When it comes to education, proper resources are absolutely crucial. They provide the necessary information on subjects and a well-structured base of knowledge, all while activating you to work and motivating you to expand your education on the topic at hand. Reliable resources are needed at all stages of our academic journeys, but finding them can often be a lengthy and challenging process. To help you through this process, here are some ways you can find the right resources, as well as some tips on how to use them appropriately:
Making use of Google
Google is the place where most students tend to begin their search for resources in this day and age. After typing in a question that’s relevant to your current topic or subject, this search engine will usually provide you with trusted websites, appropriate books, and other valuable resources for your education. However, not many students use Google to its full extent.
It’s advised to use Google Scholar whenever you’re searching for dependable resources regarding your studies. This is an academic database that enables students to quickly search through a wide array of scholarly literature, being a simpler and easier way to find applicable authoritative resources such as research, academic publishers, university websites, professional societies, etc.
Utilizing social media
Although social media is often overlooked in academics, these platforms can be of great help when looking for additional resources. For instance, you can message authors and industry professionals on LinkedIn, tweet out a question regarding your topic, or join a Facebook group of professional societies and other students.
By doing this, you might be able to gain access to unique resources you might not have been able to find otherwise, and if you’re lucky enough, you may also get opinions and facts directly from experts themselves. While social media might not always guarantee good results, it is filled with knowledgeable and experienced people that could potentially provide you with a host of valuable resources.
Reading study notes
In countries like the UK, resources collected from other students are thought to be a great method of learning. University of Manchester attendees, for instance, often utilize helpful Manchester materials for their studies, offering an extensive collection of study notes, past essays, and other projects written by previous university students.
These types of materials can truly be indispensable, as they offer a unique point of view, more insight into relevant subjects, and brilliant resources that can directly help current students with their studies regarding a wide array of subjects. What’s more, these libraries are fully digitalized and easily accessible as well, thus enabling learning anytime and from anywhere.
Asking a librarian
In the US, Australia, and many other countries across the globe, however, traditional methods still reign supreme. Here, professional literature is highly valued, likely due to the in-depth, field-specific knowledge it provides, as well as unique resources that are often difficult and time-consuming to find on the internet. But obtaining the right books to use as dependable resources can be just as challenging.
That is exactly where trained librarians can prove to be an invaluable source of inspiration and guidance, especially if they work for your school or university. They have a more detailed understanding of your curriculum and the content and skills required for your learning area, as well as an intimate knowledge of all the resources that are available in the library.
Talking to teachers
In case you need additional help in a specific area, simply asking your teachers or professors a question can prove to be a brilliant solution. This can save you some valuable time searching for resources, and it might also encourage your educators to think about their lessons more deeply and possibly provide great information as well.
Just make sure your questions are short, concise, and relevant to the subject matter, whether you’re asking for clarification or additional resources. Not only will this demonstrate your interest in the topic and the fact you’ve been paying attention, but it will also ensure you receive the information that’s truly relevant and useful to you.
Whether you think outside the box or follow the traditional route, great resources can be found in a number of different ways. The most important thing is to use them wisely, in order to further and enhance your education.
