 A paper ISD Workshop Organized by  Centre for Open Distance and e-Learning (CODeL) THE STUDY GUIDE Dr. Gambari, A. I. Website: Blogsite: March 2012

 Introduction  Objectives  What is Study Guide?  Purpose of the Study Guide  Types of Study Guide  Principles in Developing ODL Study Guide  Study Guide Toolkits  Potential Contents of a Study Guide  Writing Study Guide

 Learners often need guidance and support during the learning process. This assist them in the process of understanding the course content and developing the skills and competencies relevant to the course.

 Explain the meaning of Study Guide  State the Purpose of the Study Guide  Distinguish between the types of Study Guides  Identify the principles in developing Study Guide  Highlight some potential contents of a Study Guide  Develop a Study Guide in your area of discipline

What is a Study Guide

 A study guide is a tool that promotes independent learning, learner interactivity and deep learning.  A student guide is a resource that provides academic and administrative learner support throughout the course.  It generally includes information about the topics or areas being covered in a course, self-study activities, examples and exercises that promote independent learning and assist the learner in further understanding of course materials.

 It assist learners in interactive, self-directed & independent learning  It helps learners navigate their way through the course  It provides answers to the large majority of queries  It teaches them the invaluable skill of how to learn  It helps them to develop a unique set of technical, research and critical thinking skills  It supplements the role of a tutor who often not available in a distance learning programme

Study guides are necessary for promoting self-directed learning!

 In ODL we can prepare student guides in an electronic or print format. Below is some useful information about the use of electronic and print formats.  Advantages of Print Material:  Instructional Possibilities of the Internet:

 Academic Guide  Administrative Guide

This is a guide used to support the learning process directly, this include:  Learning Strategies  Outcomes  Assessment  Content  Learning tools

This type of guide includes information related to the general principles and policies of the institution, it includes:  Testing and examination regulations  How to obtain technical assistance  Means of obtaining financial assistance  Policies related to assignments  Policies related to absenteeism/dropout

 Write materials in a way that nurtures learning  Use the active voice  Write in a reader-friendly style (a) Use a ‘tutor’s voice’ rather than a ‘lecturer’s voice’ – be friendly and conversational. (b) Find a tone that is inclusive and personal, without losing academic rigour. (c) Ask questions and create a sense of interaction between you and your learners.

 Write simple rather than complex sentences.  Consider your language  Write in a way that is gender-balanced and racially sensitive.  Make use of access devices in order to direct learners to additional information.

 Remember, ODL materials have a fairly complex structure and access devices help learners find their way around the materials!  Remember, learners should ENJOY reading and using the course materials!

For the Course as a Whole  An overview of the course  The aims of the course  A statement of any pre-requisite knowledge and skills that the course assumes  A list of contents  An explanation of the structure of the course (e.g. how it is divided into units)  A list of the various components (eg. Workbooks, cassettes, web pages) and some explanation of what they are for

 A course schedule with dates of key events such as exams  Details of the support system and who to contact about different types of problems  An explanation of the assignments to be submitted and the system for submitting them  How and when the course will be assessed  How to use the course (e.g. how to use activities, self assessment and objectives)  Study skills advice (e.g. how to plan your time, make notes, learn from the web).

For Each Course Unit  Unit number and title  An introduction  Contents list  Statement of pre-requisite knowledge (or a pre-test)  Learning objectives for the unit  List of any equipment needed for studying the unit  Other resources needed for the unit (e.g. a textbook)

 Time required for the unit  Examples explanatory text  Activities with feedback  Diagrams and illustrations  Topic summaries  Unit summary  Self-test based on the unit learning objectives  Link forward to the next unit

Reflection  Study Guide Should:  Be prepared for both the web and the print versions.  Electronic form should be searchable.  A reference manual rather than a teaching text.

WRITING A STUDY GUIDE!

1.Start with the Course Information A. General Information:  Students in this course should read this study guide carefully at the start of semester.  It contains important information about the course. B. Course Code & Course Name: C. Credit points: D. Year: E. Semester: F. About the Course  This course introduces students to a range of knowledge, skills, and perspectives suitable for ……. G. Lecturer Information:  Name, etc.  Consultation: This will need to be over the phone, by , or by blogging.

2.Give Introduction  Welcome the students to the course.  Help the students understand what the course will help them learn,  State the importance of the course  State how the course is going to help them in future. 3.State the Aim  State the aim of the course  Example  This course will seek to……  develop students’ generic skills in a range of areas.  develop their abilities in the following:  Critical analysis skills  Creative thinking skills  Communication skills

4. Develop Course Learning Objectives  This can be done in 3 steps. 1.Create a stem e.g.  After completing the lesson, the student will be able to….  At the conclusion of the course/unit/study, the student will… 2. Add a verb (e.g. analyze, recognize, compare, provide, list) 3. Determine the actual outcome  Define basic literary terms and apply them to….  Explain the meaning of the word(s):  Draw parallels between….

5.Explain Symbols and Acronyms  Let students know what the symbols and acronyms mean before they see them in print.  Place a bulleted list of the terms that students will need to know.  This will serve as a quick reference later.  Symbols and Acronyms do not have to be defined here; there will be a glossary at the end of the study guide for that. Example: Π - Pi = 3.14

6.About taking the Course  Give students step-by-step instructions on the process of the course.  Example: 1. Read the following study material 2. Review the PowerPoint presentation online 3. Take the practice test 4. Review the material 5. Take the exam  Set aside information that is particularly important.  Examples: NOTE: You must score at least a 70% to pass the exam. TIP: Taking the practice test improves your chances of success.

7.Preparing for the examination  Use this section to explain what study materials will be needed in order to prepare for the exam.  Use a bulleted list to show any other materials or other exam preparation materials needed.  Examples: 1. This study guide will provide you with the in-depth knowledge you will need in order to complete the exam. 2. A PowerPoint presentation has been included in this study material 3. The sample questions and practice test at the end of this study guide will help you asses your knowledge before you take the examination. 4. The book “________________” is not required to pass the examination; however, it will provide excellent additional information concerning this course if you choose to read it.

8. Write out any prerequisites  Examples:  All students must have taken Eco 101 before qualifying to take this examination.  Students should have a basic knowledge of all mathematical functions before sitting for this examination for they will not be taught in this course.

9. State the forms of Assessments A. Collaboration with you and other students on your blog site B. Assignments C. Chatting D. Exam arrangements 10. Give Special Warning Penalties on Plagiarism may include 1. Deduction of marks 2. Failure in the course 3. Referral to the Open Distance Learning Disciplinary Committee.

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