Now that you have Now that you have decided …decided …

the next question:the next question:““How?”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

Course Materials

OtherLearners

Digital Library

WawasanLearn

Tutorials

Assessments Assessments & Exams& Exams

Regional Centre Support

YOUDistance Learner

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 ACTIVITIESLEARNING ACTIVITIES

Self-Study* (hrs)

Tutorial & TMAs (hrs) Total

Unit 1 20 Tutorial 2 22

Unit 2 25 Tutorial, TMA1

2+6 33

Unit 3 25 Tutorial, TMA2

2+6 33

Unit 4 25 Tutorial, TMA3

2+6 33

Unit 5 25 Tutorial 2 27

Total 120 28 148

Time Allocated forTime Allocated for

Tutorial : 10/148 6.75%

TMAs Preparation : 18/148 12.16%

For A Typical CourseFor A Typical Course:

Self-study * : 120/148 Self-study * : 120/148 81.08% 81.08%

Types of Learning Support Types of Learning Support provided by WOUprovided by WOU

MODEMODE FREQUENCYFREQUENCY TOTALTOTAL

Face-to-FaceFace-to-Face TutorialsTutorials 1 every 5 wks1 every 5 wks 10 hrs10 hrs

Telephone TutoringTelephone Tutoring 2 per week2 per week ±40/course±40/course

My Digital LibraryMy Digital Library 24 x 724 x 7 ∞∞

Course MaterialsCourse Materials 24 x 724 x 7 ∞∞

WawasanLearnWawasanLearn 24 x 724 x 7 ∞∞

Self-StudySelf-Study (80% of total time)

Learning takes place through:Learning takes place through: • Interactive Course Materials: Interactive Course Materials:

-- exercises & activitiesexercises & activities

- - further reading further reading

- - self-test (CMAs, Quizzes)self-test (CMAs, Quizzes) - - audio & video materialsaudio & video materials

• WOU Digital LibraryWOU Digital Library• Study/Discussion groups with peersStudy/Discussion groups with peers• WawasanLearn (LMS)WawasanLearn (LMS)• Preparation of TMAsPreparation of TMAs

… … Self-StudySelf-Study

How Much Time Do You Need for Self-Study?How Much Time Do You Need for Self-Study?• For 1 course, you will require to devote For 1 course, you will require to devote ±150 hours for ±150 hours for

self-studyself-study 150hr/19weeks = 150hr/19weeks = ±8 hours per week±8 hours per week

• For 2 courses, ±16 hours per weekFor 2 courses, ±16 hours per week• For 3 courses, ±24 hours per weekFor 3 courses, ±24 hours per week• For 4 courses, ±32 hours per weekFor 4 courses, ±32 hours per week

this works out to be this works out to be ±6 hours per day!!!±6 hours per day!!!((or ±4.5 hrs/dayor ±4.5 hrs/day including Saturday & Sunday) including Saturday & Sunday)

RememberRemember: You have a FULL-TIME job as well: You have a FULL-TIME job as well

How are you going How are you going to find the time for to find the time for

self-study?self-study?

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

• Most of them have performed Most of them have performed satisfactorily. Majority satisfactorily. Majority

are highly motivatedare highly motivatedpersevere with determinationpersevere with determinationpractise proper time and stress managementpractise proper time and stress managementuse effective study skillsuse effective study skills

Experience of Students from S1 and S2

To undertake Self-To undertake Self-Study SuccessfullyStudy Successfully

• Set Realistic and Achievable GoalSet Realistic and Achievable Goal• Adopt Effective Learning Styles & Adopt Effective Learning Styles &

Strategies Strategies • Practise Effective Time Management – Practise Effective Time Management –

balance between studying and work, balance between studying and work, family and other obligationsfamily and other obligations

some sacrifices will have to be some sacrifices will have to be made.made.

Time ManagementTime Management

Work

Entertainment

Study

Family

Social

Juggling various responsibilities and Juggling various responsibilities and commitmentscommitments

You will have to prioritizeYou will have to prioritize

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

• 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

Time Management TipsTime Management Tips

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

Purposes of Tutorials• Exchange ideas with tutors and fellow Exchange ideas with tutors and fellow

studentsstudents• Clarify concepts/facts/TMA questions …Clarify concepts/facts/TMA questions …• Submit and collect TMAs Submit and collect TMAs • Get feedback on previous TMAsGet feedback on previous TMAs

Reminder:Reminder: Facilitation & discussion, Facilitation & discussion, NOTNOT lecture lecture Limited hours:Limited hours: Not all queries/doubts can be Not all queries/doubts can be

clarifiedclarified use use WawasanLearn & WawasanLearn & other learning other learning

support servicessupport services

Preparing for TutorialsPreparing for Tutorials (2 of

3)

• 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

WawasanLearn (LMS)WawasanLearn (LMS)

Preparing for Preparing for AssessmentsAssessments

Final Examination:

Before exam:– Study regularly throughout the semesterStudy regularly throughout the semester– Stick to a revision time tableStick to a revision time table– Apply proven review/revision techniquesApply proven review/revision techniques– Use specimen and past exam papersUse specimen and past exam papers– Look after your healthLook after your health

Motivate Yourself to StudyMotivate Yourself to Study

1. Have a conducive environment to study.1. Have a conducive environment to study.

22. . Break down the bigger tasks into Break down the bigger tasks into achievable bits.achievable bits.

3. Set realistic learning goals.3. Set realistic learning goals.

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

5. Be positive.5. Be positive.

Motivate Yourself to StudyMotivate Yourself to Study

6.6. Learn actively.Learn actively.

7.7. Relax and exercise regularly.Relax and exercise regularly.

8.8. Have group discussions.Have group discussions.

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

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

• In the forms of essays, problem solving, case In the forms of essays, problem solving, case studies, projects or research reportsstudies, projects or research reports

• 3 TMAs : 50% of your total assessment 3 TMAs : 50% of your total assessment contributes significantly to your overall grade.contributes significantly to your overall grade.

• Adhere strictly to deadline for submission Adhere strictly to deadline for submission plan plan and manage your timeand manage your time

seek prior approval for late submissionseek prior approval for late submission

TMAsTMAs

……Preparing TMAPreparing TMA10 fundamentals in presenting a 10 fundamentals in presenting a good written assignment:good written assignment:

Analyze the topic

Search for Info

Select resources

TakeNotesPlan

Outline

Organize &Consolidate

Write thepaper

Reviewassignment

Submiton time

Select atopic

TACKLING TACKLING ESSAY TYPE ESSAY TYPE QUESTIONSQUESTIONS

Five-step Approach:Five-step Approach:

1. Analyze Topic

2. Identify the Sources

3. Apply Search Strategies

4. Select & Evaluate Info

5. Present the Information

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.

Step: 1Step: 1 – – Analyze topic: Analyze topic: Identify KeywordsIdentify Keywords

Instructional Word

‘Discuss’ ?

What are you expected to include in your essay?

Instructional WordsInstructional Words

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

ExplainExplain Name, describe and make connections between the main points of a Name, describe and make connections between the main points of a topic, and use examples or illustrations to clarify these main pointstopic, and use examples or illustrations to clarify these main points

Compare/Compare/

ContrastContrast

Consider the similarities and differences between two ideas or points Consider the similarities and differences between two ideas or points of view.of view.

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

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

… Instructional Words

OutlineOutline List and describe the main idea or characteristics of a topic or idea. List and describe the main idea or characteristics of a topic or idea. No need to go into minor details.No need to go into minor details.

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

ArgueArgue Either discuss and evaluate the main points of a topic, or support a Either discuss and evaluate the main points of a topic, or support a particular point of view. A balanced argument should be presents in particular point of view. A balanced argument should be presents in such assignmentssuch assignments

EvaluateEvaluate Consider the strengths and weaknesses of someone else’s ideas or Consider the strengths and weaknesses of someone else’s ideas or arguments. Own opinion called for, but to support with evidence arguments. Own opinion called for, but to support with evidence and reasonable arguments. and reasonable arguments.

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

All academic institutions such as schools, colleges and universities have a social social

responsibilityresponsibility to practise, promotepractise, promote and teach academic honestyteach academic honesty and integrityintegrity 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 valuesgood moral values.

Discuss the above statement in no less than 500 words.

Keywords

Step: 1Step: 1 – – Analyze topic: Analyze topic: Identify KeywordsIdentify Keywords

IntegritySocialResponsibility

AcademicHonesty

Good Moral Values

Practise, Promote, Teach

Step: 2Step: 2 – – Identify the SourcesIdentify the Sources

Primary Sources Secondary Sources Interview Questionnaires Observation

Books Journals Periodicals

Digital Collection Internet Newspapers

Chat

Understand &Analyse the topic

Identify difficult words

Identify themain ideas

Break intokey concepts

Identify keywordsfor each concept

Develop a list of search

terms & words

Step: 3Step: 3 – – Apply Search StrategiesApply Search Strategies

Five Types of Search Strategies Five Types of Search Strategies using Internetusing Internet

KeywordKeyword

SubjectSubject

AuthorAuthorTitleTitle

Author-TitleAuthor-Title

A search strategy is the action plan for retrieving A search strategy is the action plan for retrieving informationinformation Used toUsed to

identify info requiredidentify info required find relevant infofind relevant info

For a more Comprehensive For a more Comprehensive coverage on coverage on

‘‘Sources of Information’, Sources of Information’, please refer to the file please refer to the file ‘‘How to Tackle TMAs’How to Tackle TMAs’

in the CD provided.in the CD provided.

Criteria used to select and

evaluate information

Authority

Objectivity

AccuracyCurrency

Scope

Step: 4Step: 4 – – Select andSelect and Evaluate InformationEvaluate Information

Step: 5Step: 5 – – Presenting InformationPresenting 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 The Do’s and Don’ts of writing good answers: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 The Do’s and Don’ts of writing good answers:good answers:

The Don’tsThe 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

PlagiarismPlagiarism occurs when a writeroccurs when a writer deliberatelydeliberately uses uses someone someone

else’s workelse’s work (language, ideas, or other original material)(language, ideas, or other original material) without acknowledgingwithout acknowledging its source its source..

PlagiarismPlagiarism

WOUWOU defines plagiarism as defines plagiarism as

‘‘presenting the presenting the work of otherswork of others as his or her own workas his or her own work, which , which includes includes submitting an assignment which has been written jointly submitting an assignment which has been written jointly with other persons or has been copied in its entirety or in part, with other persons or has been copied in its entirety or in part, without the acknowledgment from the work of other persons, without the acknowledgment from the work of other persons, whether published or otherwisewhether published or otherwise.’.’

How To Avoid How To Avoid PlagiarismPlagiarism

• 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.

Cite the Source

Use own words

Use quotation

Use own argument

and reasoning

Summary:Summary:How To Avoid PlagiarismHow To Avoid Plagiarism

Give creditsGive credits

AcknowledgeAcknowledge

Assignment OutlineAssignment Outline

Essay Type AssignmentEssay Type Assignment

IntroductionIntroduction Introduction/Background/ObjectivesIntroduction/Background/Objectives

BodyBody Paragraphs 1 & 2Paragraphs 1 & 2 Paragraphs 3 & 4Paragraphs 3 & 4 Paragraphs 5 & 6Paragraphs 5 & 6 Paragraphs 7 & 8Paragraphs 7 & 8

ConclusionConclusion

Use paragraphs effectively

main point explanation details.

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

1. Cover2. Table of Content3. Introduction4. Body5. Conclusion6. References

• Review your writing.

Presentation of TMAsPresentation of TMAs

The Final Draft The Final Draft Ask Yourself the Following Ask Yourself the Following

Questions:-Questions:-• Is the write-up focused?Is the write-up focused?• Did I plan and prepare well?Did I plan and prepare well?• Does the content show understanding of relevant issues?Does the content show understanding of relevant issues?• Does the writing show evidence of wide reading and Does the writing show evidence of wide reading and

research? research? • Is there a logical development of issues from one paragraph Is there a logical development of issues from one paragraph

to another?to another?• Are the arguments convincing?Are the arguments convincing?• Is the analysis clear and logical?Is the analysis clear and logical?• Is the language used clear and precise?Is the language used clear and precise?• Does the conclusion answer questions raised in the body of Does the conclusion answer questions raised in the body of

content?content?

For more Comprehensive For more Comprehensive notes on notes on

‘‘Citing References’, Citing References’, please refer to the file please refer to the file ‘‘How to Tackle TMAs’How to Tackle TMAs’ in the CD provided orin the CD provided or

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

Thank You