Skills Required for University David Holmes Senior Examiner Edexcel and Geography Advisor to Field Studies Council

Making the leap?

What is different about university? School Content: more complex, harder topics, depth of study, controversial University Exam style: longer answers, more demanding command words, less data stimulus Research: you are expected to be more of an independent learner and researcher Way of learning: lectures rather than lessons; less contact time with staff

Skills and attributes of a geography undergraduate Practical: GIS computing Lab work Presentations Interpersonal: Teamwork Empathy Listening Intellectual: Research Evaluation Analysis Personal: Time control Adaptability Enterprise

Computing skills Ability to critically assess information Community Awareness Appropriate skills Far seeing Do the job Interpret Synthesize Literacy curiosity Capacity to think Capacity to apply knowledge in a range of relevant contexts University staff want geography students to have….

And they also want…. Able to articulate ‘debates’ in written/oral form Confident, independent learners Know about geography at an appropriate level Confident, articulate flexible Application of knowledge Ability to research independently Request assistance Numeracy & Literacy Good communicator Good researcher

Doing your initial skills audit

Learning at University: Lectures True or false?: In good lectures, you takes lots of notes and it is silent A good lecturer speaks slowly so that you can get word-for-word-notes Everything you need to know to get a 1 st class degree can get got at lectures

Tips for lectures… Get there early so you have a good spot Have your writing equipment ready Read through last sessions notes Collect all handouts and get weblinks etc KNOW HOW TO TAKE EFFCETIVE NOTES

Learning at University: Tutorials Usually a 50 minute discussion meeting with 4-8 students. Chaired by academic. Normally they are ‘workshops’ based around a set topic or theme. Prepare the topic! Prepare bullet points and questions in advance Take notes on other peoples ideas, work etc.

Learning at University: Research process The research process is rarely simple or straightforward

Being a researcher I will have to be a good ‘hunter-gatherer’ and get myself organised to keep things….. Start with the basic (‘recommended’) textbook, then go for the ‘specials ’

Research options

Researching in teams  Group Groups can cover more work than an individual People can work-up their specialisms / interests Promotes an atmosphere of discussion More fun than working alone Sharing experiences may achieve a better quality product than the lone- worker Get people who don’t pull their weight Not always focused and in control of research task People miss meetings People may not deliver on time People get touchy and can sulk if their ideas are ignored

Student Books

Specialist and student magazines

Newspapers – issues and bias

Further journals and magazines Remember to use their websites

Library vs internet  Library Has helpful staff to help you find things. Organised! Provides free access to print and paper copies of items, e.g. journals Archived information available Doesn’t always have what you want Not always up to date copies Closes after hours Cant always take out reference copies Nearly all in written form Internet Open all hours Provides access to global resources, e.g. newspaper from India Complete multimedia experience Updated information Two way communication No universal system of cataloguing and organising resources Anyone can publish things May have to pay for internet time May have to pay for some resources

More to life than Google?

Probably the best geography websites (1)

Probably the best geography websites (2) Physical

On the web…always consider Who published the information - a site maintained by a university or government organisation is probably more reliable than one maintained by a private individual. Who wrote the information - you can probably assume that material provided by a known expert in the field is likely to be reliable. The age of the material - if you need current statistics, carefully check the age of the material you've found. A site dealing with historical hazards information may not need updating as frequently as one related to news and current events. Why the material exists - many special interest groups have web pages. And while this doesn't necessarily mean the material is biased, it's something you should consider. Think about whether they might have some reason, other than pure helpfulness, for posting information

Essay Skills (Thesis)

The Dog! Ways to structure an effective essay

Deconstructing a title The true potential of GM technology lies in feeding the World’s poorest people. Discuss Indirect feeding – cash crops to make money Direct feeding – subsistence food crops, soya, maize, rice, wheat What is GM technology? Who owns it – role of TNCs, Monsanto etc Opposition to GM technology. In MEDC environmental political opposition Possible deals with LDCs. Role of India, China, Brazil etc Case studies of trials in poor countries Worlds poorest ~ synonymous with worlds poorest countries (HDI?), or poor within other countries Arguments for issues of increased yield. Is food problem actually related to FAD, or FED. GM can overcome issues of pests and drought Arguments against – environmental issues etc.

University essay assessment criteria

Handling complex numerical data

Handling complex graphs

Organising revision case studies and notes

What is the greatest problem we face with our students? Retention Engagement Attending lectures Attending tutorials Results: too long a ‘tail’ –ie too many 3rds and 2iis, or too few 1st and 2i