Learning How to Study Again : A Practical Guide to Study Skills for Mature Students Returning to Education or Distance Learning

by Dawson, Catherine

• ISBN13: 9781857039818
• ISBN10: 1857039815
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-03-01
• Publisher: How to Books

Summary

You have decided to return to education, and now you may be worried that your study skills are not up to scratch. This inspiring and practical book has been written especially for adult learners, whether they are considering full-time courses, part-time studies or evening classes. It covers everything you need to know to succeed in your chosen course, including how to; discover your learning style, improve your reading speed and memory, take notes and get organized, improve your writing and mathematical skills, master research techniques, develop analytical skills and gain marks in exams.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
1 Learning How to Learn	1	(13)
What is 'Learning'?	1	(1)
Recognising Prior Experiential Learning	2	(1)
Evaluating your Prior Learning	3	(3)
Recognising your Learning Style	6	(2)
Improving Concentration and Memory	8	(4)
Training your Mind to Learn	12	(2)
2 Preparing for Study	14	(10)
Maintaining Health	14	(1)
Creating a Working Environment	15	(2)
Building and Improving Motivation	17	(3)
Preparing a Study Plan	20	(4)
3 Organising your Study	24	(11)
Managing your Time	24	(3)
Completing Coursework and Meeting Deadlines	27	(2)
Keeping a Learning Diary	29	(2)
Overcoming Difficulties with Personal Organisation	31	(4)
4 Enhancing your Reading Skills	35	(11)
Preparing for Academic Reading	35	(1)
Using Reading Lists	36	(1)
Developing your Academic Reading	37	(2)
Improving your Reading Speed	39	(4)
Taking Notes from Books	43	(3)
5 Enhancing your Writing Skills	46	(12)
Improving Punctuation and Grammar	46	(6)
Improving Spelling	52	(2)
Improving Vocabulary	54	(1)
Writing at the Correct Level and Pitch	55	(3)
6 Enhancing your Mathematical and Scientific Skills	58	(11)
Reading Mathematical and Scientific Material	59	(2)
Understanding Charts, Tables and Graphs	61	(1)
Producing Charts, Tables and Graphs on a Computer	62	(2)
Coping with Problem Sheets	64	(1)
Conducting Experiments	65	(4)
7 Getting the Most out of Lectures and Seminars	69	(9)
Preparing for Lectures and Seminars	69	(1)
Improving Listening Skills	70	(2)
Improving and Maintaining Concentration	72	(1)
Taking Notes Efficiently	72	(4)
Asking Questions	76	(2)
8 Developing your Group Work Skills	78	(11)
Improving your Communication Skills	78	(4)
Planning your Group Work	82	(2)
Producing Group Assignments	84	(1)
Coping with Difficult Group Members	84	(1)
Enhancing your Group Experience	84	(5)
9 Mastering Open and Distance Learning Techniques	89	(12)
Understanding and Using Information Technology	90	(2)
Learning as an Individual	92	(1)
Remaining Motivated	93	(2)
Obtaining Books and Journals	95	(1)
Tips for Succeeding at Distance Learning	96	(3)
Utilising Tutor Feedback	99	(2)
10 Making the Most of Information and Communication Technology	101	(15)
Getting Started	102	(1)
Writing on a Computer	102	(1)
Producing a Document	103	(3)
Printing your Work	106	(1)
File Management	107	(1)
Backing up Files	108	(2)
Using the Internet	110	(1)
Using e-mail	110	(3)
Avoiding Viruses	113	(3)
11 Producing Successful Assignments	116	(13)
Stages of the Writing Process	116	(9)
Developing a Concise Writing Style	125	(1)
Tips for Improving Marks	126	(3)
12 Mastering Research Techniques	129	(13)
Primary and Secondary Research	129	(1)
How to Conduct Secondary Research	130	(6)
How to Conduct Primary Research	136	(1)
Beginning a Research Project	137	(2)
Keeping Records of Background Research	139	(2)
Further Reading	141	(1)
13 Developing your Analytical Skills	142	(10)
Learning How to Question	142	(2)
Critiquing and Reviewing	144	(1)
Solving Problems	145	(1)
Becoming a Reflective Learner	146	(2)
Hypothesising and Theorising	148	(1)
Recognising Objectivity and Subjectivity	149	(2)
Further Reading	151	(1)
14 Conquering Oral Presentations	152	(12)
Presenting a Seminar	153	(2)
Using Visual Aids	155	(2)
Do's and Don'ts of Making a Presentation	157	(3)
Overcoming Nerves	160	(4)
15 Completing your Dissertation	164	(13)
Choosing a Topic	164	(1)
Choosing your Research Methods	165	(1)
Planning and Preparation	165	(3)
Doing your Research	168	(2)
Writing your Dissertation	170	(3)
What Makes a Good Dissertation?	173	(1)
What Makes a Bad Dissertation?	174	(3)
16 Passing your Exams	177	(10)
How to Revise	177	(4)
Preparing for Examinations	181	(1)
Taking an Examination	182	(3)
Improving Examination Marks	185	(2)
17 Coping with the Pressures of Study	187	(11)
Building Relationships with your Tutor	187	(2)
Coping with Stress	189	(2)
Obtaining Support from Other Students	191	(2)
Seeking Professional Help	193	(5)
18 Making the Most of Learner Support Services	198	(8)
Help with Study Skills	198	(2)
Support for Information Technology	200	(2)
Learning Resource Support	202	(2)
Support for Students with Disabilities	204	(2)
Useful Addresses and Websites	206	(4)
Index	210