Student Life – Finding and using sources

TL;DR

Charlotte shares her journey in finding reliable academic sources.

Transcript

I'm a writer. I always have a story somewhere in me. I would feel like I was missing a limb if I didn't write. I'm married; I've got two children: one daughter who's about to turn ten, and my son who's eight, and I live in a house full of animals. I like writing because it works round me and I can do it when I want to. It works round the children a... Read More

Key Insights

• Charlotte balances her writing career with family life, working around her children's schedule to pursue her passion for writing.
• She began her degree ten years ago but paused due to a problematic pregnancy, resuming her studies three years ago.
• Charlotte faced challenges in finding and selecting suitable academic texts, often using university resources and Google for research.
• Condensing information to meet word count requirements was difficult; she employed paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting effectively.
• Initially, referencing posed a challenge, but she improved by consistently using a Harvard referencing guide for accuracy.
• Charlotte emphasizes the importance of identifying reliable sources and advises consulting tutors when struggling with source material.
• Her passion for writing evolved into a career ambition, leading her to pursue English courses as a natural progression.
• Charlotte is considering further education, potentially pursuing a Master's degree or a PGCE, driven by her love for learning.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Charlotte balance her writing career with family life?

Charlotte manages her writing career by working around her children's schedules. She writes when it does not interfere with family time, such as avoiding writing in the evenings when her children are at home. This allows her to pursue her passion for writing while fulfilling her responsibilities as a parent.

Q: What challenges did Charlotte face in her academic journey?

Charlotte faced several challenges in her academic journey, including finding suitable academic texts and condensing information to meet word count requirements. Initially, she struggled with referencing but improved by consistently using a Harvard referencing guide. These challenges highlight her perseverance and commitment to academic success.

Q: How did Charlotte improve her skills in referencing?

Charlotte improved her referencing skills by consistently using a guide on Harvard referencing. By referring to this guide every time she needed to reference, she ensured accuracy and correctness in her citations. This systematic approach helped her overcome initial struggles and enhanced her academic writing skills.

Q: What advice does Charlotte offer to students struggling with source material?

Charlotte advises students who struggle with finding or using source material to consult their tutors for guidance. She emphasizes the importance of identifying reliable sources and suggests that if students are unsure about quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing, they should seek help rather than risk inaccuracies.

Q: What motivated Charlotte to pursue a career in writing?

Charlotte's motivation to pursue a career in writing stemmed from her long-standing passion for storytelling. Writing short stories for friends evolved into a career aspiration, and during her pregnancy, she had the time to reflect on her goals. This led her to pursue English courses as a natural step toward her writing career.

Q: How did Charlotte's academic journey begin and evolve over time?

Charlotte's academic journey began ten years ago when she started her degree. However, she paused her studies due to a problematic pregnancy. Three years ago, she resumed her studies, demonstrating her dedication to education. Over time, she improved her skills in finding sources and referencing, and she continues to consider further education.

Q: What future educational plans does Charlotte have?

Charlotte is contemplating further education after completing her current degree. She is considering pursuing a Master's degree or a PGCE, driven by her love for learning and desire to acquire new skills. These plans reflect her ongoing commitment to personal and professional development.

Q: How does Charlotte manage the challenges of condensing information for academic assignments?

Charlotte manages the challenges of condensing information by carefully selecting and highlighting useful parts of academic texts. She reads potential sources multiple times to determine their relevance and employs paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting to effectively incorporate information into her assignments while adhering to word count limits.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Charlotte, a writer and mother, manages her writing around family life, highlighting her journey in balancing personal and professional commitments. She resumed her degree studies after a hiatus due to pregnancy, emphasizing her dedication to education and personal growth.

• Finding reliable academic sources was a challenge for Charlotte, who relied on university resources and online searches. She learned to condense information and improved her referencing skills using a Harvard guide, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence.

• Charlotte's passion for writing evolved into a career goal, leading her to pursue English studies. She is considering further education, driven by her love for learning, and advises students to consult tutors for guidance on source material and referencing.