Open University books

How do we understand mental health problems in their social context? A former BMA Medical Book of the Year award winner, this book (read more)

How do we understand mental health problems in their social context? A former BMA Medical Book of the Year award winner, this book provides a sociological analysis of major areas of mental health and illness. The book considers contemporary and historical aspects of sociology, social psychiatry, policy and therapeutic law to help students develop an in-depth and critical approach to this complex subject. New developments for the sixth edition include:*Brand new chapter on aging and older people*Updated material on social class, ethnicity, user involvement, young people and adolescence*New coverage on prisons legalism and the rise of digital mental health management and delivery. A classic in its field, this well-established textbook offers a rich, contemporary and well-crafted overview of mental health and illness unrivalled by competitors and is essential reading for students and professionals studying a range of medical sociology and health-related courses. (hide)

What does teaching excellence within Further and Higher Education look like? This book takes the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) (read more)

What does teaching excellence within Further and Higher Education look like? This book takes the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) as its starting point. Each chapter identifies one specific aspect of the TEF and, with the help of case studies, guides the reader through innovative teaching strategies and how to overcome challenges that range from digital learning to feedback and assessment. Extensive practical suggestions are offered for the reader to use in their own teaching, all underpinned by a sound theoretical base.

Responsive to current debate, topics addressed include:* Widening Participation* Internationalisation* Gaming and simulation* Student employabilityThe entire volume is cross-referenced to both the TEF and the National Student Survey (NSS), meaning readers can easily contextualise what they have read. With higher investment in teaching and learning, and the changing demands and expectations of students, this timely and practical book will help you successfully navigate your teaching career within Higher Education. Peter Wolstencroft is a Programme Leader for Postgraduate Courses at Liverpool John Moores University.
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The text is a comprehensive guide to the most commonly used theories and methods in social work practice. The introductory chapter (read more)

The text is a comprehensive guide to the most commonly used theories and methods in social work practice. The introductory chapter covers the similarities and differences between a theory and a method, as well as psychosocial theories and concepts. Each subsequent chapter then explores in detail how to implement theories and methods, their strengths and limitations, alongside case examples, critical thinking questions and suggested further resources.

Key features:* Illustrative case studies * Exercises* Case examples* Critical thinking questions* Further readings/resources * Revised content, including the addition of genograms and ecomapsThis is a practical and essential guide for all social work students, practitioners, and practice educators who are working with students in field placements. The book is an updated third edition to a successful and established series. "The clarity with which Teater describes complex concepts for social workers is refreshing. (hide)

This book draws on the seminal Learning without Limits project which researched learning environments free from the damaging effects (read more)

This book draws on the seminal Learning without Limits project which researched learning environments free from the damaging effects of fixed ability labelling, thinking and practices (Hart et al 2004). Alongside the notion of 'transformability' that permeates Learning without Limits, the assumption that intelligence is fixed is at last also being robustly challenged and the door is ajar within English primary schools to consider alternatives to the existing practice of ability grouping and labelling of children by numbers and grades. This book builds on Creating Learning without Limits (Swann et al, 2012) which tells the story of how one primary school community, led by Alison Peacock, worked to build a learning environment that was inclusive and enabling for everyone.
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This 2nd edition is the ideal resource for paramedics and student paramedics looking for a quick reference guide to help develop (read more)

This 2nd edition is the ideal resource for paramedics and student paramedics looking for a quick reference guide to help develop or refresh their assessment skills with up to date knowledge. This handy pocket sized book can be used by students for exam revision, by paramedics and emergency care staff en route to a call, or clinicians who are working in other clinical environments, such as urgent care centres to revisit key points and further refine their skills. Divided into body systems, the book takes the reader through the considerations and actions required for each type of emergency presentation.

The book also: * Takes an approach that mirrors current UK and international practice * Features a cardiovascular chapter which includes sepsis, red flag sepsis and The UK Sepsis Trust Pre-hospital Sepsis Screening and Action Tool * Uses red flags to highlight where immediate action may be needed and identifies appropriate actions to be taken * Has been updated where applicable against the current Ambulance Clinical Guidelines, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines * Considers the social, ethical and legal factors that might impact on care * I (hide)

Becoming a Teacher provides a broad context for understanding education, addressing issues such as the influence of international (read more)

Becoming a Teacher provides a broad context for understanding education, addressing issues such as the influence of international policy and practice, education ideology and social justice. This is balanced with practical advice for the classroom on topics such as assessment for learning, learning technologies, literacy, numeracy and English as an additional language. Becoming a Teacher draws extensively on contemporary research and empirical evidence to support critical reflection about learning and teaching. (hide)

"Excellent piece of knowledge packed into a book. I love it and would recommend it to friends and family intending to engage in research." (read more)

"Excellent piece of knowledge packed into a book. I love it and would recommend it to friends and family intending to engage in research." (5 Star Amazon Review, 2013). Why is accurate referencing important? How do I reference print and digital sources correctly? What must I do to avoid plagiarism in my written work? How can I use referencing to assert my own ideas? The Complete Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism, third edition demystifies the referencing process and provides essential guidance on how to avoid plagiarism when writing for university.

It provides clear guidelines on why and when to reference, as well as how to correctly cite from a huge range of sources. The book explains what is considered good referencing practice and ensures you have a watertight understanding of what plagiarism is and isn't, and how to avoid it in your written assignments. Thoroughly updated throughout, this new edition has also been carefully restructured to make it easier to find the precise solutions to all your referencing dilemmas. (hide)

Why do people behave and think the way they do?* What makes people choose certain products and services?* How does consumption affect (read more)

Why do people behave and think the way they do?* What makes people choose certain products and services?* How does consumption affect our everyday lives?Informed by psychological theory and supported by research, Consumer Psychology provides an overview to understanding consumer behaviour and underlying thought processes. Written in a clear and accessible style it is an essential read for students of consumer psychology. It is also important reading for anyone studying consumption, whether in marketing, consumer behaviour, sociology, anthropology, business studies, cyber psychology or sustainability.
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What survival skills do academics need to become digitally agile and to establish an effective digital academic presence?The twenty (read more)

What survival skills do academics need to become digitally agile and to establish an effective digital academic presence?The twenty first century Academic is an engaged researcher, who connects, builds and sustains varied and global audiences interested in their research. In one handy book, this essential read contains comprehensive advice on developing and sustaining a unique mix of twenty first century scholarly skills and digital competencies. From getting started with Twitter to more detailed advice on how to manage time when performing the roles of an academic blogger and forum moderator, this book provides real world case studies to illustrate how to integrate digital engagement with traditional scholarly work. (hide)

Social Work is increasingly delivered in complex situations. Key to professional practice is developing a sensitive understanding (read more)

Social Work is increasingly delivered in complex situations. Key to professional practice is developing a sensitive understanding of the issues of diversity and oppression.The book will introduce you to social differences in relation to class, race, disability, gender and sexual orientation. It will offer guidance, tools and methods to promote attitudes and behaviours which enable us to live well together whilst respecting cultural, religious and ethnic differences.
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