EXTRACTS FROM THE STUDENT HAND BOOK ----------------- Useful information for the fresher 1.0.

0 About the Institute

1.1.0 Introduction Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Kingdom of Bahrain is the first international centre of Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, a premier Indian university for technical and management education, established in collaboration with Mohammed Jalal and Sons W.L.L. as a private university under the approval of Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Bahrain. 1.2.0 The University Headquarters Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranchi, India was founded by the Philanthropist, Industrialist Mr. B. M. Birla in 1955 as a pioneering institution of Technical Education, Training and Research. It attained the status of a deemed University as a result of its achievements both in respect of research and excellent standards of academic programmes. The University attracts students from all over India and several other countries as well. In over 5 decades of its existence, the University has produced over 20,000 graduates in engineering & technology and over 3,000 post graduates with specialization in engineering, pharmacy, applied sciences, computer applications and management disciplines. The research programmes of the university have also produced a number of Ph.Ds in various disciplines. Currently more than 12,000 students have registered for various courses in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes besides more than 150 students pursuing doctoral studies in the areas of Engineering, Science, Pharmacy and Management. BIT is one of the few universities in India to have the super computing facilities. Over the past few decades, BIT has emerged as a premier Indian technical university recognised internationally for its academic excellence, research, entrepreneur development and ranks amongst the top technical universities in India. Currently it is ranked among the top 20 Engineering colleges in India. The university attracts students from all over the country and abroad. The university is a full member of the Association of the Commonwealth Universities and its degrees are recognised all over the world. 1.3.0 Programmes of Study The University centre in the Kingdom of Bahrain (BIT, Bahrain) offers the following Programmes at its facilities located in Budaiya: 1.3.1 4-year Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) Degree Programmes in Computer Science Electronics & Communication Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering

2.0.0 Induction and Course Registration

2.1.0 Induction Function

On commencement of every new academic session, the university organises a 2 day induction programme with the objective of helping the students to adapt themselves to the university system, practices, rules, regulations, etc. This programme includes the following spread over a period of generally two days. Presentations include: Introduction to the university, facilities (includes tour), and systems Introduction of the faculty members, University committees and responsibilities Academic Rules and Regulations covering Course registration, Academic work, Examinations, Library facilities, Student support systems Student Activities, Quality Assurance General rules and regulations covering Institutional rules and regulations, Code of conduct Lecture on Characteristics of University education, Documentary on motivation Faculty members, Administrative officials and Staff Senior Students Transport facility provide Finalisation of routes

Interaction with:

Students are advised not to miss the induction days as it will help them to adapt themselves to the university systems fast.

3.0.0 Academic Work

3.1.0 Teaching and Learning All students are expected to commit themselves to university work and are expected to bring the necessary books, equipment to University daily to ensure effective learning. Students are expected to keep their notebooks and files up to date. A list of Engineering Drawing Tools / Materials for students admitted in the Engineering Stream would given. 3.2.0 Do: Don't Miss presentations / seminar / classroom discussions / brainstorming sessions without letting anyone know. Fail to inform the seminar leader if you cannot make your presentation in the slot provided. Miss a seminar because you have not read the texts: it will still be useful. Prepare in advance: read the relevant texts. Be ready to work hard and be an active note taker and contributor. Be brave to speak in the class room discussions and in seminars. Ask for help after the event if you are unsure about what has been said. Attending Lectures and Seminars

Assume that everyone in your seminar group knows more than you do 3.3.0 Participation

Participation is not mere attendance in the class! In order to effectively participate in the course, it is critical that each member of the class / team read the relevant course material / text book / assignments and participate in the class discussions & simulations and in group work. Wherever there is provision of marks for participation the award of marks / grade will be based on: 1. Your participation both in class as a whole and in small groups 2. Evidence that you have read the assigned readings To participate in class effectively, you might consider, for example, commenting on specific issues raised in the class readings; illustrating specific issues from the readings with examples from your personal experience; raising questions not covered in the readings; comparing or contrasting ideas of various theorists from the readings; or supporting or debating the insight or conclusions of a classmate or the faculty member by referencing concepts, experiences or logical reasoning. 3.4.0 Guidelines for Group/ Individual Presentation & Portfolio Each student is expected to participate in Individual or group presentations in the class. For group presentations in a class, the class may be split into groups of 3-5. The individual / group will select or will be assigned with a topic on which the individual / group is expected to design and or develop a segment of topic for presentation. Each individual / group would be expected to address a different theory or set of theories or different aspects of a selected topic using popular media such as film, television, music, poetry, fiction, visual art etc. The presentations may be of 35 to 40 minutes duration leaving 10 to 15 minutes time for discussions and follow-up. All presentations should be documented as per guidelines issued by the concerned faculty members and the document should include descriptions of activities, dialogue questions, lecture notes, references and any supplemental material used to prepare for the presentation or a minilesson. 3.5.0 Tests, Assignments and Sessional work 3.5.1 Tests Internal tests would be conducted at regular intervals on / around dates specified in the Academic Calendar. Three tests will be administered in semester / trimester for internal assessment purposes. 3.5.2 Guidelines for submitting the Assignments All the students will stick to the following guidelines unless instructed otherwise by the faculty members concerned. 1. Assignment should be handwritten in blue ink on one side of good quality A4 size white paper unless the guide permits the use of word processor. In both cases students are required to stick to the page layout below. 2. Left Margin : 25 mm; Right, Top, Bottom Margins : 20mm 3. Diagrams/Circuits should be neatly drawn using drawing instruments and inked if need be. 4. Pasting of Photocopy cut-outs/ Scanned images is not permitted. 5. Each student will be required to submit at least 2 assignments in each semester as per the deadlines given in the Academic calendar. 3

6. It is the duty of the student to get guidance from the concerned faculty members to complete their assignments/laboratory record/project report etc. and submit the same to the concerned on or before the prescribed deadlines. No representations would be entertained on expiry of the deadline and that the student shall own the entire responsibility for the same. In case of doubts, the students are advised to get the clarification from the concerned faculty members. 7. Assignment not submitted as per the guidelines are liable to be rejected. The matter will be referred to the Examination department for further action. 8. The Institute provides a standard coversheet that should be stapled to the front of the Assignment. The format of the Cover sheet would be given. 9. Students are advised to retain one copy of the assignment for their future reference. 10. Evaluation of Assignment is based on the Legibility, Relevance, In-depth study, Proper presentation, Number of references made and promptness in submission. 3.5.3 Guidelines for submitting Lab Record Student will adhere to the following guidelines strictly in respect of Laboratory / Sessional works. 1. Students are expected to come prepared for the Laboratory/Sessional works. 2. They will be expected to perform the experiments /complete the assigned practical works as instructed by the Faculty member / Instructor concerned. 3. Every candidate is expected to maintain a Laboratory / Sessional record of the experiments done and these records complete in all respects must be submitted with in a week after completing the same. Laboratory / Sessional records shall be submitted in the format as advised by the faculty member. 4. Laboratory records / Sessional works should be written based on the guidance provided by the concerned faculty member. 5. Late submission of Lab records will result in reduction of internal marks. 6. It is mandatory on the part of the students to perform prescribed number of experiments during the semester specified by the concerned faculty member. Note: All requirements in respect of tests, assignments, lab records and end semester / trimester examinations shall be fulfilled and no requests for relaxation including on medical grounds shall be entertained. 3.5.4 Summer Training & Research Projects

Separate booklet entitled Guidelines for Summer Training & Research Projects for UG & PG Programmes will be made available at appropriate time of studies. 3.6.0 Work Habits Students are expected to be prepared for, and to work in, each class. Good work habits enable the student to contribute to the class and to be successful. Student Manual must be consulted from time to time and treat it with care and respect.

4.0.0 Library
4.1.0 General 1. Library will be open from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. on all working days. 2. Belongings are not allowed to be taken inside the library. 3. Loss of any belonging will be the sole responsibility of the student concerned. Only writing materials will be permitted to be taken in to the library. 4. No eatables and drinks are permitted inside the library. 5. Misbehavior or misconduct in the library will be viewed seriously. 6. Strict silence must be maintained in the library. 4.2.0 Membership and Books 1. Each student will be issued three cards for borrowing books from the library. The students must retain these cards with utmost care. Loss of these card/s must be reported to the librarian immediately and the student will be solely responsible for any book issued on this card after its loss. It is therefore advised that the student must preserve the card securely. The concerned student solely responsible for the consequences of his / her library card being misused by others. One book per card will be issued at a time. 2. Each book will be issued for a maximum period of 10 days. 4.3.0 Book Bank Facility The students can avail the book bank facility of the library as under: S.No. 1 2 3 4 Program B.E. BBA B.Com MBA No. of Books 3 2 2 3 Duration Entire Semester Entire Trimester Fee payable/book/semester BD 0.500 per Book.

As of now this facility is subject to the following terms and conditions: a. Availability of the number of books. b. Only such books which are earmarked for the Book Bank facility will be issued under the book bank scheme. c. All the borrowed books under the Book Bank scheme are for a period of one Trimester/Semester. These books are to be returned in good condition by the last day of the End Trimester / Semester examinations, failing which a penalty @BD 0.100 per day will be levied. d. No marking / mutilation / tampering etc. of the book is permitted. Books may be inspected before borrowing and no explanation will be entertained for any damage / mishandling of the book at the time of return of the book. e. Books found with marking / mutilation / tampering etc. will attract penal fee as decided by the librarian depending upon the extent of damage and shall be binding.

f. In case of non-availability of books in sufficient numbers, students may have to resort to borrowing books of their 2nd and 3rd preference on the title. g. Suggestions for procurement of a particular title may please be given to the librarian, who in turn will arrange to procure books in sufficient numbers. However, the procurement time may be around 3 months. h. Issue of these Book-Bank books will be in addition to the normal library issue practice. i. These rules are subject to change from time to time.

5.0.0Plagiarism & Guidelines for Proper Attribution

Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work. Plagiarism by students, professors, or researchers is considered academic dishonesty or academic fraud and offenders are subject to academic censure. We read others ideas in texts, hear them in lecture, discuss them in class, and incorporate them into our own writing. As a result, it is very important that we give credit where it is due. Using others ideas and words without clearly acknowledging the source of that information amounts to Plagiarism. To avoid it, students must give credit whenever you use: another persons idea, opinion, or theory; any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings - any pieces of information - that are not common knowledge; quotations of another persons actual spoken or written words; or paraphrase of another persons spoken or written words. 5.1.0 Guidelines for Proper Attribution Faculty and students draw from a vast pool of texts, ideas, and findings contributed by others and such knowledge accumulated over years. It is therefore essential to learn how to declare intellectual debts. Proper attribution acknowledges those debts responsibly, usefully, and respectfully. An attribution is responsible when it comes at a location and in a fashion that leaves readers in no doubt about whom you are thanking for what. An attribution is respectful when it expresses our appreciation for something done well enough to warrant our borrowing it. It speaks well of us that we have chosen to use the work of intelligent, interesting people, and we can take genuine pleasure in joining our name with theirs.

6.0.0 Quality Assurance at Birla Institute of Technology, Bahrain

6.1.0 Vision & Mission Vision To create a centre of excellence for imparting technical and management education at graduate, postgraduate levels and training at all levels in conformity with the rich tradition of the Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India. Mission Total commitment to deploy the best of experiences, talents and resources to develop suitable education models relevant to the needs of time & environment. It will be our endeavour to instill in our students with the strength of character, self-confidence and leadership in engineering and management. 6

6.2.0

What is Quality?

(Many aspects of this write-up are drawn from the Quality Review Hand Book (2008), published by the Quality Assurance Authority for Education & Training, Kingdom of Bahrain) There are several definitions of quality in higher education (Harvey & Green, 1993): 6.3.0 6.4.0 Excellence Fitness for purpose A threshold Added Value Value for money Satisfaction of the client Why Quality? The focus on the quality of education is probably due to the changing conditions in the labour market. Competition in labour market nowadays is both fierce and global. At the same time an increasing number of job seekers have an academic degree and employers find it easy to recruit from abroad. Because the academic degree itself does not guarantee success in the employment market, quality of that degree becomes essential. Quality Assurance Quality assurance has become the vital issue in the world of higher education. As stakeholders demand more and more accountability, institutions of higher learning are increasingly being asked to demonstrate evidence of quality. Quality assurance in higher education is a process of establishing stakeholder confidence that provision (input, process & outcomes) fulfils expectations or measures upto threshold minimum requirements. (Harvey 2004) It involves systematic structured and continuous attention to all those activities within an institution that are used to set up, maintain and improve quality and standards. (AUN QA Manual 2006) 6.5.0 Role of Universities Universities should be places that seek to cultivate individuals with a rich awareness of our human heritage. Places of liberal education devoted to the developing the intellectual, civic, and creative capabilities of young people to the fullest. The obligation of educators should be to instill in our students the love of learning, the capacity for critical and creative thinking, moral sensibility, and social consciousness; one that recognizes education as a privilege, carrying with it a responsibility to work for social justice and social progress.

6.6.0

Student Support Services @ BIT

To develop students overall personality and achieve the vision and mission of any university, not only academics but administration and support services also play an important role.

The Director guides administration and student support services as per the procedures, practices and rules laid down by the BIT, Ranchi. Continuous monitoring and improvement in administration and support services is the key feature of BIT.

Following are some of them which are followed at BIT, Bahrain: The University has well established Administrative office and Student support centre, to address students administrative and support needs. Various committees have been constituted to help the Administration. These committees are responsible for identifying, monitoring, counselling and reporting students specific problems and needs to the concerned authority and ensure proper follow up for improvement. Under Student Development and Welfare Committee the following sub committees function : New Academic Session / SemesterPlanning & Induction Committee ; Discipline & Grievances Committee ; Sports & Games Committee ; Cultural Committee ; Transport & Canteen and Student Support Services Committee. The Admission committee verifies applicants eligibility using the documents furnished by the prospective students and gets a personal file made for each student admitted. The attendance record of each student is maintained separately by the Attendance Monitoring Committee. New Academic Session / SemesterPlanning & Induction committee arranges to organise student registration and induction program. The university has a well defined evaluation and counselling system which provides opportunities for students to identify and improve their performances. Candidates having deficiency in language, numerical abilities and in basic sciences (as per the identified need) undergo a foundation course that helps students to cope up with the main programme. A summer semester is being conducted to help failed students. This helps them to overcome extra load of back papers in regular semester. The faculties are available to help students formally as well as informally. Administrative decisions are informed to students from time to time through display on notice boards located at prominent places in the University. A First Aid room is available for providing emergency care. The University takes speedy action on any medical emergencies; immediate arrangement to shift patient to hospital is the top priority of every official at the university. Training and Placement committee counsels, guides and supports students for their on the job training and other career related requirements

The University conducts several co curricular, extra curricular and cultural activities, which not only helps in the students personal development but also develops a greater bondage among students.

The students always get encouragement and guidance from the faculty members to organize sports and cultural events. Apart from the classroom learning, the students are encouraged to participate in seminars, movie workshops, group discussions, debate competitions etc. for overall development. Every year the BIT Bahrain publishes Newsletter in preparing which the students take active part. BIT Toastmasters Club helps to improve their communication, leadership and public speaking skills. Discipline and Grievances Committee maintains and monitors cultural, social and communal integrity among all the members of the university. All the students are expected to maintain high level of discipline inside the Institute. The General Code of Conduct of the students and Classroom Rules are mentioned in the Student Manual and the students follow the rules and regulations accordingly.

The University maintains all academic and non academic records of students and staff and retains them in safe custody for the period as stipulated by the university. In addition to this, University Headquarters keeps all records of students academic performance.

To maintain high levels of students satisfaction and success, the University has a well organised student feedback system. As an important part of effective learning exercise, the University provides Library facilities to students. The students can borrow and refer books according to the requirements. The students can also avail Book Bank facility.

The University arranges transport services for the students on shared basis. A minimum group size of students may be required from a particular area to make the arrangement economically viable.

The University has separate Prayer Rooms for boys and girls, Seminar Hall for organising students programmes, presentations, seminar etc, mini seminar halls for conducting brainstorming sessions, reprographic facilities for taking photo-copy and print-outs.

The Computer Lab with Internet connection is always accessible to the students. The University has Canteen facility to cater to the needs of the student community run by a professional agency. The University helps the students who seek admissions for further studies in foreign Universities. On the request of such Universities, students confidential report is furnished in time and all the communications are promptly attended to. The students leaving the Island before completion of a course can continue in any other extension centers through credit transfer.

6.7.0

Students Participation in Quality Assurance

As a responsible student of this university, you will be required to actively participate in the following aspect of the Quality assurance: Feedback on Course Review Feedback on Course Delivery Feedback on Overall facilities Suggesting need based courses Suggesting new programme The governing culture of the BIT Bahrain actively encourages the students to participate in all co-curricular initiatives, explaining that it values their opinion and ideas to upgrade the facilities in the library, laboratories and other infrastructural facilities; organize events, manage canteen etc. The Director allows accommodation of the students in the committees, such as Cultural Committee, Sports Committee, Discipline and Grievance Committee etc.: a. improve their skills, such as leadership, negotiation, organization, management, supervision and working in a team; and b. be disciplined and excellence oriented. Student participation in academic matters is ensured through student feedback by obtaining their opinions and suggestions. 6.8.0 6.9.0 The students have as their goal a quality assessment method that would create a powerful incentive for the teachers to improve the quality of their courses. In that way there would be more incentive to react on negative feedback and the good teachers would get the recognition of a job well done What we expect from you in achieving the Quality? Co-operate and follow all the guidelines, norms, rules and regulations of BIT to maintain quality standards. Be participative in all teaching-learning process and in the activities of BIT. Community Engagement: Enhance the image of BIT in the Society by involving yourself for the welfare of the society. (Of course, without affecting your studies) We are here to hear any new suggestions or innovative ideas (like Brainstorming, forming academic clubs, forming new societies, conducting seminars and much more.) Students and the Quality assurance Education is a strong brand product. Quality assurance, academic reputation, and pedagogical development should be in the best self interest of students. Students have time and energy to analyze and prepare various initiatives. Moreover, students have first-hand field knowledge of larger part of the university services than a typical faculty member in the course of his/her normal professional 6.10.0 Responsibilities of Students

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A programme of study requires active co-operation between staff and students if it is to achieve its educational objectives. Students have an active part to play in maintaining the quality of teaching. Students are expected to: regard enrolment on a course as a contractual agreement which they are expected to take to its conclusion. They should ensure that they are prepared for the course in that they satisfy its stated prerequisites and undertake any required preliminary study; attend scheduled activities arranged for their benefit, such as lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes Students are expected to: meet agreed deadlines for assigned work. If they are unable to meet an agreed deadline, they should inform staff in advance but should not assume that the deadline will be negotiated.

7.0.0 Study Skills

7.1.0 Characteristics of Higher Level Studies Below is a list of ways in which Higher Education differs from school education levels of independence specialist terminology time management making choices group sizes quickly changing groups reading structuring your study key skills and skills development levels of independence

At university you are expected to be much more independent than you were at school or college. This means that you are expected to take responsibility for most aspects of your own study and general academic progress. At the University you are likely to study in much larger groups than you did at school. University study involves a great deal of reading. Some of the books and articles would be recommended for your studies. However, you are usually expected read more than the recommended texts. It will be up to you to decide what extra reading is suitable and necessary. You may be given very long lists of books and expected to decide the selection of books you will make from that list. This means that it is worth using efficient reading strategies. At school, students often receive guidance on such matters as at pages to read in books, how to interpret assignment titles, what information to include and what to leave out, how to structure your answers etc. This does not happen very often in the university. You are expected to develop reading, writing, research and planning skills to do this on your own. This means that you usually need to develop study strategies beyond those used at school. 7.2.0 7.2.1 Effective Study Strategies General tips

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Spending long hours studying is not necessarily productive. It is possible to gain better marks by studying more effectively rather than for longer. Most of this resource looks at ways of studying in more effective ways. To study effectively, you can: 7.2.2 Identify what is really needed Study assignment titles carefully. Work out exactly what is required for assignments. This saves time in re-writing assignments later. Time spent in preparation is well spent. 7.2.3 Work strategically Set yourself clear goals and work towards these. 7.2.4 Make the material meaningful Looking for 'the meaning' or how things work, rather than focusing on remembering information. Work with the material, looking at how it fits together and applies to different circumstances. If you develop your understanding of the subject, it will help you to take in future material more easily. This makes reading easier. It also improves your memory for the subject. Be active in searching out links between different aspects of the programme. Look also for links between what you are learning and the wider world. This helps to develop understanding and memory. 7.2.5 Work with others Work with other students so that you share ideas and gain mutual support. You may be able to share some research tasks and clarify your lecture notes. Studying with others makes study more interesting, as you gain a different set of perspectives. 7.2.6 Use the word limit to focus your energies Most assignments have a word limit. Use this as a guide to how much you need to read and how many examples you can include. Plan out in advance how you will divide up the words available to you. Often, you need to be very concise about each topic. This means you may not be able to include very much of what you have read if you have undertaken a great deal of reading or made very extensive notes. 7.2.7 Take care of yourself Take rests when you are tired. Study takes longer and the brain is less effective when you are tired or stressed. Plan your time so that you get breaks. A change of scene stimulates the brain and helps creative thinking 7.3.0 Reading and Writing Skills

7.3.1 Making notes Making notes is essential. The act of writing or recording notes helps motor, visual and auditory recall. This makes the subject easier to remember. 7.3.1 Individual styles Everybody makes notes in their own ways. They are for your purposes so the most important aspect is that they suit your purposes. This does not matter as long as you can make use of them. 12

7.3.3 Keep a record of sources It is important to keep a very good record of where you gained each piece of information so that you can find it again quickly and easily if you need to check something about it. You will also need this information when you make reference to the information in your work. 7.4.0 Independent Study

7.4.1 Self management In general, university is different to school and college. One big difference is that there will be far fewer taught sessions. You will spend most of your time working on your own, and with a lecturer or tutor in the room during the college working hours. You will be expected to organize and manage your own study space and time. You will have a great deal more responsibility for your own success than is typical of school or study. 7.4.2 Personal planning University offers more opportunities for developing responsibilities and gaining experience and knowledge in a wider range of area than almost any other setting. It is in your interest to make the most of these opportunities- so you have no regrets later. When you apply for jobs, your employers will know that you have these opportunities and will be interested to see how well you make use of opportunities. Most students aim to improve their career prospects by attending university. Your programme will focus mostly on academic aspects of your development. In order to really improve your career opportunities, you will benefit from taking control of your time and organising a personal development plan. Find out the skills and experience that employers really want - and create extra-curricular opportunities to gain these. 7.4.3 Keeping going When you work on your own, it is important for you to stay focused and to maintain your own motivation. It is quite natural for motivation to change over time. This is not something to worry about- but it does require action. Most people find that it is useful to have the support of other people for this. 7.5.0 Critical Analytical Thinking Skills

7.5.1 What is critical and analytical thinking? Critical analytical thinking is a key part of university study. You will find that you develop your critical and analytical skills as you go through university. Your tutors will expect you to: evaluate how far materials are appropriate, and up-to-date evaluate how far the evidence or examples used in materials really proves the point that the author claims to weigh up opinions, arguments or solutions against appropriate criteria to think a line of reasoning through to its logical conclusion check for hidden bias or hidden assumptions check whether the evidence and argument really support the conclusions.

You will need to do this for materials that you read. For example, when you cite a source of evidence for your own arguments, you will need to be sure that the evidence really does 13

support your point, and is accurate and reliable. You are expected to be very critical of your sources, using evidence that has been well researched rather than just your own opinion or what your friends think. 7.5.2 7.5.3 7.6.4 Identify the main line of reasoning in what you read or write What is the main argument or line of reasoning? Is the line of reasoning clear from the text? Critically evaluate the line of reasoning for what you read or write Note any statements from the text which strengthen its line of reasoning or prove the argument. What statements, if any, undermine the argument? Are points made in the best logical order? Identify hidden agendas in your sources and in your own writing What hidden agendas might the writer have that might make you question the contents or conclusions of the passage? Consider what they might hope to gain through writing this piece. 7.5.5 7.5.6 7.5.7 What information might be missing that could paint a different picture? Evaluate evidence in the text. What kinds of evidence or examples does the writer use? How reliable and useful is this evidence? Does it really support the argument? Is the evidence strong enough? Is the data up-to-date? Does the text use reliable sources? What are these? What makes you think they are or are not reliable? Look for bias Do you think there may be any bias in the text? Give reasons and examples. Comment on any statistics used. Are these likely to give a true and full picture? Does their writing reflect a political viewpoint? Who might disagree with the writer? Identify the writer's conclusions Does the evidence support the writer's conclusions? Does the line of reasoning lead you to make the same conclusions? Critical skills when writing Apply the same rigour to your own writing as you do to analysing source materials. Work out early on what your conclusion is and write this down where you can see it easily. Use this as a guide for what to read, what experiments to run, and what examples to use.

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Before you begin your main piece of writing for an assignment, write your conclusion on a piece of paper and stick this at the top of the computer. Keep referring back to this to ensure that all of your writing leads towards this conclusion. The outline plan for your writing should map out how each paragraph leads your reader towards the conclusion.

7.6.0 7.6.1 7.6.2

Ensure that your conclusion can be supported by the evidence. If you cannot find the evidence to support your position, you may need to change your conclusion.

Examination Techniques Before the examinations Focus on being practical. Make sure you know exactly where each exam will take place. Plan to leave much earlier to get to the exam than the journey usually takes. You are expected to plan for transport delays. Check you have spare pens, pencils and any other permitted equipment. Stay positive. It is easier to revise and remember when we are in a positive state of mind. Avoid people who make you feel anxious about the exams. Get enough sleep. During the examinations Write down the time you must move onto the next question so that you have time to answer the right number. It is easier to pass if you answer the right number of questions rather than to write a few good answers. Leave about five minutes each to check through essay answers at the end. Plan and earmark time to answer a question depending upon the marks allocated for the question. Very brief answers for questions carrying higher marks will not fetch you good marks. Write answers to the questions you have selected. You will only get marks for material that answers the question. Number each question. Leave space between each answer so that you can add in points later if necessary. Read the questions slowly. Highlight key points. Ensure you have really understood the question as it is easy to misread questions or miss parts of questions when you are in an exam. Check the back of the paper to see if there are further questions - many people forget to do this. Structure your answers just as you would for coursework. Essays should have a clear line of reasoning, a well structured argument, an introduction and a conclusion. If you go blank, brainstorm words and ideas on the last page of the answer book. This will eventually begin to stimulate your ideas. Leave some space and go onto something you can do rather than sitting with the same problem. Be calm and breathe slowly. 15

Check through your answers at the end. You will find parts that do not make sense

because you have missed out a key word or point. Add these in neatly in the text or at the bottom of the page. 7.6.3 Revision Strategies The purpose of revision Revision means going over work in order to: Check your understanding. Make links between different topics to see how the whole subject fits together. Remind yourself of material you have forgotten. Reinforce your learning. Identify and fill gaps in your knowledge. Start early. Make a revision timetable. Avoid wasting time re-writing this over and over again. Answer questions from past papers. Identify the key points, examples and evidence for each topic- you will not be able to write very much on each in the exam. Prepare for questions that combine two different topics. Prepare for unusual questions or angles for your best topics. Go over the same material quite quickly several times rather than spending a long time on one occasion. 7.6.5 Managing stress Do: Don't: Suffer in silence: there are people who can help. Believe that stress is inevitable: you can reduce your stress levels. Let life get out of order: sit down and work out what you need to achieve. Assume that everyone is coping better than you. Forget that your tutor is there to help you, whatever your problem. Get help as soon as you begin to feel overwhelmed. Check the obvious: are you getting enough sleep and relaxation time? Take a break if you need to: go home if necessary to think out a new strategy. Make a personalised study timetable so that you feel in control. Recognise that high stress points will be followed by quieter times.

7.6.4. 7-Tips for exam revision

With these hints you should be able to cope up with your studies well. Remember: Successful Learners do not learn different things 16

They learn things differently and effectively

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