This book has been written for adults who are worried or anxious about their ability to study effectively. It is aimed at adults in all types of education, from short courses to degree length courses, in further education colleges, universities or within adult education institutions. It will also be of use to adults studying through open, distance or technology enabled learning (e-learning).

This book provides advice and guidance on all aspects of study, from improving writing skills to passing examinations. The information is presented in a clear, accessible way which allows you to dip into the relevant chapters whenever you feel the need to improve certain study skills. As such, it is a practical handbook which will be of use throughout your studies.

As an adult you may find that studying puts extra demands on you, both physically and emotionally. Perhaps you are trying to study while holding down a full-time job, or you may be trying to juggle family responsibilities with study. This book acknowledges the fact that adults face extra pressures, and provides advice and guidance on how to cope with this while studying.

I have been a researcher and tutor working with adult learners for over nineteen years. My experiences have helped me to put together this book with adults’ hopes, fears, aspirations and goals at the forefront of its design and content. All the examples and quotations used in this book have been gathered over the last nineteen years and during the research for my doctorate.

I hope that you find this book interesting and useful and that you are able to refer to it often throughout your course. Good luck with your studies.