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