Your Guide to Effective Argument, Successful Analysis and Independent Study
What is critical thinking? How do you apply it in your assessments? How do you build a good argument or find evidence? Critical thinking is a set of techniques. You just need to learn them. This is your personal toolkit for demystifying critical thinking. Clear and focused, it shows you how to sharpen your ability to think critically by developing and honing your skills. You'll learn how to: Build a solid argument and express your ideas clearly Evaluate evidence and identify errors Understand and account for biased or flawed thinking Become a savvy user of technology Sift through the deluge of digital information Develop confident critical writing. Designed to work with a power pack of digital resources and exercises, you'll find practical and effective tools to think and write critically in an information-saturated age. Whether you're starting your first degree or arriving as an international or mature student, this book equips you with the skills, insights and confidence to succeed. This second edition has been redesigned and fine-tuned with a focus on accessibility: with a new and improved layout to improve the eBook experience, and updated language, examples and further reading recommendations throughout.
This book addresses foundational areas of qualitative writing (such as journal articles and dissertations), aesthetic representations (including poetry and autoethnography), publishing, and reflexivity in representation in one practical and engaging text based on real experiences. Author Maria K.E. Lahman draws on her experiences as a qualitative research professor and writing instructor, and as someone who has published widely in scholarly journals, employing both traditional and more innovative forms of writing. The first part of the book covers writing tips; how to represent data; how to write a qualitative thematic journal article; how to write a qualitative dissertation; and provides guidance on the publication process. The second part encourages the qualitative researcher to move beyond traditional forms of writing and consider how qualitative research can be represented more aesthetically: as poems, autoethnographies, and visually. The book concludes with a chapter on reflexivity in research representations. Throughout, the author provides vivid examples from her own work, and that of graduate students and colleagues.
A student's guide to feeling and doing well at university
Many universities around the world are seeing how they can use theories of positive psychology to help students cope well with the ever-increasing stresses of modern-day life and university. This practical, hands-on book will help you understand, experience and put into practice skills and strategies to improve and sustain your wellbeing so that you can thrive throughout your time at university. With enough scientific theory and knowledge for you to understand why it works, our focus is on practical activities that will make a difference in your life. Edited and authored by practising university teachers of the science of wellbeing, this textbook is essential reading for any student, whether you are studying positive psychology or just navigating university life. Each chapter explores a key area of positive psychology and provides activities to enhance your wellbeing and contribute to that of other people. Covering topics from identifying your strengths to mindfulness, and from dealing with adversity to the importance of play, this book will help you move from surviving to thriving at university. Christian van Nieuwerburgh is Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health at the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, and Global Director of Growth Coaching International. Paige Williams is an Honorary Fellow of the Centre for Positive Psychology and an Associate of Melbourne Business School at the University of Melbourne.
The perfect companion to support your development of the academic and professional skills you need as an early career researcher to help you thrive in academia. This practical book offers guidance on the essential skills you need to succeed as an academic researcher. * Work out how to thrive in academia while protecting your own wellbeing * Learn how to develop discipline and structure in your academic writing * Navigate the nuances of research funding applications * Understand how to build professional development into your daily work * Take a smart perspective on career progression Designed to work across academic disciplines, each chapter includes lessons learned from published literature as well as perspectives from recent early career researchers to provide you with detailed insight applicable to diverse academic contexts. This book is accompanied by 30+ online resources and sample templates, including downloadable and editable research proposals, publication plans, lecture slides, resumes and cover letters. Joseph Roche is a researcher and lecturer at Trinity College Dublin.
The perfect companion to support your development of the academic and professional skills you need as an early career researcher to help you thrive in academia. This practical book offers guidance on the essential skills you need to succeed as an academic researcher. * Work out how to thrive in academia while protecting your own wellbeing * Learn how to develop discipline and structure in your academic writing * Navigate the nuances of research funding applications * Understand how to build professional development into your daily work * Take a smart perspective on career progression Designed to work across academic disciplines, each chapter includes lessons learned from published literature as well as perspectives from recent early career researchers to provide you with detailed insight applicable to diverse academic contexts. This book is accompanied by 30+ online resources and sample templates, including downloadable and editable research proposals, publication plans, lecture slides, resumes and cover letters. Joseph Roche is a researcher and lecturer at Trinity College Dublin.
Facing an online assessment? Here's how to ace it. This straightforward guide helps you translate your existing skills into an online environment. It enables you to transition from understanding familiar, offline assessments to succeeding in formal online assessments by breaking down what you are being asked to do - then shows you how to prepare, where to get help and what to do on the day. From presentations to portfolios, it demonstrates that, once you understand this new way of being assessed, you can make the most of working online to improve your grades and excel in your work. It also: Equips you with strategies to help manage anxieties around online assessment. Highlights the challenges and benefits that are unique to online assessment. Demonstrates how to make the most of feedback to support your development as a self-reflective learner. With each chapter built around key student questions, this guide is perfect for dipping into for any type of online assessment.
Facing an online assessment? Here's how to ace it. This straightforward guide helps you translate your existing skills into an online environment. It enables you to transition from understanding familiar, offline assessments to succeeding in formal online assessments by breaking down what you are being asked to do - then shows you how to prepare, where to get help and what to do on the day. From presentations to portfolios, it demonstrates that, once you understand this new way of being assessed, you can make the most of working online to improve your grades and excel in your work. It also: Equips you with strategies to help manage anxieties around online assessment. Highlights the challenges and benefits that are unique to online assessment. Demonstrates how to make the most of feedback to support your development as a self-reflective learner. With each chapter built around key student questions, this guide is perfect for dipping into for any type of online assessment.
Planning your dissertation is made simple with this quick, step-by-step guide. Your instant pocket supervisor, this book will help you to: * Choose a topic you are excited about * Manage your time and beat procrastination * Create a step-by-step plan to keep you on track. Super Quick Skills provide the essential building blocks you need to succeed at university - fast. Packed with practical, positive advice on core academic and life skills, you'll discover focused tips and strategies to use straight away. Whether it's writing great essays, understanding referencing or managing your wellbeing, find out how to build good habits and progress your skills throughout your studies. * Learn core skills quickly * Apply right away and see results * Succeed in your studies and life. Super Quick Skills give you the foundations you need to confidently navigate the ups and downs of university life.
How To Learn Computer Science is for all ambitious students of computer science. Reading this book will illuminate the subject, explaining where each topic comes from, looking at its history and exploring links to wider culture. The book tackles some key stumbling blocks in each topic such as common misconceptions.