LEARNING SKILLS
#Organizing and Managing Time
- -Schedule and use calendar to plan ahead. It helps by seeing classes hours, sport times, study sessions and breaks in one glance. Use a traditional paper planner, or DIY Planner are very useful.
- -Use apps : Today (google apps) or google calendar.
- -Make priorities according to deadlines and classes from most difficult to easier to study and understand.
- -Be flexible and be ready to change the priorities
- -Make daily to-do lists.
- -Don't forget to includes breaks and time off.
- -Work on one project at a time for a certain amount of time.
#Taking Breaks
- -Take 5 to 15 minutes break every 20 to 30 minutes
- -Activate the body : stretching or walking
- -Drinking water
- -10 minutes power nap
- -Laughing and eating something is great to refresh oneself while studying.
- -15 minutes meditation
- -Tidying up while working from home.
#Staying Motivated
- -Be realistic : don't aim for perfection each time.
- -Procrastination or being less motivated happened from time to time : be kind, don't feel guilty.
- -Break down assignment or tasks that seem to big into smaller tasks to do every day
- -Make short terms goals to help keep on track.
- -Cut internet and phone distractions.
- -Use mind mapping, and quizz,
- -Join a study group to help stay motivated.
- -Don't hesitate to express difficulties to a friend, classmate or teacher.
#What is effective reading ?
- -One thing is non negotiable : no distraction for a set amount of time. It works for online and physical papers or books
- -Understand the goal of the reading : is it preparing for a class? understanding a notion?
- -Find and evaluate the relevance of the information or the paper. To do so, you can start by reading an introduction and / or a conclusion of a work --book or paper-- to assess if this work is related to what you're looking for.
- -Write down the important ideas by taking notes : reformulate, make correlations with your class, with the previous readings, depending on the goal of the reading.
#What is critical reading ?
- -Critical reading aim to connect your knowledge with a text/ article your are reading
- -Critical reading is when you take note about a text and make research to understand, reflect, go further on certain points.
- -It is about what an author is saying and putting it in perspective with other readings, theories, or authors.
- -It creates a personal understanding and comprehension on a subject.
- -Critical reading is not criticizing or deciding wether the text is right or wrong.
#Tips
- -Eat well and sleep enough
- -Use The pomodoro technique* : break down into 4 cycle of 25 minutes +5 minutes of break
- -Create mental cards
- -Re write your notes and try to decipher what the exam will be about
- -Be sure to know the basic theories, definitions and applications
- -Try the power nap during revisions to help the brain memorize
- -Don't cut on Sport to release the excess of stress.
*See More Information below to get more details
#Ideas
- -Try baking/ cooking a 5 or 10 minutes recipe
- -Dance
- -Watch a silly video
- -Read jokes or watch something funny
- -Do a puzzle
- -Go to karaoke
- -Look at fun ideas for study breaks
- -Get creative and do some DIY or origami
- -Doodle.
- -Do some coloring.
#Books available
Stella Cottrell, Skills for success : personal development and employability, 4th ed, Macmillan, 2021, study skills >available in Berlin, Paris and London
Tom Burns and Sandra Sinfield, Essential study skills: the complete Guide to success at university, 4th ed. Sage, 2016, sage study skills >available in Paris and London
Various ebooks available on our plateforms :
Bovee, Courtland, Business Communication today, 15th ed. Pearson > available on Vital Source
Stella Cottrell's books >available on Vlebooks
#Online Articles and Websites
- Recorded conference on time managing (French)
- Help on Studying at Home (French)
- Tips on managing time
- The pomodoro technique
- Time management skills by The Open University
- About procrastination and time management
- About learning styles ..
- York University Video
- York University revisions tips
- Complete guide about study skills
- Stanford guide on remote study
- https://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/tutoring-and-academic-support/
- University of Minnesota dedicated pages
- Harvard Study on the benefits of doodling.
SOCIAL SKILLS
#Listening basics
#Speaking in a foreign langage
#Body language
- -Facial expressions : smiling, frowning eyes or eye rolling
- -Gestures : the way of using hands, arms and legs
- -Posture : shoulders, sitting up straight or leaning forward/ away or slouching
- -The hand shakes
- -The tone of the voice
#Stress and anxiety
- -Identify and recognize the stress triggers (keep a journal or make a track list)
- -Limit building stress by doing exercises, regular sport, meditations or walks surrounded by nature : whatever works for you.
- -Get enough sleep
- -Eat enough, have a balanced diet, watch after your health
- -Slow down when needed.
- -Get help when you feel overwhelmed (friend or teacher, or specialists)
- -Manage your time and work load
- -Find a way to feel more in control with your life : writing down things, creating a reasonnable to do list, a balanced planner etc.
- -Do talk to a specialist, There is a psychologist at ESCP.
-
#Tips
- -Brainstorming and listing solutions.
- -Articulate connections and differences.
- -Identify and list the emotions involved if necessary.
- -Set a deadline,
- -Gather information
- -Explore and assess the consequences / the risks / the possible actions
- -Do a simulation if necessary
- -Write down the core values. The non-negociable
- -List pros and cons
- -Make a decision
#Books available
- Loewenstein, G., Lerner, J. S., "The role of affect in decision making." In R. J. Davidson, K. R. Scherer, H. H. Goldsmith (Eds.), Handbook of affective sciences (pp. 619–642). Oxford University Press.2003 >available through publication finder
- Corine Waroquiers, Sylvain Bureau, Free your speech : make presentations people remember, Pearson 2018 > available in paris Library
- Fabrice Carlier, Réussir ma première prise de parole en public, 2d ed. Studyrama pro 2018 >available in Paris Library
- Joan Van Emden, Lucinda becker, Presentation skills for students, 3rd ed. Palgrave 2016 >available in Paris Library
- Allan Pease, Body language : how to read others' thoughts by their gestures, Sheldon Press. London - 1995 >available in London Library
#Online References
student advice from Uk university
SEARCHING SKILLS
#How to start
-Define and prioritize the place where to find information.
-On internet start with the most broad and generic search to narrow down the more precise and specific sources.
-Keep track of the key words depending on consulted sources.
-Do not hesitate to consult the help section of any sites/ plateforms ( ex : Business Sources complet, Euromonitor, j-stor)
-Create alerts whenever it is possible in order to save time.
-Consult bibliographies.
-Use the boolean operators.
#Boolean operators
-What are they?
The Boolean operators a a set of command to make research in almost every search engines and catalogues.
Firefox and Opera are using the Booleans as well as many databases such as Business source complete or Europress
There are 3 operators : AND, OR NOT. They are used to combine or exclude terms from a research.
-How to use them?
..AND will help you combine key words. Ex : “consumer behaviour” AND luxury AND sustainability. Tell the database to look for those words in the title or in any fields.
OR will help you broaden your results using synonyms. When doing a research using synonyms can help you find more articles/ books on similar subjects. Ex: “consumer behaviour” OR "customer habits" OR clients
NOT is used to exclude a term from a result and thus help you narrow down the results for a research. Ex : luxury NOT Fashion.
#RADAR*
purpose and intended audience : who? for whom?
authority and credibility : What / Who is the source ? What are the affiliations?
accuracy and reliability : Is there a bibliography? where does the information, sources come from? Can it be checked?
currency and timeliness : When has the document been published? is there any updates? is it still accurate or influential?
objectivity or bias : How are information presented? Does the document contain facts or only opinions? Is there any agenda?
*RADAR : Relevance, Authority, Date, Appearance, Reason for writing
#Basics
-Read about the basics and theories on a subject
-Check sources and bibliographies to spot the leaders in the field.
-Take notes and reformulate.
-IS there any current of thoughts that strongly disagree or deny the one you're looking at?
-Is there a field which use the theory for another purpose?
-Spot the differences and desagreement within a same branch of theory
-Question what is missing from old and new materials.
-Question about what you agree or disagree on from your point of view and why , give arguments and sources.
-Don't jump to conclusions.
#Books Available
- Stephen Brookfield, Teaching for critical thinking: tools and techniques to help students Question their assumptions, Wiley 2012 ( p 1-27). >available in Paris Library
- Stella Cottrell, Critical thinking skills : effective analysis, argument and reflection,London-Macmillan, 2017 > Paris and London Libraries
- Richard PAUL,Linda ELDER, The Thinker's Guide to Socratic Questioning : Based on Critical Thinking concepts & Tools, London- Rowan & littelefield, 2016, ebook available on Proquest
- Richard Paul, Linda Elder, Critical Thinking : Tools for Taking Charge of Your Professional and Personal Life, New jersey, Pearson 2013
WRITING SKILLS
#Tips
- -Pinpoint what is needed : practice will help, so don't give up.
- -Write down what you understand VS transcribing word for word
- -Don't hesitate to ask for rephrasing or further explaination if needed
- -Write down what has been emphasized
- -Write down ideas, one by lign if possible
- -Use abreviations, color, indentation symbols : sort out your own system
- -Ask a peer or the teacher if something is missing or not understood.
#What is expected ?
- -Writing mechanics: correct grammar, sentence structure, spelling.
- -Communicating ideas clearly and concisely
- -Constructing a reasoned, demonstrable argument
- -Effectively marshaling evidence and using sources appropriately
- -Organizing ideas effectively
#How to get there ?
- -Plan a writing strategy
- -Read about methodology
- -Know your subject well in all the directions : close and far related subject/ topics
- -Take notes while reading
- -Keep track of your thoughts, conclusions, agreement and desagreements with the texts
- -Write down your text and proof read yourself the next day to check consistency and logic with subject.
#Notes on Essay
- -Essays are a form of exchanging ideas and expressing one’s voice
- -“Writing an essay is a form of thinking”
- -First step : analyse, brainstorm and understand the question
- -Second step: Do research and Take notes
- -Third step: Plan, structure and organize your thoughts
- -Fourth step: Find your own style : write, pause, re read, rewrite
- -Be clear but do not oversimplify
- -Be careful of plagiarism, always cite the sources.
#Notes on Plagiarism
- -Plagiarism is to take credit for a work that is not yours.
- -Whenever a text, article or chapter or thesis have helped you significantly and distinctively with your work: cite the source.
- -Keep track of the sources used: internet web site, pdf, books, ebooks, journals, and articles
- -Use zotero or mendeley or index cards to help you keep track of your reading materials (see research corner) ..
- -“Using ideas is not reprehensible in itself. What is objectionable, on the other hand, is borrowing the form, the expression, or the structure of the ideas’ presentation. -Moreover, using a text without giving a source can be considered counterfeiting, which is against the law”. (ESCP MIM handbook p 61)
- -“Plagiarism is a serious offence and all students suspected of plagiarism will be subject to an investigation. If you are found guilty, penalties can include failure of the course to suspension or permanent expulsion from the School”. (ESCP Bachelor handbook p30).
#Reports
-Concentrate on facts
-Keep in mind who it is for when writing ( audience, readers)
-Keep in mind the purpose of the report
-Don't forget to write down the references you used
-Read proof your work.
# e-mails
- -Be careful when using To, Cc and Bcc boxes.
TO is for the main recipient
Cc is for the people who need to see the email
Bcc is for mailing group, people who need to see the email and/ or to protect mailing addresses of other recipients. - -Reply to all : be careful when using it. Ex : you want to be remove from a mailing list ? only respond to the sender not everyone need to receive your complain. Same if you wish to acknowledge receiving the email someone send to several people.
- -Subject must be precise and describe what the mail is about. ex : Information about terms and conditions
- -Structure your text and like the subject, be precise and straightforward : this is not a dissertation.
- -Use bullets and small paragraphs for each idea/ argument ..
- -Do not overuse bold, colors, highliting it could lead to a confusing reading.
- -Mention the attachments and why they are accompanying your email, Don’t forget the attachments
- -Be careful about how you formulate your sentence, it can lead to misinterpretation.
- -Try to stay neutral and be polite
#CVs & Cover Letters
-Keep in mind that the cover letter is not a written version of your CV
-The CV is a support for your cover letter, it shows accomplishment and and what you are able to do
-The cover letter is dedicated to lead the futur interview : give information that matches the job desciption and leave information out so the CV will speak for you.
-Contact the European Project Linking Talents ,
- Contact the career center on your campus : register on Job Teaser and get some tips and templates about CVs and cover letters
-Use Canva (plateform of graphic design : registration is free) to get ideas on how to organise and layout your resumes,
-Use First Hand
#Available Books
- Stephen Bailey, Academic writing : a handbook for international students, 5th ed, Routledge, 2020
Stephen Bailey, Acdemic writing for International Students of Business and Economics, 3rd ed., Routledge, 2020
Tom Burns and Sandra Sinfield, Essential study skills…., 4th ed, Sage, 2017
Bryan Greetham, How to write better essays, 4th edition, MacMillan, 2018 - Barbara Minto, The pyramid Principle : logic in writing and thinking, FT Prentice Hall, 2009 ..
- A. Akoun, Ph Boukobza, I. Pailleau, Travailler avec le sketchnoting : comment gagner en efficacite et en sérénité grâce à la pensée visuelle, Eyrolles, 2017
- Annick Lelli, Les écrits professionnels : la méthodes des 7C, 2e ed, Dunod, 2008
- M. Fayet, Jean-Denis Commeignes, Rédiger des rapports efficaces, 5e ed., Dunod, 2015
- J.C Duluc, Des écrits professionnels : percutants accrocheurs et clairs, CFPJ, 2014
- Jacques Vassevière, Bien écrire pour réussir ses études, Armand Colin, 2009
Bibliography used for this section [books available in Paris]
TOOLS
framapad is a free, collaborative tool equivalent to word online. You do not have to register. Your pad will be available for collaboratords when they have the link.
Framacalc is an online equivalent of excel. You do not have to register. Your calc will be available for your collaborators when they have the link. if not use for 300 days the calc will be deleted..
Trello is a "collaboration tool that organizes your projects into boards. In one glance, Trello tells you what's being worked on, who's working on what, and where something is in a process."
Available in Google apps store CONCEPT BOARD
Padlet is a free collaborative tool to create, document, web pages, just take notes. Registration required.
Today is an app design to organise , plan and track your tasks and activities efficiently in a board view.
Available in Google addons using your student email
Evernote is an app designed for note taking, organizing, task management, and archiving.
Available in app stores, including Google.
Mind Mup 2.0 is a collaborative, free online mind mapping integrated with Google Drive.
Google account and google drive required.
Freeplane is a free and open source software application that supports thinking, sharing information and getting things done at work, in school and at home. One of the best available.
Freemind is a free mindmapping application with export abilities.
Xmind 8 is a free mind mapping and brainstorming software. It can be used to capture ideas, clarify thinking, manage complex information, and promote team collaboration.
Coggle is a free collaborative mind-mapping tool that helps you make sense of complex things. Many tutorials available on youtube.
Available in app stores including Google.
"Canva is a graphic design platform, used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents and other visual content. The app includes templates for users to use. The platform is free to use" . You can use canva to customize your CV.
Pixabay is a well-known depository of images and photographs to use for projects, flyers or communications.
"All contents are released under the Pixabay License, which makes them safe to use without asking for permission or giving credit to the artist - even for commercial purposes."
"Sketchboard’s virtual whiteboard solution helps you to innovate ideas and solve complex problems together". create board using premade forms or just draw. Available in google app store.