Reviewed by Denni Morrison, advanced teaching and learning practitioner, Hertford Regional College
How-to books are the big thing at the moment, especially those aimed at students. This one is written specifically for undergraduates at the start of Childhood Studies or Early Childhood Studies degree courses. According to the preface it 'is full of students' voices, case studies and worked examples'. By utilising the experience of the tutors and comments from those who have 'been there, done that and got the T-shirt', it focuses more on the daily processes of being a university student as well as finding out how lectures, seminars and tutorials are structured. Study skills information is included, and there is a section showing how to use references and some very good advice on structuring and planning essays.
The authors have a long history of teaching on early years courses and have identified that many of the students now taking up higher education options may not be coming from traditional 'academic' backgrounds and will feel apprehensive about studying at degree level.
Students who take the time to read this book will certainly feel more confident about their studies.