‘I read for pleasure and that is the moment I learn the most‘ – Margaret Attwood (Nobel Prize of Literature, 2019)
Hi, my name is Georgia and I am a Student Advisor for Library & Learning Services in Catalyst. A great Study Happy tip is taking regular breaks and doing something enjoyable!
As a primary teacher in training, we are always encouraged to promote reading for pleasure in schools, but what about when you get past primary school? I loved to read throughout school, but now that I am in university, I find it hard to even think of reading something other than academic literature.
Firstly, the important question! What is reading for pleasure? Well, this is the idea that anyone should be able to pick up a book, and not only read it but enjoy it! You donât have to be an avid reader, just somebody who enjoys letting your mind ease into a world made of words, wit and wonders.
Our assignments require us to read journals, books, eBooks and
ensure that we complete referencing correctly, but sometimes you need a brain
break from studying and what better way to lose the stress of reality by
getting lost in an atmosphere of imagination. In fact, reading not only relaxes
your mind but also develops vocabulary and writing skills, supporting your
academic assignments more than youâd think.
Did
you know that there is an amazing range of fictional literature available in Catalyst? A whole section,
from the first floor of the library to the second, filled to the brim with
stories to expand your reading from âThe Tiger Who Came to Teaâ to âMacbethâ. These
resources are accessible to all
students to loan and I would recommend having a look around and discovering a
book for you. You may be searching for a book for your children, your class or
yourself, and you donât have to be a teaching student to appreciate a good
book!
If youâre
interested in sharing your favourite books with others and being introduced to
new stories, then make sure you get involved in the Edge Hill Book Hunt. This scheme allows students and staff to leave
books around campus for others to find, read and love. All you have to do is
hide a book and then find a book! Make sure you post your found book on twitter
with #EHUBookHunt.
Thank you for reading my blog – Student Advisors Georgia đ
Georgia Maestri-Banks BA Primary English Education with QTS – 3rd Year
The cold, dark nights of winter are finally upon us and despite Halloween being over I, like many students, am still feeling a little on edge… Not because of ghosts or ghouls but something more terrifyingâŠassignment season is well and truly upon us.
Even as a third year the dreaded assignment deadlines looming ever closer tend to fill me with dread and panic. Despite having the best intentions, by starting early and doing plenty of reading, I somehow have days until my deadline and I am yet to start writing.
If youâre like me and seem to get yourself into a bit of a tizz, worry not, as there are a multitude of ways to chase the assignment worries away…
1. GET YOURSELF A HARVARD REFERENCE GUIDE (shouty caps because itâs important!)
This is arguably one of the easiest ways to improve your academic skills and a great one to have under your belt! It massively helps the flow of your assignment to have supporting evidence and references fitting in seamlessly with your own writing, rather than inserted randomly at the end. Iâd recommend printing off a reference guideâŠmine never leaves my bag! Grab your Harvard Reference Guide here!
2. Proofread
I know itâs boring and can be long winded, especially after youâve spent weeks reading and writing on the same subject, all you want to do is submit that assignment and have a well-deserved rest. BUT. Proofreading is a sure way to spot any little mistakes within your writing. I love using a text to voice converter or the read aloud feature in Word. You can also get a friend or family member to read over as a second (fresh!) pair of eyes, this is a good way to help spot those small annoying grammatical errors.
3. Use Google Docs, or a memory stick, not just Word
I discovered this the hard way after a 3500 word assignment deleted itself âč BACK UP YOUR WORK! I now use Google Docs to write my assignments as itâs free, can be used anywhere and all changes are automatically saved onto the cloud, meaning I donât have to worry about deleting Word or losing my pen stick âŠand Iâm not having to hawk my laptop around with me. Google Docs is also super helpful for group projects as it allows everyone in your group to see and edit the work wherever you are making collaborations – 1000x less stressful!
4. Explore your references, references (aka wider reading!)
I find looking at the
reference list of the articles and books I am reading, especially of my core
texts, a great starting to point to help me delve deeper into the subject area.
Not only does this enhance your knowledge with wider reading but it also allows
you to boost your references and showing depth of reading allowing you to
access those higher grades! Also, when reading a source write your reference in
your reference style (e.g. Edge Hill Harvard) right away, so when it comes to
creating your reference list itâs a simple copy, paste and quick check over!
5. Ask for help when you need it
Although weâre at university to learn, and tutors canât write your assignments for you, they are there to help us. If youâre unsure I find emailing the module lead or my personal tutor a great place to start. If you have non-subject specific query, such as how to find the right information, or how to be critical, Catalyst is where you need to be. UniSkills offer a range of workshops and 1-2-1 appointments. Check out our upcoming events and workshops at ehu.ac.uk/workshops. We also offer more casual drop in support sessions every weekday, 11am-2pm, for any quick queries you have â visit the Catalyst Helpdesk for more information.
I hope these tips have helped you feel a bit less spooked about your upcoming assignments…if you want any more help and support please get in touch via Ask Us, visit the Catalyst Helpdesk or you can find us (Student Advisors) all this week on the ground floor of Catalyst for Study Happy week!
Thank you for reading my blog â
Student Advisor Maisie đ
Maisie Masterman BSc Primary Education with QTS – 3rd Year
Normally, to publish an article with a major publisher like Sage, researchers can only make their work open access by depositing it in Pure (‘green open access’). This is because making the work free to read on the journal’s webpages (‘gold open access’) carries a fee called an ‘article processing charge’ (APC) and can cost up to ÂŁ3000.
For the remainder of 2019 though, Sage Publishing is offering Edge Hill authors a ‘zero rate APC’ deal – facilitating free gold open access.
There are a few conditions such as already-published or in-production articles being excempt. If you’re interested in benefitting from the deal, please contact Liam Bullingham, our Research Support Librarian to learn more: liam.bullingham@edgehill.ac.uk
The first term is well and truly underway and, as deadlines approach, it is a good time to think about how you ensure a healthy balance between study, rest and play. But never fear as Study Happy week is returning Monday 4th – Friday 8th November to offer you help, support, ideas and tips to transform your study-life experience!
Study Happy âșïž All week our knowledgeable Student Advisors will be available (11am-4pm) on the ground floor event space in Catalyst, so why not take a well-earned study break and join them to discover some of their own great study tips and techniques that can help your studies.
Take One, Leaf One đ Turn over a new leaf this autumn by increasing your healthy study practices. Look out for our inspiration tree where you can pick up a study happy tip, or leaf one of your own. Our Student Advisors will be demonstrating their own techniques for maintaining good study habits throughout the week.
Student Advisor Study Tips Video đœïž
Mindful Activitiesđ As well as being fun, creativity is a key part of academic study. You can exercise your brain and develop your creative thinking skills by testing out your paperfolding origami skills.
Healthy Body, Happy Mind đ§ While you are feeding your mind with handy academic study tips, donât forget to feed your body too! Pick up some free fruit on offer all week to keep you fuelled up and ready to take on the rest of the term.
Motivational Music đŒ Listen up! Music is one of the most popular ways to increase happiness whilst studying. Our Student Advisors have picked out their favourite tracks to work to and created an EHU Study Happy Spotify playlist. Come along to Catalyst during Study Happy Week to find out more about the motivational mix of music that has been created for you.
Cosy Competitionâ If the lure of free fruit, fun activities, study-friendly playlists, and academic study skills tips is not enough, why not escape from the temperamental autumn weather by coming inside cosy Catalyst and completing our academic study skills competition? Test your knowledge of spelling, grammar and referencing. All correct entries will be entered in our prize draw for a chance to win up to ÂŁ25 in Amazon vouchers and a UniSkills goodie bag! (T&C apply).
UniSkills Workshops đ„ As always there are lots of UniSkills workshops taking place this week, all of which have been designed to help you develop your academic skills and confidence at University and beyond!
EHU Big Read Student Book Club đ We think reading is good for the soul, and with lots of studies championing the benefits it can bring to your general wellbeing we canât be wrong. If youâve read this yearâs Big Read book, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, why not come along to our special book club and let us know what you thought.
Whether youâre still at the beginning, half way through or finished completely, we want to hear what you think of Harold and his journey! Join us Monday 4th November at 12pm in Willow – book your place now and we’ll even provide free pizzađ
Wellbeing Workshops đ§ The Student Wellbeing team are running a series of workshops throughout the semester to support your own mental wellbeing. Whether you want to worry less, learn some mindfulness techniques, manage your stress or just get stuff done â thereâs a workshop for you.
Manchester, Aintree & Virtual Support đ» If you are studying at Manchester or Aintree, you will be able to pick up your free fruit and lots of helpful study tips all week from your Library. Manchester will be offering UniSkills drop ins and workshops, as well as a Study Happy display, and Aintree has a silent study area, a great reading for pleasure selection and will be hosting some educational boardgames and jigsaws throughout Study Happy week.
Donât forget you can also access lots of help, support and guidance online 24 hours a day â a great place to start is your My Library tab in Learning Edge or our UniSkills webpages:ehu.ac.uk/uniskills. Whether youâre just starting your very first assignment and want to learn about planning and structure or are writing your final dissertation and need help with referencing, we can help you to boost your UniSkills!
This term we are also offering UniSkills workshops at Manchester and two virtual UniSkills workshops with unlimited spaces â book now!
With so many amazing autumnal activities taking place during Study Happy week (and beyond!) be sure to join us for lots of tips and techniques to help you conker your study fears, begin to be-leaf in your academic abilities and be Study Happy!
Study Happy Competition Terms and Conditions 1. Only EHU Students are eligible to win prizes, EHU staff may enter but are not eligible to win a prize. 2. Eligible competition entries must contain all five errors highlighted correctly and your student number. 3. There is one ÂŁ25.00 Amazon voucher to win and two runners up UniSkills goodie bags. 4. You may enter the competition as many times as you wish, but only one correct entry will be entered in the final prize draw â entries can be submitted daily 11am-4pm only. 5. The winners will be contacted via their EHU student email. 6. The winners will be picked at random from a prize draw on Monday 11th November 2019. 7. The prizes are non-transferable. 8. All winners must be able to collect the prize from the Catalyst Helpdesk and be able to provide evidence/ID that they have won before we will award the prize. 9. Prizes must be collected by 4pm on Friday 22nd November 2019. 10. If anyone cannot be contacted or prizes are not collected by Friday 22nd November 2019 the entry will become null and void and a re-draw may take place.
Note: This blog post was originally shared on the Research Office blog. Find it here
If you’re a Pure user at EHU, by the time you read this youâll have greater visibility of the open access (OA) status of your research outputs in the Pure back-end.
In the Assessment section of the output record, you will be presented with a colour-coded marker that tells you if REF OA compliance has been met, not met, or if Pure canât determine it from the information supplied. Youâll also be given the dates that inform that OA status.
This information only appears if the output falls within the scope of the REF2021 Open Access Policy (i.e. articles that were accepted since April 2016), but knowing the OA compliance status can help you decide whether you need to request a REF exception for that output.
In honour of Black History Month, I have written a blog about my favourite female author â Maya Angelou!
I have loved Maya Angelou ever since I was a little girl. I think her kind face brings me comfort and reminds me of my gran. Her writing gave me hope and inspired me to push through adversity and never give up; when giving up felt like the only option.
Mayaâs life
Maya was born on April 4, 1928, in St.
Louis, Missouri. After her mumâs marriage ended, when Maya was four, her and
her brother were sent on the train to rural Arkansas to live with the
grandmother. After a traumatic event at age eight, she stopped speaking for
five years. However, Maya rediscovered her voice through wonderful books, and
went on to become one of the world’s most beloved writers and speakers.
Maya has written seven autobiographies, I highly recommend reading a few to gain more insight into her incredible life. Starting with I know why the cage bird sings; available at Ormskirk Public Library.
Why I love Maya
Maya was courageous and awe-inspiring. She was her authentic self, unapologetically. She pushed through
the prejudice society has set for women at that time. She sang, she danced, she
stood up for what she believed; she was a civil rights activist, an incredible
writer, speaker and poet! It was rare to see a woman combine all those things
and do it with sass, beauty, passion and kindness.
The thing that sticks out to me throughout Mayaâs work is that she is honest and real about the challenges and hardships she faced. Life is tough for everyone and she did not shy away from sharing her adversity, but also sharing how she pushed through and got to the other side.
My favorite quote
âYou may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
My favorite books
Letter to my daughter A beautiful book highlighting some of the lessons Maya has learned from her life. Each chapter breaks down a specific topic, Maya describes a time in her life where she has experienced something
and shares the lessons she learned.
Me, Mom and Me Maya shares memories of her relationship with her mother. The challenges and changes of their time together as she aged, and how her life changed.
My favorite poem
Phenomenal women Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
Her work is used in many different ways throughout the world. One that sticks out for me is Sport England This Girl Can campaign.
Their promotional video uses Mayaâs Phenomenal
Women poem to highlight how women can be empowered by sport and physical
activity. I remember when I first seen it the video, I didnât expect to hear
Mayaâs voice or her poem. My full body covered in goose bumps!
The video was released a year after Maya died – what a lovely way to keep her memory and her incredible work alive!
If you have enjoyed reading my blog, don’t forget to check out the Black History Month fiction book display on the ground floor of Catalyst available until the end of October 2019. After this the books will still be available to loan and you can access this handy guide anytime or online book list to find out more.
Thank you for reading my blog – Student Advisors Jen đ
Jen Murray MSc Sport, Physical Activity & Mental Health
This week we’re hosting a series of free events to celebrate Open Access Week 2019, open to everyone. Here’s what’s on offer:
Join Monday’s webinar here and sign up for a place on Wednesday’s ‘Board Games and Pizza’ here.
On Tuesday morning, we have ‘Open Access and My Research’ – a research cafe delivered in the informal style of a TED Talk. Three brilliant researchers share thoughts, tips and insights around open access and what it means to their research. Come join us at 9:30am in H2, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Ormskirk campus.
Professor Helen Newall, Professor Bernie Carter and Dr Linda Kaye will be speaking at our special Research Cafe
It has been another busy start to the academic year with lots of welcome and induction activities taking place across campus. If you joined us in Catalyst 16th â 27th September you may have even taken part in one of our Student Led Catalyst Tours, delivered by our team of Student Advisors. Donât worry if you missed a physical tour you can always watch our virtual guided tour, hosted by our (now graduated đ) Student Advisor Jade, online anytime.
Who are the Student Advisors?
Well, I am glad you asked! This year Library and Learning Services have employed nine Student Advisors to provide peer to peer help, support and guidance to their fellow students â thatâs YOU!
The
team are all current 2nd year, 3rd year or Masters
students and between them bring a great variety of subject knowledge from their
individual disciplines together with a wealth of experience from studying at
Edge Hill, using all of this to support you on your own University journey.
What can
Student Advisors help me with?
The
Student Advisors can help you get the most out of your Library, including locating
and using physical and virtual resources for your studies. They can also help
you to develop a range of introductory academic skills and introduce
you to more specialised support where necessary.
Searching the Library Catalogue for books and eBooks
Using Discover More to find online journal articles and other
online resources
Navigating Learning Edge/Blackboard and your subject specific âMy
Libraryâ Tab
Harvard referencing
Finding and accessing UniSkills academic support material
How can I
access the Student Advisors?
The
Student Advisors work term-time weekdays 11am-4pm and you can book a 15 minute appointment with them to discuss any of the
topics mentioned above.
The Student Advisors have just completed two weeks delivery of introductory UniSkills workshops (Getting Started⊠and Finding Your Resources 30th September – 11th October) but they will be returning throughout the year to offer more workshops on a range of topics, so be sure to keep a look out for your UniSkills timetable or online ehu.ac.uk/workshops
The Student Advisors will also be creating blogs, vlogs and social media content throughout the year on a range of academic skills topics and personal interests so be sure to keep up-to-date by following Learning Services on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and on our blog.
Meet the teamâŠ
Anna Krawiecka 3rd Year – BSc Marketing with Digital Communications Favourite place to study: Is on the first floor of Catalyst next to the spiral staircase as I enjoy looking out across campus. I prefer to study on campus as I can focus more, and I can easily access any useful resources or help if needed.
Best study tip: Create a study timetable! This allows you to clearly see the spare time you have around your academic timetable. I find this useful as I can then designate set days where I will complete work for every module. This ensures that I have enough time to work on assignments, meaning I donât feel pressured by upcoming deadlines.
Favourite thing to do away from study: To de-stress I like to go to the gym or take part in a fitness class and my favourite way to chill out from my studies to is book a quiet weekend away somewhere!
Arifa Ugradar 3rd Year â BSc Business & Management with Marketing Favourite place to study: The Catalyst is my favourite place to study by far. It has everything I need when I am self studying, working on assignments or a group project. I like to study on the third floor in the individual pods or sometimes when I come in the evening I like to work on the ground floor where there are large tables to work on near the window.
Best study tip: As soon as I am given the assignment brief for my module, I like to begin to format the document layout with suggestive subheadings provided by the module leader (or myself after reading the brief). I then cut and paste any additional notes relevant to the assignment to help me through the work. I continue this tip as a third year student – it is really helpful and saves me from flicking through one tab to another!
Favourite thing to do away from study: I enjoy colouring to de-stress, hanging out with my best buddy and going out during the daytime.
Charlotte Crook 2nd Year â BA History with Politics Favourite place to study: has to be in the little pods on the ground floor of the Catalyst. I can’t study in silence, so I find the ground floor the best place for me. The little pods allow for a little bit more silence, and they have plug sockets for my laptop – so are a must for my longer study sessions! Also if you choose the right one you can get a really good view of the lake by Chancellors Court, which is lovely to look out to when I take my head out of a book.
Best study tip: I have always found mind maps have really helped me when it comes to studying, whether it’s for assignments or exams. They help me get all my ideas down onto paper and then link up the relating points. Also you can make them look really smart, and I love revising off notes that are really neat and comprehensive.
Favourite thing to do away from study: Whenever I am away from study I do one of two things, my favourite thing to do is to take my dog out for a walk to the field, he is still trying to get the hang of fetch – he is almost there. I find being out with other dog walkers and dogs really calming, as I have nothing else on my mind except how cute all the dogs are. The other thing I enjoy to do away from study is to binge watch a series, watching a few episodes of a new series is really a treat after a long day of studying!
Favourite thing to do away from study:
Dylan Booth Masters â MA Creative Writing Favourite place to study: My favourite place to study is the group study rooms in Catalyst. I like being secluded from outside distractions, whilst still being able to chat with my course mates.
Best study tip: Plan ahead and don’t leave things to the last minute. I’ve learned this the hard way through my undergraduate degree. I always like to make sure that I have my assignment submitted at least the day before.
Favourite thing to do away from study: I go to the cinema a lot. I enjoy seeing new films, it allows me to wind down, and it also helps with my writing for my course as well.
Ellis Brooks 3rd Year â BA Primary Mathematics Education with QTS Favourite place to study: My favourite place to study is Starbucks in Ormskirk.
Best study tip: The best study tip I was ever given, that’s always worked, is start assignments ASAP – they creep up on you!
Favourite thing to do away from study: Outside uni I like to read, draw and play pool.
Georgia Maestri-Banks 3rd Year â BA Primary English Education with QTS Favourite place to study: Off campus is my super comfy green chair in my kitchen. On Campus, I love studying in the secret pods on the ground floor of Catalyst.
Best study tip: I discovered for myself was to ensure I make a revision/assignment timetable and plan my assignments out using bright coloured highlighters.
Favourite thing to do away from study: To de-stress is playing the piano and songwriting.
Jen Murray Masters â MSc Sports, Physical Activity & Mental Health Favourite place to study: If itâs warm, my favourite place to study is anywhere outside. If itâs cold and rainy I often head to cosy coffee shops. I try to find funky, independent places that have lots of space, so I am not taking up room with my laptop.
Best study tip: Plan, organise and make use out of the support the university offers- for example, attend workshops- it really helps, you always come away with something useful!
Favourite thing to do away from study: Morning runs, yoga, wild camping, hiking with my partner- anything outside in nature helps me de-stress and unwind. I also love listening to podcasts and reading (my fav podcasts are Joe Rogan Podcast and Happy Place by the lovely Fearne Cotton.
Lauren Gallagher Masters â MA English Favourite place to study: Changes all the time depending on my mood, I’m normally most productive working from bed with music or a TV show on in the background; must be comfy. đ
Best study tip: Make the most of audiobook free trails, find a course-relevant book, and listen to it repeatedly until you can pretty much parrot the whole thing.
Favourite thing to do away from study: I always play games to chill after studying all day, especially JRPGs (Japanese Role Playing Games) with good immersive worlds like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, love some escapism.
Maisie Masterman 3rd Year – BSc Primary English Education with QTS Favourite place to study: At uni it has to be Catalyst – anywhere by a window or if not anywhere quiet and peaceful with a nice view. A study essential has to be a cup (or mug) of tea!
Best study tip: Listen to your tutors – they are there to help and whilst you can’t ask them to write your assignments for you, they are always there to help.
Favourite thing to do away from study: I love baking and cooking especially with friends or family, keeping fit, having a boogie and relaxing with books and podcasts – How To Fail is a favourite of mine!
Our campus at Manchester St. Jamesâ is buzzing all year
round – even more so now the new academic year has arrived.
The first few weeks of University can seem a bit
of a blur, with a lot of information to take on board. This is why UniSkills is here
all year round to offer friendly support with all aspects of your academic
skills. It doesn’t matter whether you
are a complete beginner, further on in your studies, or nearing the end of your
course.
Hit the ground running by checking out our web-pages.
These are full of useful resources, tips, online tool-kits and guides, from Harvard
Referencing to preparing
for exams (tip: you probably donât need to think about this quite
yet!).
Manchester St. Jamesâ students can book face-to-face appointments with an academic skills advisor on campus. Our individual UniSkills support can cover whatever you like, whether that’s referencing, searching for literature, looking at a draft, or planning your workload. It’s up to you. We are here to help you work towards achieving the best you can in your academic work, so head online to book your own 1-2-1.
You can also visit the St Jamesâ drop-in every Wednesday 2pm-4pm
â no question is too small, and no appointment is necessary.
Friendly UniSkills workshops are also running throughout the year to help you grow your skills in academic writing, Harvard referencing, and preparing for exams. Bookings open 2 weeks before the workshop â book your place online: www.ehu.ac.uk/workshops
Best of luck to all our students and look forward to
seeing you soon!
We have a series of great events for Open Access Week this year. All are welcome!
Monday 21st October, 12-1pm Open Book Publishers webinar Learn about the work of this award-winning, non-profit, academic-led publisher that releases 20+ open access books a year and doesnât charge its authors any fees!
Tuesday 22nd October, 9:30-10:30am | Room H2, Ormskirk campus Research Cafe: Open Access and My Research Researchers from all three faculties to share why they make their work open and what doing so means for collaborations, impact and society.
Wednesday 23rd October, 11:30am-1pm | Willow room, Catalyst Board Games & Pizza Enjoy free pizza while playing ‘The Game of Open Access’ or, if you’re really up for the challenge you could try ‘The Publishing Trap’. We’re trialling these games to start conversations and help demystify the world of open access. – Book your place here
Friday 25th October, 9:30-10:30am | Willow room, Catalyst Figshare: making research open and easy to find Learn about Figshare, a great new place to share research data, practice research, academic posters, conference presentations and more. Figshare is open, has a global reach and makes your work discoverable.
About International Open Access Week International Open Access Week is a global, community-driven week of action to open up access to research. The event is celebrated by individuals, institutions and organisations across the world, and is is led by a global advisory committee.
