How do you bridge the gap between secondary and tertiary education so that you will succeed in the academic environment? How can you learn to think critically as you embark on your academic career? Which practical skills do you need to develop the cognitive expertise that forms the foundation of university preparation?

Introduction to scholarship: a practical guide to building academic skills for tertiary study offers a practical, skills-based approach to developing the basic academic and critical thinking skills required to succeed in the tertiary environment. The book has a broad scope as it focuses on critical thinking and other cognitive skills which form the foundation of university preparation. The textbook assumes a generic, relatable and practical, coached approach to the theory and practice of
academic skills and thinking.

Each chapter begins with a relevant and familiar educational/life scenario that students will be able to relate to, after which each short section features basic theory, and then practice opportunities. The tone is humorous and collegial, which will encourage students to relate and co-create in their learning as opposed to simply filling in their tabula rasa.

The supplementary material features more specific short-theory and practice opportunities. For example, in the referencing section, law students are shown TSAR referencing practice and given realistic examples with which to practise, Psychology students are shown APA referencing, and Humanities students are given samples and practice in the Harvard Standard method.

While the approach is generic and is suitable for most first-year students, it remains relevant and useful to students so that they will not be required to source another textbook to engage in any basic academic activity. The textbook will be designed with tertiary institutions new trend towards Learner Management Systems in mind, and the supplementary material will be compatible with this (i.e. via OUPs new Learner Zone), or more traditional platforms, such as CD drives.