Understanding university a guide to another planet - Sinclair, Christine (Open University Press, 2006)
Includes bibliographical references (page 157) and index
Cover -- TOC36;Contents -- Acknowledgements -- Activities at university -- List of figures -- CH36;Chapter 1 Introduction58; which planet are we on63; -- Why this book was written -- Different ways to use the book -- CH36;Chapter 2 How do they manage to talk like that63; -- In the right places at the right times -- Changing language58; from ancient texts to texting -- Language and power -- Getting exposed to powerful language -- Educated language and the language of education -- Conclusion -- CH36;Chapter 3 Joining an academic tribe -- The language of your subject -- How a subject changes from school or college -- New words and new meanings -- Signs and symbols -- Other shorthand expressions58; jargon44; abbreviations and acronyms -- Conclusion -- CH36;Chapter 4 Take me to your leader33; How to find out about the tribe -- The lecturer as guru or guide -- What lecturers might do in classrooms 8211; and how to respond -- Other activities -- Lecturers in context -- Conclusion -- CH36;Chapter 5 What do you have to do to be accepted round here63; -- Getting in -- Staying in58; getting good marks -- Leaving with a qualification -- Conclusion -- CH36;Chapter 6 I thought I was the only one who felt like an alien -- You are not alone -- Signs of belonging to a group -- Your decisions about belonging -- Assertive language -- Informal and formal groups -- Students in context -- Conclusion -- CH36;Chapter 7 Real and virtual environments -- Universities are changing -- E45;learning and virtual learning environments -- Netiquette 8211; how to avoid offending people online -- Universities are changing -- Conclusion -- Afterword -- Glossary -- Appendix58; comments on questions -- References -- Bibliography -- IDX36;Index -- Last Page
Does university seem like another planet? Does everyone else seem to speak another language? What can you do to make the grade? If these are the kind of questions you are asking, then this is the book you need. After the excitement of being accepted, the reality of life at university or college can be daunting, but help is at hand. This practical book guides new students through the terminology used at university and shows you: what a student needs to know how to be accepted by students and lecturers; how to get the best out of your institution and yourself; how to communicate using appropriate language in higher education institutions; how to learn the conventions of your specific subject area; and, how to be confident and competent in your new world. All new students find the move to university slightly bewildering, but with this book you can be one step ahead. The author has spent time talking to students across a broad range of different universities and uses her first-hand experience as a basis for the book.; "Understanding University" provides a lifeline for new students in further and higher education offering everything from practical advice on studying, to explanations of frequently used terms. If you don't know the difference between a seminar and a tutorial or want to know what 'matriculation' means, then this is where to start. Need a little assistance? Just open this book. And remember - you are not alone