STEPPING INTO STUDY

1. STEPPING INTO STUDY Step Four – Processes 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…

2. Step One – Getting started 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

3. STEPPING INTO STUDY Step Four – Processes Step Three – Doing STEP TWO – ACCESSING RESOURCES 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.

4. Step Two – Accessing Resources 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.

5. STEPPING INTO STUDY Step Four – Processes STEP THREE - DOING Step Two – Accessing Resources Step One – Getting Started 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…

6. Step Three – Doing 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

7. STEPPING INTO STUDY Step Four – Processes Step Three – Doing Step Two – Accessing Resources Step One – Getting Started Step FOUR – Processes Once 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

8. Question Answer Step Four – Processes 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? 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