Language and Learning Support is free and confidential, assisting you with skills development tailored to your specific unit. We also work with both students and lecturers to help learners understand assignment requirements and improve communication and study skills for their discipline.
Our resources
Study skills resources
Study skills are essential for your success. We want to help you develop your study skills and make the most of your time at CDU. The Study Skills webpage has guides to help you throughout your studies.
Annotated example text types
- Essay (PDF, 642.07 KB)
- Research Report (PDF, 893.78 KB)
- Critique (PDF, 630.11 KB)
- Reflection (PDF, 528.27 KB)
- Annotated Bibliography (PDF, 932.95 KB)
How and why to use the annotated exemplars
Sustainability is a topic you'll encounter frequently in your studies. We've chosen this theme because it's something you're likely already familiar with, making it easier for you to focus on improving your assignment skills, including structure, language, and referencing norms.
In each text, we use color-coded annotations to highlight these essential elements. This will help you pay closer attention to them, and you can then incorporate these elements into your writing and assignments. We recommend downloading and reading these annotations carefully, so you can refer to them whenever needed. You can choose to work on one element at a time or consider all four simultaneously.
A-Z of First Nations Terms Student Guide
How and why to use the A-Z of First Nations Terms Student Guide
Many courses at CDU have units with an Indigenous perspective embedded in the curriculum. This means you frequently research and write about issues related to First Nations peoples.
It is important to be both accurate and appropriate when using terms to discuss Indigenous issues. This shows respect and also reveals knowledge of one of the oldest cultures in the world.
The A-Z of First Nations terms is a useful resource to refer to when writing your assignments. It has been developed in collaboration with CDU staff from First Nations Leadership and First Nations Students and Engagement, so it is an authoritative source of information.
We recommend downloading it and referring to it to check you have accurately and appropriately used First Nations terms.
Recorded workshops
Recordings on this page are an overview of activities and materials from live workshops. If you can't attend a workshop, you can review videos in your own time. You will benefit most from these recordings if you pause the video to try some of the activities. Many of these topics are covered in more detail in the Study Skills pages. Explore those pages if you need more help. AI @ CDU Part 1: Academic Integrity AI @ CDU Part 2: Artificial Intelligence Engaging academic oral presentations Introduction to academic writing Paraphrasing and synthesising resources PASS: Peer Assisted Study Sessions @ CDU |
HDR recorded workshops
Quick guide: How to create an infographic
This guide introduces students to the purpose, structure, and design of infographics. It outlines key components, steps for creation, and how generative AI tools can assist with planning, content development, and visual design of an infographic.
Quick tips for Generative AI prompt engineering
The ethical use of Generative AI at university involves ensuring that AI tools and systems are deployed in ways that uphold academic integrity, respect privacy, and promote fairness. This includes using AI to enhance learning and research without enabling cheating or plagiarism, protecting student data from misuse, and ensuring that AI applications do not reinforce biases or inequalities.
Download our quick guide below with tips on how to use Generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT ethically.
Prompt Engineering Quick Tips (PDF, 200.52 KB)
Top Tips for University Success
Our services
Online Tutor
As a CDU student, you have access to 24/7 online tutoring via your Learnline Units. In each unit, look for unit tools and you’ll see this icon:
Online tutoring has a new look. The assistance offered is the same, it just looks different. A downloadable step-by-step guide can be found here:
Please note that you can see how much time you have left once you click on ‘Connect Now’. Make sure you have selected English as your language preference.
If you have any questions, please email askthelibrary@cdu.edu.au
Peer Advisors
Need help with your assignments and unit content?
Receive study assistance from senior students who can help you succeed in your academic journey.
Peer Advisors facilitate study group sessions and one-to-one meetings with students.
Visit the Peer Advisors webpage for more information.
Workshops
Language and Learning workshops focus on the skills that you need to do well at university. Whenever possible, we encourage you to join a live workshop for a rich, interactive learning experience, which includes:
- discussion with Advisors and other students
- participation in learning activities
- the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback.
Workshops are held either on campus or online, and they are free to all students at CDU.
Visit our calendar page for this semester's schedule.
Make an appointment (individual support)
Language and Learning Advisors are available for individual consultations about English language skills, assignments, writing, presentations and other study skills.
Make an appointment at your closest campus or arrange an online appointment with an advisor at any of our campuses.
Appointments can be made up to 7 days in advance.