STEPPING INTO STUDY

Step Three – Doing

Step Two – Accessing Resources

STEP ONE – GETTING STARTED

Step ONE - Getting Started

Before you commence a course or module of study, it is always a good idea to plan and prepare for the journey. By following this four step study skills guide we hope to point you in the right direction, and support you through your learning. Turn over the page and begin with step one…

Step Four – Processes

Total up your score - 1 for each No and 0 for each Yes

Refer to the advice below

Score 4-8 strongly advise•Complete all the activities in this 4 step study skills guide•Book yourself onto a study skills workshop (via ESR)•Contact Learning and Development Team (to discuss how else you may prepare to study•A taught module of study may be a better option for you - if you have that choice

Score 0-3 probably OK, but…•Take a look at the activities in this 4 step study skills guide and complete any you have not yet achieved •Ensure you begin reading around your topic (look at the reading list for the module) before you commence study •Any mode of delivery should suit your abilities, but think about how you best study and plan

A SWOT analysis will help you really look at the skills you have and identify areas where you may need support. Use the grid below to consider your study needs

STRENGTHS (what are you good at..)

WEAKNESSES (what could you improve..)

THREATS (what might influence your study..)

OPPORTUNITIES(what should you make the most of…)

Answer the following questions Circle Yes or No

Do you find studying easy?  YES / NO

Are you organised? YES / NO

Have you planned for this study? YES / NO

Have you studied at a UK School of Nursing in the last 2yrs? YES / NO

Have you ever written an academic assignment? YES / NO

Do you always pass your academic assignments? YES / NO

Do you want to achieve higher grades for your work? YES / NO

Do you find it easy to write in the English language? YES / NO

Step One – Getting started

Step TWO – Accessing Resources

In this day and age, the computer is a vital and useful way of communicating; whether you are using email or obtaining information from the internet or other electronic resources. To be efficient in this study environment and get the most out of available information, you will need to have some computer or IT skills. If you think you do not already have these skills, do not worry, you can do it..

The good thing is that help is always at hand, whether this is from the university, the library, the Learning and Development Team or the IT team – all you need to do is pick up the telephone.

Turn over the page and complete the quiz to see where your strengths are and where you may need support.

STEP TWO – ACCESSING RESOURCES

Step One – Getting Started

STEPPING INTO STUDY

Step Four – Processes

Step Three – Doing

Total up your score - 1 for each No and 0 for each Yes

Refer to the advice below

Score 4-8 strongly advise

•Set up a PHT e-mail account if you do not already have one. Log a call via MyCall or call the helpdesk on ext. 7703 2680• Join the Library and ask the librarian to navigate you around their intranet site•Complete the form in library (or via the intranet) to obtain an Athens password• Think about how you can develop your computer skills; try PHT IT department, family/friends, local library/college

Score 0-3 probably OK, but check out•Look at the areas where you scored “no” and plan how to turn this into a “yes” before you commence your study/module•Do some “pre” study/module reading to deepen your knowledge and get into the studying mood• You should be in a position to study through E-Learning or work based learning (WBL) modes of learning as well as taught modules of study

Here are some other things to get you going…

•List 5 sources or resources where you will be able to obtain information to help you in your studies.

•Write these five sources of information into a “Word” (or similar) document and e-mail it to the Acadsupport team – Title it “just practising”.

•Book an appointment with the librarian to search the electronic databases with your Athens password. Go with a topic that you want to research.

•Read an article from your reading list, or find one of interest to you, and try to create a summary of your thoughts and opinion of it.

Answer the following questions Circle Yes or No

Do you have a computer at home? YES / NO

Do you have an active e-mail account, i.e. one you use regularly? YES / NO

Can you create a Word (or equivalent) document on the computer? YES / NO

Can you add an attachment / document to an email and send it? YES / NO

Do you read journal articles about clinical practice? YES / NO

Are you a member of an NHS Library YES / NO

Do you have an Athens password? YES / NO

Have you ever searched electronic data-bases for information and journal articles?

YES / NO

Step Two – Accessing Resources

STEP THREE - DOING

Step THREE – Doing

Studying can often mean writing an assignment and reading from a wide range of academic resources to develop critical thinking.

Sometimes the language used by lecturers or universities can be confusing, or what they are asking you to do is not always clear from the outset. Do not worry.. you are not alone and many people often feel like this when they first start studying or begin further studies after a long break.

Turn over the page and review the information to help clarify some of the terminology so you can begin writing…

STEPPING INTO STUDY

Step Four – Processes

Step Two – Accessing Resources

Step One – Getting Started

What are learning outcomes?

•All modules of study will have learning outcomes

•Learning outcomes are statements of what you are expected to achieve or demonstrate

•Read through your learning outcomes; be sure you understand what they mean

•Written assignments (or any assessment method) must answer and address the learning outcomes

•Use them to structure your assignment -decide and plan what you will write about to address the learning outcomes.

What is critical thinking/analysis?

•Critical analysis is about addressing the deeper issues

•Think about it like a debate – being able to present both sides of a problem or point for discussion

•Being analytical shows you understand the wider context and complexities

•When presenting information in your assignment, you are expected to be analytical

Referencing your work

•Searching the electronic databases or library for your topic of interest will provide you with a list of references – some you will use, some you won’t

•Referencing is all about acknowledging the work and research of others

•Keep notes, and an up-to-date list of any articles, books or intranet sites you use in your work

•There are specific ways of acknowledging and writing references – nurses commonly use the Harvard system. Look up how to do it.

•If it’s in the text, it must be in the reference list; if it’s in the reference list, it must be in the text!

Presentation of your work

•When putting your work together, follow the assignment guidelines

•Most “essays” have an introduction, main body, conclusion and references. Some people include appendices

•You will need to write numerous drafts before you feel it is “right”

•Read your work out-loud to yourself

•Proof-read carefully and get someone whose English and punctuation you trust to proof-read as well

•Aim to complete your work at least one week before it is due to be submitted

Common terms and tips!

Mapping your topic

Use a diagram like the one opposite to help you explore your thoughts on the assignment title. Map out ideas before you begin writing.

You can also do this with the individual learning outcomes to pull apart the components, before or during your literature search

Application of theory

to care

Clinical evidence

Potential ideas

Side issues

Policy drivers

Sub-topic

Learning Outcome1, 2 etc

Key thought

Main topic

Step Three – Doing

Step FOUR – ProcessesOnce you have begun to study again, it is important to understand some of the process so that you can work towards a successful outcome. This is also a time to think about life-long learning and how to plan for your on-going development.

Fitting in study around a busy work and home life can take some thought, planning and juggling! Making time for study, and ensuring that the timing is right for you, are crucial aspects in helping you to complete.

HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

STEPPING INTO STUDY

Step Four – Processes

Step Three – Doing

Step Two – Accessing Resources

Step One – Getting Started

Making Time for Learning

Bringing education and practice together makes an impact on your clinical practice and patient care.

Studying and learning new things can be challenging, and so it is likely to mean incorporating some (temporary) changes into your life to accommodate it. Think about when you best work/study and block out some time in your diary/on your family calendar. Can you give up watching TV for a few hours a week. Can someone help look after the children for a few hours per week? Planning time for study now.. will help keep stress to a minimum later!

Frequently Asked Questions

Step Four – Processes

Question Answer

I’m having problems writing my assignment, who can I contact

Your module leader, the Learning and Development (L&D) Team, your mentor in practice. Read your assignment guidelines and learning outcomes again.

I’ve had a major life event, and it really looks as if I will not be able to finish my assignment on time

Do not ignore this. You can apply for mitigation which will allow you to defer your submission date. Contact your module leader (or L&D team) as soon as you realise there will be a problem with you achieving the submission date. It would also help to discuss it with your manager.

Can I have an extension on my submission date?

In certain circumstances or situations, your module leader can give a two week extension. Contact them as soon as there is a problem.

If my assignment does not pass on first attempt. What do I do?

Try not to get disheartened. Contact the module lead and/or L&D Team as soon as possible to support you with your second attempt. You will receive feedback about where you might have gone wrong. A letter will arrive which gives you a new submission date but begin rewriting as soon as you can.

How many attempts can I have at university assignments?

Usually only two. Further attempts may only be possible following successful appeal.

I’ve had a letter which says my result is “un-ratified” – what does this mean?

Un-ratified means work has been marked internally but has not been before an exam board. Un-ratified results mean you can have an outcome quickly. You will receive another letter some weeks later which is ratified.

I’ve passed.. what next Think about your life-long learning. Prepare for your (Appraisal) Performance Review and consider what your next focus of learning should be. Consider how you found undertaking this recent study. If you have not yet thought about it.. is a degree pathway something for you to consider?