Study Skills for Foundation Degrees

Description

Study Skills for Foundation Degrees offers a step-by-step guide to the skills needed to successfully complete a Foundation Degree. Filled with activities and useful tips, it will help students to move from nervous novice to confident expert and provide them with the necessary tools to accomplish this. By reading this book, students will be able to learn new skills and enhance existing ones. This third edition has been fully updated and features new chapters on e-learning and dissertations as well as expanded sections on ethics, feedback and referencing. Each chapter includes practical guidance as well as student perspectives that will help students through their course of study. It includes advice on how to support learning, boost motivation and enhance time management, and covers all the essential skills required for successful study, including: Effective reading and note-taking strategies Developing oral skills in a wide range of presentation settings, including what makes a good presentation and how each stage of the process can be prepared for Carrying out well-planned, methodologically sound and well-written research Preparing for examinations and other forms of assessment Producing a professional development portfolio or winning CV Highly accessible, this new edition is an essential resource for all Foundation Degree students who want to get the most out of their course, mature students or anyone with limited or no experience of academic study. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Contents Preface Acknowledgements About the authors 1 Preparing for foundation degree study Understanding foundation degrees Creating a support network of family, friends and colleagues Preparing a space to study Some top tips for success Websites to visit for more information References 2 Learning as an adult How do we learn? Levels of learning Types of learning Building on previous experience Motivation for further study Managing your morale Further reading References 3 Effective reading and note-taking strategies The learning resources centre Reading effectively Making notes Websites to visit for more information References 4 Developing your oral presentation skills Why develop presentation skills? What makes a good presentation? Preparation The presentation Further reading References 5 Data collection and presentation Why collect data? Deciding what to research Common data collection techniques Drawing conclusions from the data Websites to visit for more information Further reading References 6 Effective academic writing techniques - essays Writing your first essay Writing for academic purposes Checklist before submission of any written work Websites to visit for more information Further reading References 7 Effective academic writing techniques - other types of assignments Writing reports Summarising practical and project work Writing short entries Writing a critical review Reflective writing Précis, or the art of writing precisely Writing a dissertation Websites to visit for more information Further reading References 8 Referencing and avoiding plagiarism Acknowledging sources of information Creating your bibliography The Harvard system Sources which should be acknowledged Online reference generators What is plagiarism and how can it be avoided? Further reading References 9 Using technology to enhance your learning Finding the right search tool Judging the quality of the information Organising information using social bookmarks The importance of anti-virus software and backups Learning online in the virtual classroom Creating an e-portfolio Netiquette — a guide to good communications using technology Developing your digital skills Websites to visit for more information References 10 How to manage your time, handle stress and cope with exams Practical strategies for managing your time Ideas for managing stress Coping with exams and revision Further reading References 11 Reflective practice and continuing professional development Keeping a reflective journal Producing a professional development portfolio Personal development planning (PDP) Websites to visit for more information Further reading References 12 Progressing to an honours degree and producing a winning CV What next? Using your careers service Further study: how to find the relevant honours degree course Producing a winning CV: reflecting on your experiences Now write your CV Completing an application form Writing a letter of application Your next steps on the road of lifelong learning Websites to visit for more information Further reading References Bibliography Websites Glossary Index