Pocket Study Skills – serie

University students are typically exposed to a much wider variety of academic sources at university – including monographs, textbooks, journals, reports – and, crucially, a much larger proportion of their time is spent on independent academic reading, relative to their time in school.There are lots of study skills texts which deal with academic writing in some form or other, but there are far fewer resources which provide helpful guidance about how to manage the early stages of an assignment. The quality of a student’s written work reflects the quality of their reading and note-making skills. If students don’t understand what their assignment is asking; if students don’t take control of their reading list and consult the most appropriate sources; and if students don’t end the process of reading with meaningful notes it’s very unlikely that they will score high marks for their assignment.This book helps readers to take charge of their reading at university and provides succinct and practical guidance at key stages of the assignment. It helps students to understand what their assignment title means and how to identify useful, reliable academic sources. It helps students to apply different reading strategies, depending on the task at hand, and to approach texts actively so that they are questioning and evaluating materials as they go. In addition to reading strategies, the Pocket introduces readers to useful strategies and tips for note-making. The final part helps readers to make the most of their notes by engaging with and reviewing the material they’ve created.New for this edition:- A science-based example for STEM students- New section which helps readers think about what type of information and evidence they need to find- New tips on managing large volumes of reading- Updated material on note-making software and online tools to reflect latest technology

From first steps to final submission, this accessible guide takes students through each stage of the assignment-writing process and equips them with the skills they need to construct and develop convincing academic arguments.Concise and compact, it offers practical advice on forming ideas, structuring arguments and finding your academic voice. The authors, both of whom are experienced in working directly with students, also provide valuable guidance on a number of important subtleties in academic writing, including expressing reservations or enthusiasm in academic writing and using evidence to convey different viewpoints.The second edition contains new material on synthesizing ideas from different sources, as well as more varied examples of what ‘finding your academic voice means’ in the context of different assignments, including blogs and observations.Applicable to different types of assignment, this is an essential resource for all undergraduates and postgraduates who are looking to communicate their arguments effectively and improve the quality of their academic writing.

This concise, no-nonsense guide shows students how to adopt a critical approach in order to unlock their academic potential. It explains:- what 'getting critical' means- why students need to adopt a critical approach- how students can integrate critical analysis into their research, reading and writingEach succinct chapter is visually engaging and informative, and includes plenty of snippets of real students' work to show readers what good critical writing looks like. This 3rd edition has been updated throughout, and now contains new chapters on getting critical with numbers and critical appraisal, fresh examples from a wider range of assignments and more STEM examples.Getting Critical is an invaluable resource for all students who are required to write essays, reports and other pieces of extended writing as part of their course. It is also an ideal text to be used in conjunction with study skills programmes and critical thinking modules at Higher Education and Further Education level.

This indispensable guide shows students what successful academic writing involves and gives them the tools they will need to write successfully themselves. It separates fact from fiction and takes students through the five essential elements of academic writing: writing critically; using sources; developing your own voice; having a clear structure and style; and editing and polishing drafts. Chapters include annotated extracts of real students' academic writing from a range of subject areas. This third edition has been revised throughout, and contains three new sections on originality, argument and synthesising sources.Writing for University is an essential resource for students making the transition to university-level study and a valuable reference point for all students doing academic study in English. It is suitable for students of all disciplines, from education and business through to social work and psychology.

Packed with practical advice, this concise guide explains what reflective writing is and how to approach it. It equips students with all the key information and strategies they need to develop an appropriate reflective writing style, whatever their subject area. Annotated examples from a range of disciplines and contexts show students how to put these tips into practice. It concludes with a section on applying reflective practices to personal development and career planning.This handy guide is an indispensable resource for students of all disciplines and levels, who are required to develop and demonstrate reflective qualities in their work. It will be particularly useful to students writing reflective logs on placements. New to this Edition:- Contains more content on the value and importance of reflection in other life contexts, so that students can appreciate its relevance from an early stage;- Features a short overview of academic writing genres, to help students make connections between reflective writing and other forms of academic writing with which they are already familiar- Covers alternative ways of capturing reflection, such as free-writing, blogs/vlogs and other technologies- Includes new examples which show how students have re-worked their initial drafts to produce a better, more appropriate response

This practical guide is full of advice on how to make the most of the PhD experience. It covers the practicalities of embarking on a PhD and guides students through the process, from selecting a topic and securing finance to writing and publishing their thesis. It also includes a wealth of workshop activities to help students sharpen their focus and clarify their thoughts, and top tips for further development.This is an essential guide for all current and soon-to-be PhD students. It also offers useful guidance for anyone considering pursuing research-based career.

This friendly guide is packed with practical, succinct advice on the core processes involved in making the final push to successfully finishing a thesis and preparing for life after submission. It contains comprehensive guidance on writing for others, presenting research, networking and preparing for the viva. Hands-on workshop activities keep students engaged and help them to develop a positive approach to overcoming hurdles.This is an indispensable guide for PhD students of all disciplines. It is also an ideal companion to Planning Your PhD.

This pocket-sized guide provides students with practical advice and suggestions for successfully managing all aspects of their time while studying, from prioritising tasks to planning for individual assignments, group tasks and exams. Activities and self-assessments help students to identify how they learn best so that they can develop time management strategies that work for them.Concise yet effective, this is an essential resource for any student looking to improve their time management skills. Ideal for self-study, it contains a section on troubleshooting for those looking for a quick-fix solution.

This handy guide helps science students to develop essential skills for success in their discipline. Featuring top tips, memorable illustrations and real scientific examples, it shows them how to record their observations accurately, interpret their results accurately and develop good time management skills and study habits. It also contains practical guidance on tackling different types of assignments, responding to feedback and preparing for exams.This is an invaluable resource for science students on both further and higher education courses.

This practical pocket guide provides valuable advice on how to communicate ideas through effective posters and presentations. Following a clear, four-stage approach, the book encourages students to think, plan, do and reflect and brings the advice to life through lively illustrations and diagrams. It also contains guidance on how to apply these skills to contexts beyond academia, such as conferences and job applications.This is an ideal resource for students of all disciplines and levels, who are required to create posters and deliver presentations as part of their course.

This concise and user-friendly guide explains why referencing is an essential part of good writing and shows students how to reference correctly. It also develops students’ understanding of what plagiarism is and how they can avoid it in their work. Featuring clear explanations and examples throughout, this book will help students to draw on the work of others in their field in a responsible and ethical way.This is an indispensable resource for all students that need to get to grips with referencing.New to this Edition:- Extensively revised and updated, with new extracts and examples to reflect changes in referencing norms and practices- Features more advice on introducing quotations and citations- Contains even more examples of referencing from real students’ work across a range of disciplines

This compact reference guide gives students the skills and confidence to succeed in case study assignments. It takes students step-by-step through the process, from reading and understanding the brief through to critically evaluating the case, applying theory and presenting the assignment. Featuring sample assignments from a wide range of disciplines, it provides guidance on identifying the most important facts in a case, what to do when there’s information missing and how to decide which theories and concepts to apply to a case.It is an invaluable resource for students of all disciplines and levels.

This concise and easy-to-use guide provides students with the skills needed for planning and doing research well, whatever their course of study. Short, succinct chapters take students through the process one step at a time, from planning their project and doing the groundwork through to conducting fieldwork, analysing data and writing up their research. It features practical advice and examples from various subject areas throughout, alongside checklists to keep students on track.This is an ideal resource for students of all disciplines, especially undergraduates undertaking a research project for the very first time.New to this Edition:- Includes new sections on online sources, university procedures surrounding ethics and different approaches to research

This accessible guide is an ideal starter for students who are puzzled by statistics and quantitative data analysis. Taking students step-by-step through the statistical process, it introduces the steps involved in successfully describing, analyzing and interpreting data and explains the logic which underpins these processes. Bite-sized chapters provide practical guidance for each stage of the process, from defining the research question and designing questionnaires through to using the appropriate statistical tests and analyses for the task and reporting and interpreting statistics.Clear and concise, this will be a go-to resource for undergraduates of all disciplines who need to get to grips with basic statistics on their course.

'The most useful book on dissertation writing that I've seen.' Customer review'Concise, complete and to the point. The perfect place to start planning your dissertation.' Customer reviewThis essential pocket guide takes students through the planning for each stage of their dissertation, from hatching an idea to handing in their finished project. Short, succinct chapters cover everything from devising a research question and engaging with the literature to choosing a methodology and structuring an argument. It features sample dissertations from a range of subject areas, so that students can better anticipate what lies ahead, practical advice at every step and action plans to keep students on track.This edition includes:· A new chapter on the research proposal as an assessed assignment· A redesigned dissertation library with outlines of different dissertation styles (report, essay and creative/practical)· Further examples of dissertations from a wider range of subject areas linked via a QR code· More guidance on using digital software for planning and time management· Updated advice for making the most of your supervisor and managing stressThis book is the ideal companion to all students completing a dissertation as part of their undergraduate or postgraduate studies, whatever their subject area.

A must have for anyone who needs help improving their academic writing.Packed with top tips on grammar, structure and style, this handy guide provides succinct and practical guidance on students' most common writing concerns. Each tip is accompanied by authentic examples of student writing, suggested rewrites and useful exercises. Lively illustrations help students to understand and remember essential principles of grammar and punctuation, and end-of-chapter checklists help them to develop effective proofreading skills. The second edition has been restructured for easier navigation and includes updated examples and new illustrations. This compact and concise book is a must-have for students of all levels, and a valuable resource for teachers needing no-nonsense explanations of key punctuation and grammar points.

Full of practical advice and visual examples, this compact book provides learners with the tools and knowledge to work with their dyslexia. The book’s accessible layout and engaging style supports students with dyslexia and enables them to take control of their studies and learn in ways that are most effective for them. It covers all the core study skills, including reading, writing and revision, and includes guidance on how to manage time effectively.This is an ideal resource for students of all levels who want advice on how to manage their dyslexia in a positive way.New to this Edition:- Coverage of the latest assistive technology and other digital tools which are available to students- Material on neurodiversity and co-occurring specific learning difficulties -Updated guidance on applying for funding and access support through universities

With essays, the key to success is in the planning. The fourth edition of this bestselling guide takes students through the complete essay writing process, from planning the task and analysing the question to structuring, drafting and editing their work. It provides practical guidance on how to reference, approach different types of essay and make the most of tutors’ feedback. This is an essential resource for students of all disciplines and levels who are assessed on the basis of their ability to write essays.New to this Edition:- Additional material on using sources in your work through paraphrasing and quoting- Guidance on working with AI tools such as ChatGPT- Fresh examples of student essays

Whether students are completing a stand-alone assessment or doing a literature review as part of a report or a dissertation, this handy pocket gives them the knowledge and skills to get started with the task at hand. Students need to read and reflect on a wide range of academic sources in order to successfully complete a literature review, but many find this form of assessment to be particularly challenging. This compact and accessible guide takes the reader step-by-step through the process of completing a literature review, from understanding the brief and finding and selecting sources through to reading strategically, bringing the literature together into themes, and completing the writing. The authors use examples drawn from a wide range of disciplines and the text is enlivened by helpful diagrams and illustrations to facilitate learning. This is the ideal resource for students who are looking for a practical guide to what’s involved in completing a high-quality literature review.

This short and pithy guide helps readers to understand the differences between English language tests and university-level work. It covers the study and language skills directly connected to using (English) language successfully in an academic context. It also covers critical thinking, disciplinary knowledge, styles and genres, useful skills for reading, making notes, writing assessments (particularly use of language) understanding lectures and seminars, and speaking in seminars.This Pocket gives readers the tools and information needed to not only cope with university study, but to excel and produce top-level work. It encourages the reader to see themselves not just as a ‘student’ but as a researcher, an original and creative thinker, and as someone who can share their ideas and insights with others in order to add to the knowledge of their field.

This concise and user-friendly guide explains why referencing is an essential part of good writing and shows students how to reference correctly. It also develops students' understanding of what plagiarism is and how they can avoid it in their work. Featuring clear explanations and examples throughout, this book will help students to draw on the work of others in their field in a responsible and ethical way.This is an indispensable resource for all students that need to get to grips with referencing.New to this edition:- Extensively revised and updated, with brand new examples and extracts- Features new guidance on how to work with AI tools whilst ensuring that work remains your own- More guidance on how to check the authenticity, reliability and bias of sources

Using examples of real students’ successful group projects, this succinct and supportive guide will help students tackle group assignments with confidence. Bite-sized chapters take students from forming a group and establishing roles through to dealing with conflict and delivering a group assessment. The book contains practical advice on making decisions and active listening, alongside opportunities to reflect on progress and identify opportunities for improvement. This is an essential resource for all students who are expected to produce a group project as part of their course, regardless of their level or discipline.

This friendly and concise guide will help students to understand what stress is, why they experience it and how they can manage it. Based on up-to-date research, the book teaches students how to identify their stress and anxiety triggers, and how to recognise the difference between healthy and unhealthy stress. It equips students with coping strategies to help them manage the ups and downs of university life, and provides guidance on the sources of help and support available to students.This is a must-have resource for any student who would like to manage their studies more effectively and deal with challenges in a more resourceful way.

Practical and concise, this is the essential guide to writing effective reports. It shows students how to tailor report structures and conventions to different audiences and purposes and how to manage changes in format and requirements, so that they have the tools and understanding to write reports with confidence. It includes real-life examples of student reports to illustrate the features of good report writing, and a comprehensive checklist to keep students on track.This is an invaluable resource for students of all levels who are required to write reports as part of their course.New to this Edition:- Contains a new section on demonstrating critical analysis in the key parts of a report, including the literature review, methodology and findings- Additional guidance on effective writing style

This practical, supportive guide steers students through a 14-day revision programme, showing them how to make the most of the time available to them to maximise results. Based on tried and tested revision techniques, it shows students how to tackle common revision and exam challenges through worked examples and practical exercises. Chapters are packed with top tips on key aspects of exam preparation and contain checklists to keep students on track.Concise and engaging, this is an essential companion for all students preparing for exams, on degree and pre-degree courses.

Packed with top tips and helpful examples, this concise book takes students through the process of preparing and making successful applications for work placements, internships and graduate jobs. It encourages students to think about what they want from their career and to identify roles which match with their personality, strengths and experiences. Chapters provide practical guidance on researching opportunities, crafting CVs and cover letters and preparing for interviews and assessment centres. This handy guide will be an invaluable resource for all students looking to secure work experience, placements or internships whilst at university, and land the job they want after graduation.

Featuring helpful examples and top tips throughout, this handy guide equips students with the tools to understand, respond to and apply lecturer feedback in order to continuously improve their academic performance. Chapters take students through the entire feedback process, from handling common feelings associated with feedback and making sense of criticism through to creating an effective action plan and applying feedback across their course.Using Feedback to Boost Your Grades will be an invaluable toolkit for students of all subject areas and levels who want to take control of their academic progress and make the most of the feedback they receive.