Nurse Education in Practice 10 (2010) e6

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Nurse Education in Practice

journal homepage: www.elsevier .com/nepr

Book Reviews

Palgrave Study Skills: The International Student Handbook,H. Reinders, N. Moore, M. Lewis, Palgrave Macmillan, Hampshire(2008). ISBN:978-0-230-54519-9

This book aims to help English second-language studentsunderstand the social, cultural and academic differences of study-ing in an English speaking country. The three authors have experi-ence of studying and working in various higher educationinstitutions around the world. The 12 chapters cover a variety ofsubjects, from planning studies, understanding lectures/tutorialand assessment, to understanding and using feedback from assign-ments. It has a good variety of study skills, introduction to new anddifferent academic cultures and sensible tips and strategies forimproving English language skills. The comparison tables for IELTSand TOEFL are also useful. The language is accessible and wellgraded for international students.

As well as guiding the international student in academic issuesthat they may find different from their own academic culture suchas, reflection, peer feedback, developing a critical stance and essaywriting. The book also tries to give the international student anidea of culturally acceptable behaviour of students and staff in dif-

doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2009.01.004

ferent countries. Most of this appears to be accurate for Europeancountries and could help the student approach staff on personaland academic issues.

The use of case studies, activities and tip boxes, along with auseful glossary and excellent recommendations for further readingmake this an easy and fun book to engage with. It would be suit-able for self study and as a resource for pre-tutorial or languagecourse preparation.

This book is a useful addition to the existing Palgrave StudySkills range. It would be particularly useful for international stu-dents, lecturers preparing material for international students andas a resource for University study skill departments.

Evelyn McElhinneyLecturer, Post-registration Nursing,

School of Nursing,Midwifery and Community Health,

Glasgow Caledonian University,Cowcaddens Road,

Glasgow G4 OBA, ScotlandE-mail address: Evelyn.McElhinney@gcal.ac.uk