Hi there, let me introduce myself: I’m a lecturer with one of the UK’s leading universities and have taught both undergraduates and postgraduates – as well as GCSE and A level – for over thirty years. During that time, I have probably encountered every problem, query and cause of stress that all students encounter from time to time and it has been my pleasure and privilege to help my students overcome their problems and achieve their goals.
I shall be contributing a regular blog to this site from now on with some of the questions I have come across answered for you so that you, too, can benefit from my years of teaching experience. I have also been through the process myself, of course, gaining A levels, a BA, MA and a Ph.D., so I know how it feels to be a student as well as a teacher!
So, check back in to the site regularly to see what queries I’m answering each time and why not send in anything you need to ask via the comments? Remember, I’m here to help you!
You can find more of my advice below.
Incorporating citations or referencing into work for school or university can prove daunting even to the most experienced students. There are numerous options available, and universities often have their own preferred or required styles, frequently varying across subjects and departments. This short guide aims to familiarise you with the most common referencing styles, ensuring you … Read more
The Chicago Footnote Style follows most of the rules of the footnotes and endnotes style as described in the last blog – they can be used interchangeably – although there are minor differences between the two. Follow this guide to reference accurately according to the style required by your lecturer or university. Repeated Works When … Read more
The Chicago Author-date style apes the Harvard Referencing system, again with minor differences. Whereas the Chicago Footnote System is generally used in the arts, humanities and social sciences, the Chicago Author-date style is more commonly used across the “natural’ sciences, although Biologists also use the Vancouver Style (see a later blog entry for more on … Read more
Got an essay due? Aiming for high marks? Don’t miss this article in which our student advisor walks you through the 10 things you MUST NOT DO if you’re looking for a good grade. All of them will lose you marks so don’t let these things slip into your next essay. 1. Being too general/vague … Read more
It’s easy to take a wrong turn when writing an essay, even if you have a good understanding of what you’re writing about. Follow these five tips to avoid making five really common mistakes. Write a Clear Introduction and Conclusion As per the last blog entry, your introduction is vital as it sets out what … Read more
Often overlooked, course readers and handouts are more important than most students realise. These documents – module readers, syllabi, lecture handouts, assigned articles – might not be as flashy as textbooks or as exciting as new lectures, but they can be the secret sauce to academic success. In fact, research over decades has found that … Read more
Harvard referencing is an author-date referencing system. When you use information, ideas or words from another source, you add a short citation in your work and give the full details of the source in your reference list. The basic pattern is simple: author + year in your writing, followed by a full reference at the … Read more
Did you read our student advisor’s last post on how to write an effective essay? Well here are some more tips from Jan on writing your assignments to help you get an even better grade. Don’t miss this list before you start! EXPLORE the question Make sure you have a full understanding of what you’re … Read more
An overview of plagiarism and how to avoid it Are you just starting out at uni? Or looking to score better on your next essay? Whatever stage you’re at, you’ll benefit from this article on plagiarism from our student advisor. Plagiarism can lose you marks or worse, get you kicked off your course! So find … Read more
Each student will have their own personal challenges when it comes to writing an essay – whether it’s time management, conducting research, or putting ideas onto the page in a well structured and flowing argument. If you’re struggling to achieve the grades you know you can, or if you want to take your essay writing … Read more