Glossary (A)

A short form of a word or phrase, used to save time and space instead of writing out the text in full.

For example NHS is an abbreviation of National Health Service.

compare symbol

The commonly accepted way that academics do things.
Example: the style in which academics have decided is the correct way to write articles.
see: convention

This can be the complete academic report of all the subjects a student has studied and the grades received.

A set of steps that should be taken including activities and tasks that must be completed. An action plan can also list the priority level of each task and the amount of time that should be spent on each activity or task.

A list, in a specific order, of things to be discussed or agreed when a group of people meet.

To examine in detail and identify important points and features.

Examining or liking to examine things in detail, in order to discover more about them.

Notes made on an existing document to clarify points in the content.

APT-S stands for academic, people, task- and self-management skills.

A reason or set of reasons presented in order to persuade readers or listeners to a particular point of view.
see also line of reasoning; reason

The result you get when adding two or more amounts together and then dividing the total by the number of amounts you used (also called arithmetic average).

Example: If you take three numbers 7, 12 and 20 and add them together and then divide by 3 the arithmetic mean is 13.

The way your ability and understanding of the material is judged by your lecturer or teacher. 
Examples of assessment: Exams, essays, coursework and presentations.

Any work that has been given to you as part of your course.
Example: an essay or report on a specific subject relating to your course.
see also essay; report

The way your emotions define your approach to a task or idea.
Example: A positive attitude can help to motivate you and a negative attitude can make a task seem harder than it actually is.