An accessible, student-friendly handbook that covers all of the essential study and organisational skills that will ensure any student studying a university course whilst continuing to work can get the most out of their course and improve their employability .
This book will help to improve confidence and help part-time and distance learning students to build on the skills and experience gained at work. Throughout the book examples are included using real life case studies drawn from the experiences of students who have been successful in achieving their degree without giving up their job.
Preface
Chapter 1 Studying: a life changing experience
Difference patterns of work and study
Auditing your support network
Understanding your learning style
Using your workplace as a source of learning
Finding a place and time to study
Time management
Barriers to learning
Managing morale and motivation
References / further reading
Chapter 2 Personal Development Planning
Reflective Writing
Personal Development Planning (PDP)
Producing a Professional Development Portfolio
References / Further reading
Chapter 3 Strategies for supporting learning
Using the Learning Resources Centre
Reading effectively
Making notes and effective summaries of texts
Identifying key points from lectures
Learning in tutorials, groups and seminars
Looking at available support for improving basic skills
References / Further reading
Chapter 4 Using technology to enhance your learning
Using the internet and electronic resources
The importance of anti-virus software and backups
Learning online in the virtual classroom
Developing your information technology skills
Chapter 5 Preparing for research
Preliminary issues
Gaining access to workplace data
The research process
Determining what to research
Ethical considerations
Reviewing the literature
Ensuring validity and reliability
Choosing your research sample
References / Further reading
Chapter 6 Data collection, analysis and presentation
Choosing an appropriate methodology
Qualitative data collection methods
Quantitative data collection methods
Analysing qualitative data
Analysing quantitative data
Presenting the findings
Drawing conclusions from the data
References / Further reading
Chapter 7 Quotations, citations and bibliographies
Why you need to cite your sources
Quotation in the text
How to cite work in the text
Using and citing electronic material
Footnotes and endnotes
Compiling a bibliography
Electronic bibliographic management
How to avoid plagiarism
References / Further Reading
Chapter 8 Techniques for academic writing
Expectations of academic writing
Understanding generic assessment criteria and marking schemes
Managing the writing process for producing assignments
Preparing for your first essay
Writing for academic purposes - some practical guidance
The process of writing your essay
Writing reports and dissertations
References / Further reading
Chapter 9 Developing Oral Presentation Skills
Why develop presentation skills
Participating in seminars and tutorials
How to plan an effective presentation
Using audio visual aids
Using PowerPoint and other technology
Making your presentation
Group presentations
References / Further reading
Chapter 10 Coping with exams and revision
Stress management
Drawing up a revision timetable
Planning an examination strategy
The night before the exam
The day of the exam
During the exam
References / Further reading
Chapter 11 After your degree: looking to the future
Using your careers service
Auditing your personal experiences
Writing a professional CV
Completing your application
References / Further reading
Bibliography
Glossary
Index