This week the College has been celebrating Diversity Day and the LRC this year used their stall to focus on 100 years since women in this country got the vote. We created a table quiz where students were asked to match the year to each country when women got the vote. Nearly everyone got Saudi Arabia right with 2011, but the others were tougher. It was hard to believe, for example, that women only got the vote in Switzerland in 1971 and in Portugal, it was 1976.
We also had a word search - remember to hand these in at the LRC for the chance to win a prize - and some bookmarks to take away. As a backdrop we had a display of inspirational women which many found interesting.
LRC Diversity Day stand
Photograph: Peterborough Regional College
Diversity
Diversity is about celebrating our differences. There is a saying of Muslim origin:- "A lot of different flowers make a bouquet". Also, Stephen Covey has written "Strength lies in differences, not in similarities". This relates especially to teams in the workplace as well as groups in College.
Finally, have a listen to this short clip from a Radio 4 programme. It gives a scenario which could be said to test whether we unconsciously harbour racist and sexist attitudes - known as implicit bias. See what your first thought is when you hear it!
The most famous thesaurus is probably Roget's Thesaurus.
A thesaurus will help you find words that mean the same (synonyms) or similar as a particular word. (You may also find opposites). This can help when you are trying not to repeat the same word in a sentence, an essay or presentation and you want a different word to make the sentence read better.
A thesaurus will help you with similar keywords when using a search engine or looking for information in a library catalogue or online resource. (In this example "look for" would be found alongside "search").
A thesaurus can help you build your vocabulary as it will teach you new words, but in this case it is best to look at examples of how the word is used in sentences and to check a dictionary definition first before you use it (see pitfalls below).
How to use a thesaurus
If using a printed thesaurus, you need to find the word for which you want alternatives at the back of the book first (a sort of index). This gives you a page number where you find the group of similar and related words. The LRC has some thesauri at shelfmark 424.
The LRC provides access to the Oxford Paperback Thesaurus (4th edition) as part of it's subscription to Oxford Reference Online (a collection of online specialist Dictionaries). You will need to log in with your network login and password and search for the thesaurus. Then use the box on the left hand side to search for the word within the publication or alternatively use the letters A- Z across the screen to navigate. LRC staff can also help you.
Microsoft Word also has a built in thesaurus feature which may be useful (but is not extensive). Just right click on the word for which you want an alternative and select "synonyms" to see a list of possible words.
A free online thesaurus you can trust is Collins Thesaurus (www.roget.org does not appear to be the genuine publication online!).
The pifalls of using a thesaurus
There can be problems with using alternative words from a thesaurus especially if they are words you have not heard of before. Some words have more than one meaning and you need to make sure you use the right one.
The video below explains (albeit simply) the layout of a thesaurus entry and how to use it wisely and make sure you choose the right words.
Last week, we focused on reading for your assignments. This time, we are looking at the process of taking notes as you read.
Each person needs to find the way that works best for them. Some students will prefer to be more traditional with linear notes like lists and bullet points. Others will prefer to be more visual and use mind maps and spider diagrams. Some will write freehand on paper and others will prefer to type using a computer. Below, are a few tips (largely taken from the further reading resources below) which are relevant whichever way you use.
Prepare beforehand - remind yourself what you are taking notes about and what exactly you are trying to find out. This will ensure that from the outset you are aiming to keep your notes relevant.
Decide how you want toorganise your notes. Are you going to have different page for each theme or argument? Remember to number your pages as well as you go so that you can read them back in the right order!
You may want to start by highlighting or underlining text. This is especially useful with e-books as you can save highlighted text in different colours and annotations and access them from your bookshelf (remember to log in first). Please don't do this in library books!
Notes should be brief. Avoid full sentences. Create your own abbreviations and use them consistently.
Leave space before moving to a new point so you can add details later (perhaps from another source).
Don't try and write down everything. Initially try reading without your pen in your hand (or hands on the keyboard/ mouse) to resist the temptation to do so.
Try and write in your own words where possible. This shows you have understood what you are reading and you will need to do this when you come to write your assignment anyway.
Note viewpoints and arguments, not just facts, making sure you also note who the viewpoints belong to. You may want to decide on a specific way to record your views as you go along.
Note names and quotations exactly including page numbers and resource details for your citations and bibliography.
Sources and further reading
The LRC has Stella Cottrell's book The Study Skills Handbook (shelved at 371.3) which has a section on note-making.
PRC computers have OneNote software on them so you can create your own online notebooks with sections and add notes, links, images etc. A useful feature is that the URL of anything copied from the internet is automatically added. There is of course other software and apps available which you may prefer to use.
Over the next term, we are hoping to introduce some skills you need as a student; skills that can help you get extra marks and help you work more effectively on your assignments. If you are an Access student looking to move to Higher Education, it is particularly good to start practising these skills before you get to University.
Reading skills
(Some of these points have been taken from the Further resources listed at the end of this blog)
You need to use a range of different resources (books, journal articles, reports, websites) by different authors to get a rounded view of a subject. The better mix you have, the better your marks are likely to be. However, you need to be smart about this as you don't want to waste your time reading information you don't need. Here are some tips:
Choose an environment where you can concentrate on your reading - without distractions. This is usually quiet, but some of you might find it easier to focus if you have music on in the background.
Know exactly what information you are looking for. Have your assignment question clearly in your mind.
You may want to read an introduction to your subject in a core textbook first so you have some understanding of the main facts, theories and viewpoints before you start focussing on more specific elements of the topic.
You can't read everything , so choose what you are going to read by:
Scanning contents pages. Use indexes, blurbs and abstracts.
Looking for keywords - you should have a mind map or list of those you used when searching for the resources. You can also use these to search electronically within a document or e-book.
Looking for resources that demonstrate different viewpoints (not just one).
Making sure that it is relevant, relevant, relevant. Keep looking back to your assignment question.
Make sure you note down all resources you are going to read in more detail (why not write the Harvard reference now so you don't have to do it later?) with the page numbers. Make sure you spell names correctly as a wrong spelling can stop you finding the resource again quickly.
Read critically. Don't just try and collect facts; analyse what you are reading. This means to read as if you are someone on the outside looking in, viewing things from a neutral standpoint.. Think about what you are reading as much as possible and then when you have read all the viewpoints, bring your own judgement to bear.
Ask questions like What is the author saying? What is their main argument? Do they have evidence to support their argument? Have they ignored certain facts? Are they biased? How does what I am reading link to other things I've read already?
Finally, for good time management, limit the amount of time you are going to spend reading (first, to identify resources you are going to read and then in more detail to take notes) before you move on to writing your assignment.
If you are UCP students there are resources in their Study Skills Plus section on academic reading. This includes an interactive module you can work through to help you improve your reading and note-taking.
On Wednesday, the LRC hosted a Star Wars themed event in the Enterprise lounge involving activities facilitated by different departments in the College. Inclusive learning students performed the Imperial March on boomwhackers and created Star Wars figures out of saltdough. Make-up students offered hand tattoos of Star Wars characters and other artists displayed their Star Wars-inspired artwork as well as creating Star Wars Christmas tree baubles (which will be displayed on the LRC Christmas tree). The LRC tombola together with sales from cookies made by hospitality students raised over £119 for the Book Trust so thank you to everyone who contributed.
See below for some photos from the event.
Yoda maze activity
Photo: Peterborough Regional College
Science department's Chemist Tree!
Photo: Peterborough Regional College
Animal care guinea pigs dressed up as Porgs for the event.
Photo: Peterborough Regional College
Darth Vader mannequin (for selfies).
Photo: Peterborough Regional College
Christmas is coming and Letter Writing (to Santa or otherwise)
It's nearly Christmas and traditionally it's a time for writing letters although most of our customers probably consider themselves far too old/ mature to write to Santa. However, you may need to write a "thank you" letter for a gift you've received (always a good idea and will mean a lot to the person who receives it - especially as letters are so rare nowadays).
Letter writing, even in this age of emailing, texting and direct messaging, is a skill you are likely to need in the workplace. You may need to write a formal letter arranging a meeting with a member of your staff or to thank a visiting speaker. When sending a CV to a company, it can make all the difference if you write a covering letter. See below for links to resources which help you learn to write a good letter.
To learn how to write different sorts of letters, take a look at the SkillsYouNeed website - a great site for help with all sorts of life skills such as interpersonal skills, writing skills, learning skills.
Why not give it a go this Christmas and make someone's day by sending them a "thank you" letter if you receive a gift. If you are applying for work, remember to write a covering letter with your CV making sure it is tailored to the job.
The new Star Wars film is out next week and the Learning Resource Centre is putting on a Star Wars themed event in the Enterprise Lounge between 1.30 and 3pm. Different curriculum areas will be providing activities including a Yoda maze, a make up stall, quizzes, crafts and the Imperial March on Boomwhackers! We hope you can be there.
Darth Chester
Photo: Peterborough Regional College
Online Star Wars-themed learning activities
In the run up to the event or even afterwards, we thought you might enjoy some of these activities which help with English and other skills or are just a bit of fun to do.
Download a Star Wars Apostrophes worksheet on the TES website here. There are also other Star Wars themed activities here which may be useful where they aren't aimed at too young an audience.
The English Caddy website has a whole lot of ideas for Star Wars English language activities (they seem to be aimed at learners of English as a second language but could still help anyone brushing up on their English). However, I am unsure of the authority of this site. The Correct Yoda activity could be useful as a grammar exercise and there are other ideas including a critical thinking activity mainly around a scenario from the Force Awakens film.
The BBC have created a What Star Wars character are you? quiz - aimed at children, but when it comes to Star Wars, age doesn't seem to matter!
For those of you more musically minded, try watching this parody by the Piano Guys called Cello Wars: the Phantom Cellist
Hopefully we can report back in next week's blog on how the event went.
Live streaming and Fake News
Meanwhile in the news this week, attention has been drawn to the risks of streaming apps. Go the thinkuknow website for more information. This website also has videos to help explain online safety to young people with learning difficulties.
The BBC have also announced that they are so concerned about fake news that they are launching a service to help children understand what is true and what is fake. IFLA (The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) have a poster available for download on their website in different languages and we have some of these displayed in the LRC.
In the LRC we are always keen to encourage students (and staff) to be careful when using the internet for finding information. We want everyone to look critically at the information they find before deciding whether it can be used as a source for an assignment.
Advertising and celebrity endorsements
Be aware of websites - especially company websites - which are selling something. If hairdressing and beauty students are looking for information on the human skin, for example, they may find plenty of websites from companies selling skin products which also have pages explaining how the skin works. Much of this information may be correct and they may have consulted with dermatologists but they will probably have paid them to give information that helps sell their product (and perhaps leave out other information), for example. We would recommend using our Primal anatomy online resource, for example, as an alternative.
With the royal engagement this week, some magazines are talking about Meghan Markle the brand and what products she uses. Companies search for high profile people to say they use their products as this can make a lot of difference. Do you look at a celebrity social media account, for example, and decide a product must be good if favourite celebrity uses it?This is called influencer marketing and can be very subtle. Companies can even dress adverts up as news stories. See the South Park video below for a humorous take on this.
However, Celebrity endorsements do not mean that the products are necessarily the best and the Advertising Standards Authority have ruled that it is now illegal for a celebrity to endorse a product without indicating this in any posts they make on social media.
Listen to a BBC podcast here about why you cannot always trust adverts online.
How do I know if what I read online is an advert?
All celebrity social media accounts (twitter, vlogs, blogs etc) must now by law indicate whether any content is a result of a commercial relationship - i.e. the celebrity is being paid to endorse a product by the company which makes it (i.e. there is a commercial relationship). You will also notice that Google indicates where it's results (usually first in the list) are adverts - so you know they have been paid to put these results first rather than that they are necessarily most relevant to your search. So, think twice where there is #ad or #adfeature in an online post or website and avoid using the content in an assignment. Smilarly you might also notice the phrases "sponsored content" or "ad or promotion". Avoid this content and instead look for information from recognised organisations (charities, government departments, authorities, associations) or academic institutions. Look for the About link to find out about the organisation/ person behind the website.
The Advertising Standards Authority have more information on this on their website.
Have a look at their advice on identifying when something is an advert.
If you are a marketing student, you may like to read about the Oreo lick race case which led to this standard being introduced or even better read the article through our Infotrac resource.
