Now that you have decided … the next question: “How?”

Outline of Presentation

• Revisit the WOU’s ODL Model • Importance of Self-Study • Time Management • Preparing for Tutorials • Preparing for Examinations • Motivate Self to Study • Preparing TMAs

The WOU’s ODL Model

Tutorials

Assessments & Exams

Course Materials Other Learners Regional Centre Support YOU Distance Learner WawasanLearn Digital Library

WOU’s ODL Model

•

A Different Approach to Learning

•

You Take Control of Your Own Learning

•

A New Set of Study Skills

•

Change in Life-Style

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

For A Typical Course: Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 5 Total Self-Study* (hrs) 20 25 25 25 25 120 Time Allocated for Tutorial : 10/148



6.75% TMAs Preparation : 18/148



12.16% Tutorial & TMAs (hrs) Tutorial Tutorial, TMA1 Tutorial, TMA2 Tutorial, TMA3 Tutorial 2 2+6 2+6 2+6 2 28 Total 22 33 33 33 27 148 Self-study * : 120/148



81.08%

Types of Learning Support provided by WOU

MODE Face-to-Face Tutorials Telephone Tutoring My Digital Library

Course Materials WawasanLearn

FREQUENCY 1 every 5 wks 2 per week 24 x 7 24 x 7 24 x 7 TOTAL 10 hrs ±40/course ∞ ∞ ∞

Self-Study

(80% of total time) • • • • •

Learning takes place through: Interactive Course Materials: - exercises & activities further reading self-test (CMAs, Quizzes) audio & video materials WOU Digital Library Study/Discussion groups with peers

WawasanLearn (LMS)

Preparation of TMAs

… Self-Study

• • • •

How Much Time Do You Need for Self-Study?

For 1 course, you will require to devote ±150 hours for self-study



150hr/19weeks = ±8 hours per week For 2 courses, ±16 hours per week For 3 courses, ±24 hours per week For 4 courses, ±32 hours per week



this works out to be ±6 hours per day!!!

(

or ±4.5 hrs/day

including Saturday & Sunday) Remember: You have a FULL-TIME job as well

How are you going to find the time for self-study?

Experience of Students from S1 and S2

•

Many WOU S1 & S2 students have registered for 3 courses per semester.

•

Most of them have performed satisfactorily. Majority



are highly motivated



persevere with determination



practise proper time and stress management



use effective study skills

To undertake Self-Study Successfully

• Set Realistic and Achievable Goal • Adopt Effective Learning Styles & Strategies • Practise Effective Time Management – balance between studying and work, family and other obligations 

some sacrifices will have to be made.

Time Management

Juggling various responsibilities and commitments Family Study Entertainment Work Social You will have to prioritize



Some of the ‘less important’ activities will have to be sacrificed

Time Management Tips

• Set Targets Know what you want to achieve in a week or day • Prioritise Identify which tasks are most important and need to be done first and which ones can be done later • Scheduling Make schedule for your study, social activities, exercises, …

Time Management Tips

• Avoid Procrastination Stick to your schedule, try not to postpone - spend about 1-2 hours per day (5 days) per course for self-study • Know when you are most effective Use the times when you have the most energy to do tasks that are more demanding, e.g. study • Use spare minutes - Use your waiting time for making and reading short notes

Preparing for Tutorials

(1 of 3)

• Understand the purpose of the tutorials • Understand the role of the tutors • Understand your role as an ODL student and how to derive maximum benefits from the tutorials • Be well-prepared before the classes in order to participate actively during discussions, presentations – sharing and reinforce learning • Follow-up after each tutorial

Preparing for Tutorials

(2 of 3) Purposes of Tutorials

• Exchange ideas with tutors and fellow students • Clarify concepts/facts/TMA questions … • Submit and collect TMAs • Get feedback on previous TMAs

Reminder:

  Facilitation & discussion,

NOT

lecture Limited hours: clarified Not all queries/doubts can be  use WawasanLearn & services other learning support

WawasanLearn (LMS)

• virtual discussion/study groups with peers • additional reading materials posted by CC and tutors • participate in e-forums • self-assessed questions & quizzes • check for latest updates • contact tutors

Preparing for Assessments

Final Examination:

Before exam:

– Study regularly throughout the semester – Stick to a revision time table – Apply proven review/revision techniques – Use specimen and past exam papers – Look after your health

Motivate Yourself to Study

1. Have a conducive environment to study.

2 . Break down the bigger tasks into achievable bits.

3. Set realistic learning goals.

4. Have incentives – reward yourself upon completion of a task.

5. Be positive.

Motivate Yourself to Study

6. Learn actively.

7. Relax and exercise regularly.

8. Have group discussions.

9. Have the support and understanding of your loved ones in this endeavour. You need their moral support!

TMAs

• TMAs = Course Work to demonstrate your understanding of the course materials. Thus it is

your own work.

• In the forms of essays, problem solving, case studies, projects or research reports • 3 TMAs : 50% of your total assessment  contributes significantly to your overall grade.

• Adhere strictly to deadline for submission  plan and manage your time  seek prior approval for late submission

…Preparing TMA

10 fundamentals in presenting a good written assignment: Submit on time Select a topic Analyze the topic Review assignment Write the paper Organize & Consolidate Plan Outline Search for Info Take Notes Select resources

TACKLING ESSAY TYPE QUESTIONS

Five-step Approach:

1. Analyze Topic 2. Identify the Sources 3. Apply Search Strategies 4. Select & Evaluate Info 5. Present the Information

Step: 1

–

Analyze topic: Identify Keywords All academic institutions such as schools, colleges and universities have a social responsibility to practise, promote and teach academic honesty and integrity among its staff and students. Everyone, especially the country and the world as a whole, stands to gain from any successful implementation of good moral values. Discuss

the above statement in no less than 500 words.

Instructional Word ‘Discuss’ ?

What are you expected to include in your essay?

Instructional Words

Summarize Restate, as briefly as possible, and in your own words, someone else’s ideas or argument. Own opinion not required.

Explain Compare/ Contrast Describe Name, describe and make connections between the main points of a topic, and use examples or illustrations to clarify these main points Consider the similarities and differences between two ideas or points of view.

Focus on the key features/aspects of a theme/topic/theory. Using your own words to show your level of understanding.

Illustrate Make the meaning of something clearer by giving related examples. You can cite specific real-life instances, theories or case studies.

… Instructional Words

Outline Discuss Argue Evaluate List and describe the main idea or characteristics of a topic or idea. No need to go into minor details.

Present a balanced investigation of relevant main points. Expected to show an understanding of important concepts and ideas related to the topic.

Either discuss and evaluate the main points of a topic, or support a particular point of view. A balanced argument should be presents in such assignments Consider the strengths and weaknesses of someone else’s ideas or arguments. Own opinion called for, but to support with evidence and reasonable arguments.

Source: Baker, C & Vermeer, R (2007) Writing Better Essays, OUHK Press

Step: 1

–

Analyze topic: Identify Keywords

All academic institutions such as schools, colleges and universities have a social responsibility to practise, promote and teach academic honesty and integrity among its staff and students. Everyone, especially the country and the world as a whole, stands to gain from any successful implementation of good moral values. Discuss the above statement in no less than 500 words.

Integrity Social Responsibility Keywords Practise, Promote, Teach Good Moral Values Academic Honesty

Step: 2

–

Identify the Sources

Primary Sources

 Interview  Questionnaires  Observation  Chat

Secondary Sources

 Books  Journals  Periodicals  Digital Collection  Internet  Newspapers

Step: 3

–

Apply Search Strategies

Develop a list of search terms & words Understand & Analyse the topic Identify difficult words Identify keywords for each concept Break into key concepts Identify the main ideas

Five Types of Search Strategies using Internet



A search strategy is the action plan for retrieving



information Used to

 

identify info required find relevant info Keyword Author-Title Subject Title Author

For a more Comprehensive coverage on ‘Sources of Information’, please refer to the file ‘How to Tackle TMAs’ in the CD provided.

Step: 4

–

Select and Evaluate Information Scope Authority Criteria used to select and evaluate information Objectivity Currency Accuracy

Step: 5

–

Presenting Information



Use A4 Size paper



Use standard margin & spacing



Name, Student ID, Title on the first page



Standard font – Arial/Times New Roman size 12



Number the pages

The Do’s and Don’ts of writing good answers: The Do’s



State main ideas clearly and concisely using short sentences



Check spelling, grammar and punctuation



Spell out abbreviations and acronyms first



State reference sources



Use suitable linking words



Be objective and consistent

The Do’s and Don’ts of writing good answers:

     

The Don’ts

  

Long winded and repetition of sentences Too generalized Point form/note form Make your own opinion or assumptions Assume examiners know your abbreviation Hanging sentences Inconsistency Leave it to your tutor to check Plagiarize

Plagiarism

Plagiarism else’s work occurs when a writer deliberately uses someone (language, ideas, or other original material) without acknowledging its source .

WOU defines plagiarism as

‘presenting the

work of others as his or her own work

, which includes submitting an assignment which has been written jointly with other persons or has been copied in its entirety or in part, without the acknowledgment from the work of other persons, whether published or otherwise .’

How To Avoid Plagiarism

•

Read, understand and interpret the materials

•

Make notes / rewrite points in your own words



paraphrase

•

Cite your sources of information / data and references

•

It is easy to ‘cut and paste’. If you must do so, give credit to the original authors with appropriate citations as it is NOT your own ideas or words!!

•

Do not copy the work from your fellow course mates even though both of you have discussed the work together!

•

Consult your tutor if in doubt.

Summary: How To Avoid Plagiarism

Cite the Source Use own argument and reasoning Give credits Use quotation Acknowledge Use own words

Assignment Outline

Essay Type Assignment



Introduction

 Introduction/Background/Objectives 

Body

    Paragraphs 1 & 2 Paragraphs 3 & 4 Paragraphs 5 & 6 Paragraphs 7 & 8 Use paragraphs effectively main point  explanation  details.



Conclusion

Presentation of TMAs

• • Outline a structure for your assignment write up (for Business & Social Science Courses).

1.

Cover 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Table of Content Introduction Body Conclusion References Review your writing.

• • • • • • • • •

The Final Draft

Ask Yourself the Following Questions: Is the write-up focused?

Did I plan and prepare well?

Does the content show understanding of relevant issues?

Does the writing show evidence of wide reading and research? Is there a logical development of issues from one paragraph to another?

Are the arguments convincing?

Is the analysis clear and logical?

Is the language used clear and precise?

Does the conclusion answer questions raised in the body of content?

For more Comprehensive notes on ‘Citing References’, please refer to the file ‘How to Tackle TMAs’ in the CD provided or

http://www.wou.edu.my/Document/Citation%20 Guide.pdf

Thank You