FLEETWOOD NAUTICALCAMPUS

STUDENTSTUDYGUIDE 

CONTENTSWELCOME

WHO’S WHO

INDUCTION

GETTING STARTED

WHEN TO STUDY

TIMETABLE

STUDY TIME

STUDY PLACE

SUGGESTIONS

MANAGING YOUR OWN TIME

BREAKS

RELAXING

EQUIPMENT

RESOURCES

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

PLANNING

CREATING A STRATEGY

READING SKILLS

DISCOVER YOUR LEARNING PREFERENCE

TYPES OF ASSIGNMENTS

KNOWING WHAT’S NEEDED– ANSWERING QUESTIONS

ESSAY WRITING

HOW TO STUDY MATHS

PLAGIARISM

COPYING FROM THE MODULES

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STUDY GUIDE

WELCOMEWelcome to the Fleetwood Nautical Campus, Blended Learning Unit. We hope you enjoy the work we are sending you, and that you achieve your Certificate of Competency within your target time.

WHO’S WHO

Katrina Burton is the Blended Learning Coordinator and will be your first point of contact.

Katherine Higgins is the Blended Learning Administrator.

CONTACTING THE BLENDED LEARNING UNITWe encourage all our students to contactus if you have any problems or queries.Our telephone number is:

01253 504746

If you call with a query on a day when a tutor is not available, we will arrange for a College lecturer to call you back, usually on the day you call. You can e-mail us anytime at:

blearning@blackpool.ac.uk

We will reply to your message as soon as we can. We also encourage all our students to visit the College. Remember that we have acomprehensive Learning Resource Centre and computer facilities with internet access.

STUDY GUIDE

INTRODUCTIONAs a distance learning student it is in your own interests to learn how to study effectively. You will have to decide and take responsibility for your own learning by deciding what to study, when and how. This guide is designed to help you to utilise your time and talents to the full and offers suggestions and ideas that have been applied successfully to other students. However you will need to experiment in order to see what techniques suit you best. Students differ in abilities, learning styles, familiarity with the subject as well as with studying. Consequently there are always different approaches, it is what works for you.

Above all you should enjoy the course and achieve success, the effort really is worth it. We do recognise that being a distance learner can be a rather lonely experience and this is why we urge you to contact us regularly by Onefile, telephone or e-mail. Don’t struggle with a topic, we are here to help and no question is too small or irrelevant.

GETTING STARTEDThis book has been designed to help you commence your distance learning studies. You should read the guidance in this booklet to assist throughout your studies.

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Katrina Burton Katherine Higgins

STUDY GUIDE

WHEN TO STUDYGenerally everyone is busy and finds it hard to allocate time successfully. You must look through your daily activities and allocate specific time to study. You should prepare a time table being brutally honest about time commitments such as watching TV/DVD’s. The important thing is to form the habit of regular study at times which suit you best. Once you have formed this habit, progress in your studies becomes steady and rewarding. Self-discipline is essential.

TIMETABLEIn compiling the timetable you will first need to plan when you want to complete each module ensuring you are being realistic. You will then need to write a list of all important events over the time frame and the order they need completing. Prioritise each task so you can tick them off when completed. Once you have organised these important events you will then need to organise your weeks and days allowing appropriate time to study each element. It is often hard to estimate how long each module will take a student as it depends upon a number of factors such as experience, ability and length of time away from study.

STUDY TIMEWhen to study is another difficult question that only you can answer. Some people like to rise early to study when it is quiet and they feel most alert, whilst others like to study in the evening. You will have to decide the best time for you, experiment with varying times to see which one suits you.

STUDY PLACEThere are some people that can study anywhere, but most of us work best when there is a place set aside for us toconcentrate. Finding a place to study enables you to settle down and study more quickly. It is better to work at a desk or table rather than sitting in an arm chair or lying down where there is greater temptation to fall asleep. You should ensure that your chosen study area is well resourced,is comfortable, well lit and ventilated, it also better to work in a tidy environment.

SUGGESTIONSAT HOME:• Use a quiet room in the house• Use a friend’s house• Use a public library• Utilise Fleetwood College (wherever

possible)

AT SEA:• Use the ship’s office• Use a quiet mess room• Use your cabin

If background noise is a problem you may wish to create your own background noise in the form of playing music. It is best to listen to CDs or MP3 players rather than the radio as this varies in sound due to people speaking and adverts.

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STUDY GUIDE

MANAGING YOUR OWN TIME• Set aside specific time slots for future

planning• Do one task at a time• Be realistic about your workload• Don’t put off important tasks• Establish a daily routine• Fix deadlines for jobs• Tackle brief, simple tasks in order to gain a

sense of achievement• Build some free time into the day• Take regular rest / exercise periods / food

breaks• Vary tasks• Prepare an ‘action plan’ indicating urgent/

important tasks – prioritise tasks• Learn to say ‘No’• Learn to delegate• Ask others how they save time• Put off or eliminate from your list

unimportant tasks• Do important tasks early in the day• Do a time log for the coming week• Develop your own filing system

BREAKSSometimes you will find that you can study for hours without taking a break. Other times it is more difficult, this depends upon your mood, tiredness and often the difficulty of the subject matter.

When having a break you should experiment with activities such as taking a walk or having a drink. If breaks start to dominate your routine you will have to be strict with yourself. Sometimes changing the time you study a difficult topic can help, moving it to the start of the day rather than the end when you are tired makes for a more productive session. Remember you have to discover what works for you.

RELAXINGIt can be hard balancing the needs of a demanding job while studying, especiallyby distance learning. So do find time torelax and then return refreshed later. An apparently insoluble problem can seem much easier after a rest.

EQUIPMENTIn order to complete the work in thelearning modules the following equipment is required:-• Computer with Internet Access• Pens• Pencils• Rubber• Ruler• Calculator• Dictionary• Folders, paper or note books preferably

different colours for clear identification of each module.

Note: Specialist equipment is either provided or indicated that it is required at the start of each module.

RESOURCES• Journals• Books• Internet sites• Library• College Notes• College Moodle• College Powerpoints• DVDs• CDs

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STUDY GUIDE

TAKE RESPONSIBILITYAdult students have to take responsibility for their own learning. Therefore you will need to complete the following steps:

When you have decided on how much time you can devote to study, draw up a plan of how these hours are to be spent. You may be surprised at how much more you can accomplish by having a plan previously marked out. In drawing up your plan, remember that your mind can be rested as much by variety in your studies as by stopping altogether.

PLANNINGThere is no single way of writing essays, however using a simple common approach can help while putting it together.

CREATING A STRATEGYWhen creating a strategy it is important to know what the assessment requirements are. If you know what is required to pass then you can decide what is feasible due to ability or time commitments.

READING SKILLSAll the course material that has been provided is of equal importance. However there are many different methods of reading which can be used to assist your learning. These are skim reading, scanning reading and comprehensive reading, using a combination of these methods is the best way to prepare for examinations.

In order to satisfy yourself that you have understood a specific point, test your understanding by asking the following questions:• Can you apply this new knowledge?• How does it fit in with what you already

know?• Does it open up further material to you?• Does it, in any way, prompt you to rethink

any previously held view?

Decide your own priorities

Set your own targets

Work out your own strategies

Submitting

Checking

Strategy

Receivingwork

TheAssignment

Knowledgeneeded

Organisewhat to do

Drafting

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STUDY GUIDE

DISCOVER YOUR LEARNING PREFERENCESome students would like to be given all the information they need, memorise it and then attempt an exam. Other students prefer to research subjects themselves and link the course content to their work environment.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONSSome of the assignments will have questions that are in different parts that will require a brief answer to each section. The length usually required for this type of question is between 30 to 500 words. As the answer is short the structure is therefore less important however it should be a clear explanation rather than bullet points.

As part of your final revision before any assignment, try to condense your notes, concentrating on key words and phrases. If you have studied systematically, one word in your notes will call to mind the associated information. At this stage some students prepare ‘skeleton’ notes on postcards. This can be a very useful exercise besides giving you a very handy pack of reference cards.

REFERENCE MATERIALYou are required to complete further studies and research for each subject. DVDs, websites and extracts are provided but you will also be expected to read books on each topic.

SELF CHECKING QUESTIONSThroughout the learning modules you will find self-checking questions (SCQs). These are designed to test the knowledge you have covered as you work through the module you should attempt to answer these SCQs at the end of each section. All the answers can be found in the module if you cannot answer the SCQ you should go back and revise the material again until you feel you are competent and can answer the questions

TMTsThe tutor marked tests (TMTs) are an essential part of the course as they provide students with a key opportunity to receive feedback on their progress. Through your TMTs you will receive advice and guidance from your tutor. All the College tutors are qualified in the subject area. You will benefit not only from your tutor's knowledge of the syllabus but from his or her experience in guiding students to success.

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However you learn you should be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and reflective on what you have achieved and what you need to achieve next. One advantage of distance learning is personal control, you have responsibility for your own learning and when you achieve your qualification.

Self-checking Questions 1

Throughout the learning modules you will find self-checking questions (SCQs). Most

SCQ’s are located at the end of the module pages, however more complicated SCQs

are downloadable from Onefile.

SCQ’s are designed to test the knowledge you have covered as you work through

the module you should attempt to answer these SCQs at the end of each section.

All the answers can be found either in the module or in the SCQ available on

Onefile. If you cannot answer the SCQ you should go back and revise the material

again until you feel you are competent and can answer the questions.

SCQ

Tutor Marked Test C & T-1

Define with the aid of a sketch the following:

Displacement

bLearning

The tutor marked tests (TMTs) are an essential part of the course as they

provide students with a key opportunity to receive feedback on their progress.

Upon reaching the highlighted TMT section of the module, having completed

all the SCQ’s, you should be ready to submit the associated TMT.

Through your TMTs you will receive advice and guidance from subject

specialist tutors. All the College tutors are qualified in their subject area. You

will benefit not only from your tutor's knowledge of the syllabus but from his

or her experience in guiding students to success.

TMT

2 hrs 30 mins

3 hrs 1 hour

Bridge Watchkeeping

The pre-college test is designed to assess your standard of knowledge. This ensures

that you are ready to come to college and sit the final assessments.

The paper duration will be similar to the final assessment and is timed. There is an

additional hour allocated for downloading and uploading of your work.

This assessment must be treated as a closed book test and you must not refer to

your notes. This assessment process has proven invaluable providing both the student and

college with information, as to whether they are ready for the final examination.

Issue Number Revision Number With effect from Form Title

Form Number

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05.09.12 Assessment Header Sheet

FA – 01 – F01

SCHOOL OF MARITIME OPERATIONS

Assessment Header Sheet

Student Name:

Course Title:

Paper Reference:

Time Allowed/ Hand in Date:

Unit Name/Number

Learning Outcomes

:

Paper Written By:

Verifier: Peer IV

Date:

Date:

Date Assessed:

Date Marked:

Assessment Criteria: ( Please mark if graded)

To achieve a Pass the student must be able to: -

Pass Mark:

Assessors/Verifiers Remarks:

Grade:

Final assessments are either formal invigilated tests or practical assessments which are conducted in

college. In addition some subjects have assignments which are subject to a formal submission date.

Students do not need to attend college for assignments but must adhere to the submission time frame.

Individual Feedback

Group Feedback

Signed by Assessor/Verifier:

SELF-CHECKING QUESTIONS (SCQS)SCQs are designed to test the knowledge you have covered as you work through the modules. You should attempt to answer these SCQs at the end of each section.

All the answers can be found either in the module or in the SCQ available on Onefile. If you cannot answer the SCQ you should go back and revise the material again until you are competent and can answer the questions.

TUTOR MARKED TESTS (TMTS) Through your TMTs you will receive advice and guidance from subject specialist tutors. All College tutors are qualified in their subject area. You will benefit not only from your tutor’s knowledge of the syllabus but from his or her experience in guiding students to success.

PRE-COLLEGE TESTThe pre-college test is designed to assess your standard of knowledge. This ensures that you are ready to come to college and sit the final assessments. The paper duration will be similar to the final assessment and is timed. There is an additional hour allocated for downloading and uploading of your work.

This assessment must be treated as a closed book test and you must not refer to the notes.This assessment process has proven invaluable, providing both the student and college with information as to whether they are ready for the final examination.

FINAL ASSESSMENTSFinal assessments are either timed invigilated tests or practical assessments which are conducted in college. In addition some subjects have assignments which are subject to a formal submission date. Students do not need to attend college for assignments but must adhere to the submission time frame.

TMT

SCQ

STUDY GUIDE

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STUDY GUIDE

TYPES OF ASSIGNMENTSESSAYSMost assignments will need to be written in essay format. The structure of essays is open but generally it includes an introduction, main body and a conclusion. The introduction should usually be around 5 to 10 per cent of the word count and identify the main arguments. The main body of the essay should be around 80 to 90 per cent of the word count. This should have anarrative flow enabling the reader to follow the flow from start to finish. Finally the conclusion should be around 5 to 10 per cent of the word count and this should emphasis the key elements.

COMPONENT PURPOSE DESCRIPTION

TITLEDescribes the issue ordilemma

Contains key words about content of the essay

INTRODUCTION

Includes a statement ofposition

This is used to introduce the issue to be discussed. It gives the reader essential background information and focuses on key words which guides or lists what is to follow

MAIN BODY

Presents the case or argument

Each new main point should have its own paragraph. The main body includes evidence to support the arguments, which are referenced

CONCLUSION

Reinforcement of the statement of position

This sums up how the points in the main body of the essay. It should mention the wording of the title and not have any references

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STUDY GUIDE

WORD MEANING

Analyse Separate and examine the topic, break the questions/subject intoits major parts

Compare Demonstrate the similarities between Items

Define State precisely the meaning of ‘something’

Demonstrate Explain/describe by use of examples or evidence such as photosor experiments

Describe Give a mental picture or idea

Discuss Explore various points of view

Evaluate Determine the Value of Something critically

Explain Make plain or understandable a topic

Illustrate To make clear with examples

Sketch A rapidly executed drawing used to illustrate the subject

KNOWING WHAT’S NEEDED ANSWERING QUESTIONSIn order to answer the assignment it is important to know what is needed. The following table explains the common types of question words and their meanings.

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STUDY GUIDE

ESSAY WRITINGWhen writing an essay you need to consider how the argument will progress throughout. Therefore your ideas need to progress logically and flow from one idea to the next. Try writing your ideas down on a piece of paper first and map each one out to a particular part of the essay.

QUICK TURNAROUNDWe attempt to return marked work to you as quickly as possible. The College is closed for two weeks at Christmas and Easter, so no work can be marked at those times. Over the College summer holidays markers are available, but usually not as often as during term time. We try to keep delays to a minimum at this time. Our target is always to have work returned within four weeks.

SUBMISSIONWhen uploading work for marking onOnefile please refer to the Onefile Handbook and follow the instructions. Presentationof your work is very important and should be of the highest standard possible, please try to submit work regularly. We realise that each student has different priorities and pressures but please remember that your underpinning knowledge must be current in order to gaina Certificate of Competency.

CHECK YOUR WORK BEFORE SUBMISSION TO ENSURE YOU ARE:• Paraphrasing• Quoting• Referencing

MAKE SURE YOU:• Explain the idea clearly• Provide reasons for its relevance to the essay

question• Provide evidence to back up the idea• Provide a introduction, main body and conclusion

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STUDY GUIDE

HOW TO STUDY MATHSMaths is also a language and should be displayed in the correct way. Writing the number 20 is not giving your audience any idea as to what it relates to.

You must always show your workings. All markers need to see how the answer was calculated in order for them to assess your understanding of the topic.

Even if this is a simple addition such as 1 + 1 you must show how you have achieved the answer. If there is any error in your calculation the marker can check to see if it was a simple mathematical error or one that requires resubmission.

Setting out your work clearly and neatly will also facilitate the marker in understanding how you have calculated the answer. You must also always show which formula you have used for each calculation.

DEG MIN DEG MIN

FROM Lat 53o 33’ S Long 177o 50’ W

TO Lat 51o 52.6’ S Long 171o 49.1’ W

D. Lat 1o 40.4’ N D. Long 6o 0.9’ E

= 100.4’ = 360.9’

½ D. Lat 0o 50.2’ N

Mean Lat 52o 42.8’

(or 52.713o)

Departure = D.Long x Cos Mean Lat.

= 360.9 x Cos 52o 42.8’

Departure = 218.6

Tan Course =

Departure

D. Lat

= 218.6 100.4 = 2.17763

COURSE = N 65.3 E 65.3o T

Distance = D.Lat.

Cos Course = 100.4 Cos 65.3 = 240.6

DISTANCE = 240.6 MILES

COURSE = 65.3o T

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STUDY GUIDE

PLAGIARISMPlagiarism is passing off the thoughts, writing and work of others as your own. Plagiarism can be avoided simply by citing sources. A direct quotation (copy and paste) is not included in your word count. If you are summarising the ideas the ideas of othrs put it in your own words, (even if you make a poor job if it), you must reference it by naming the source.

Citing sources is important when discussing your topic however there can be little justification for citing a source for the observation that water boils at 100°C. However in a sustained argument, where you are constantly citing different authorities, there should be numerous references. The lecturer will know where your material came from anyway, so it will be pointless implying that you created it.Referencing makes it easier for lecturers to check the source should they wish to.

COPYING FROM THE MODULESMany students find making notes as they read a useful tool. Note-taking compels you to state in intelligible language what you have read, it assists your memory, it is a very handy form of revision. Don’t copy out word for word, unless the passage isfor definite reproduction or quotation. Recast the author’s phraseology, and draft your own personal notes in a logical and orderly manner. In making notes you should not be trying merely to present a condensed version of the module. Make your notes personal. Include diagrams and sketches if you find these help. Demonstrate your own ideas and your own approach to issues. You should be able to address a problem and provide your own intelligent and well-structured answers.

SUMMARY OF DO’S AND DON’TS

DO Take care to understand each point before proceeding

DO Spend extra time to gain a firm grasp of fundamental ideas - so you canbuild on them

DO Revise and practice work already learnt

DO Take care with presentation and accuracy

DO Get into the habit of checking answers - see that an answer is reasonable in terms of size and unit. (Make an estimate before you calculate)

DO Keep all your work for use at a later stage

DO Let us know of any difficulties you may have

DO Send work in correct sequence

DO Take pride in a job well done

DONOT

Send us assignments where you have not made an attempt at all the questions. (If you have a problem, send your best attempt with some explanation of your difficulty.)

DONOT

Keep quiet if you have a problem- seek our help and advice

DONOT

Worry if you cannot send assign-ments to us on a regular basis send them as and when you can. Let us know if you will be deep-sea for a long time

DONOT

Worry if your answers are not ‘perfect’ it takes time and practice to acquire a skill. Follow the layout in the text, this will be in the most acceptable form

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