annotated Bibliography - A guided pathway to help you learn how to create an annotated bibliography and start work on your assignment. | |
| Organising your Time - A guided pathway to help you learn how manage your time better. | |
Support For You
Assessment
Learning resources
These resources help you to work on your assessments confidently by showing you how to understand what you are being asked to do, and how it is to be presented. Here you will find resources for all types of assessment, from written reports and essays, to oral or poster presentations.
| Learning Pathway | Start Learning |
|---|---|
| Annotated Bibliography - A guided pathway to help you learn how to create an annotated bibliography and start work on your assignment. | |
| Critical Thinking - A guided pathway to help you learn about thinking critically. | |
| Essay Writing - A guided pathway to help you learn the basic of writing a good essay. | |
| Exams and Tests - A guided pathway to help you prepare for exams and tests. | |
| Information skills - A guided pathway to help you find resources for your assignments. | |
| Literature Review - A guided pathway to help you learn the basics of writing a literature review and start work on your assignment. | |
| Oral Presentations - A guided pathway to help you learn about oral presentations. | |
| Plagiarism - A guided pathway to help you avoid plagiarism. | |
| Poster presentations - A guided pathway to help you learn about poster presentations. | |
| Reflective writing - A guided pathway to help you learn about reflective writing. | |
| Report writing - A guided pathway to help you learn about report writing. | |
| Starting your Assignment - A guided pathway to help you analyse your assignment question and start work on your assignment. | |
| Description | View |
|---|---|
| A comparison of a report and an essay - This resource compares a report and an essay. | |
| Assignment writing steps - Guidelines to planning and writing better assignments. | |
| Definitions of instructional words - Check that you know the meaning of the assignments instructional words. | |
| Develop your essay writing - University of Reading guidance on essay writing. | Webpage - External |
| Exam preparation and techniques - A guide to getting ready for your exams and tests. | |
| Formatting your assignment - Step-by-step instructions for formatting your assignment using Microsoft Word 2016. | |
| Guides and tutorials - University of Reading guides and tutorials around study and assignment writing. | Webpage - External |
| How to analyse assignment instructions - A guide to help you ensure that you answer the assignment question properly. | |
| How to write a literature review - This animation is a partnership project between staff and students within Buckinghamshire New University. | video |
| Marking guide example - Your assignments should have their own marking guides, here are a couple of marking guide examples from a commerce and media course. | Webpage - Te Kete |
| Plagiarism - what it is and how to recognise it - Overview of how to recognise and avoid plagiarism. | Webpage - External |
| Proofreading tips - Tips on checking your assignment for correct content, structure, style, grammar, and spelling. | |
| RMIT study tips essay writing - This resource will help with writing a report. | |
| San Jose - Writing a literature review paper - Learn how to research, structure and write a literature review paper that synthesizes the key theories and results in your field of study. | video |