November / December 2016

Final Examination

Marking Scheme
WUC131/03 Learning Skills for University Studies

Time: 2 Hours

Copyright 2016 WOU

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2 WUC131/03

Part A (40 marks)

Answer all questions. Each question carries 10 marks.

1. Describe briefly FOUR (4) forums that you can find in the Wawasanlearn.

Forum Explanation Mark allocation

Announcements This forum shows the latest course 1+1.5=2.5m
from the course announcements, course materials and course
coordinator related information that is updated the course
(1 mark) coordinator.

Announcements In this forum, the latest tutorial announcements 1+1.5=2.5m

from the tutor and course related information will be updated
(1 mark) by the tutor
Public forum Anyone enrolled in the course can post issues 1+1.5=2.5m
(1 mark) for general discussion.

Tutorial forum Students and tutors can communicate with each 1+1.5=2.5m
(1 mark)
other and discuss issues like the TMAs and
others specific to a tutorial class.
Tutor contact Tutor posts contact details like the email, 1+1.5=2.5m
details(1 mark) telephone numbers and the time slots for
telephone tutoring
Any four of the above
Accept any relevant answer
(4x2.5marks = 10 marks)

2. Explain briefly five (5) characteristics of open distance learning.

The ODL is system is less expensive. There is no need for a physical building that can
accommodate all the students at the same time.

The ODL system is student centred. Students control their own learning.

The ODL system is not an elitist education system. It does not favour those from better
social economic families or anyone for that matter.
It has no fixed years of instruction. There is flexibility to allow students to take longer to
finish later.
2.5m per characteristic ( 5 x 2 marks = 10 marks)
Accept any other relevant answer.
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3. Briefly discuss five (5) types of hooks you can use when writing introductions to
essays.

Hooks Explanation Mark

allocation
Question hook Posing a question that will get the reader to (1+1=
(1 mark) think about it 2 marks)
(1 mark each)
Quotation hook Quotes from experts or well known people (1+1=
(1 mark) who can give emphasis to your discussion 2 marks

(1 mark each)
Funnel hook Moving from general to the specific (1+1=
(1 mark) 2 marks
(1 mark each)
Refutation hook Providing a summary of opposing views (1+1=
(1 mark) first. 2 marks

(1 mark each)
Dramatic hook By describing a scene or telling a story (1+1=
(1 mark) 2 marks
(1 mark each)
Accept any relevant answer (5x2 marks = 10 marks)

4. Briefly explain short-tem memory and long term memory.

Short term memory-

This memory also known as working memory lasts from few seconds to a minute
The exact amount of time may vary.
You need this kind of memory to retain ideas and thoughts as you work on
problems.
It is the very short time that you keep something in mind before either dismissing it
or transferring it to long-term memory.
Appropriate example
Long term memory
This lasts from a minute or even weeks or years.
You can recall from long term memory general information that you learnt on
previous occasions.
This includes memory from specific past experiences, rules etcencompass most
motor skills (muscle memory)..
Long-term memory however, can store vast amounts of information and is
permanent.
Appropriate example

1m per characteristic ( 5 x 2 marks = 10 marks)

Accept any other relevant answer.
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5. Briefly describe four (4) forms of punishment for academic dishonesty

Type(1 mark) Explanation(1.5 mark) Mark
allocation
1.Suspension Students can be suspended for a period of time 1+1.5=2.5
from the depending on the seriousness of the offence marks
institution
2. Expulsion If the offence is very serious, students will be 1+1.5=2.5
from the expelled from the institution marks
institution
3. Being If students are caught copying, they can be given 1+1.5=2.5
awarded a zero a zero for the exam marks
in the test or
exam
4.Reduction of If the students have plagiarised , marks can be 1+1.5=2.5
marks in a test reduced for an assignment marks
or assignment
Accept any relevant answer
(4x2.5 marks = 10 marks)

Part B (60 marks)

Answer any three (3) questions. Your answer must be in an essay format.
Each question carries 20 marks.

1. Discuss FIVE (5) advantages of using the digital library (online library).

Ways Explanation Mark

allocation
You can access it wherever You need not go to the library physically. (1+3=
you are You can visit the library at home, at the 4 marks)
(1 mark) Regional Office or at work, as long as you have
an Internet connection.

(1.5 marks each)

Everyone has access to the The digital books are available to everyone. (1+3=4m)
digital libraries However, most libraries require paid
(1 mark) subscriptions.
But if you are a registered student in an
institution of higher learning (college or
university), you will have automatic access to the
libraries that the institution subscribes to.
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(1.5 marks each)

The resources are available at The digital books are always available every (1+3=4m)
all times single minute and second of the day.
(1 mark) You can access them anytime you wish.

(1.5 marks each)

Resources are available The information is always available to you and (1+3=4m)
synchronously or your course mates all over the country
asynchronously synchronously or asynchronously.
(1 mark) This means that all of you can view the book at
the same time, or view it at different times.
So you can view and discuss a particular
chapter of a digital book with another course
mate in a different state!

Any two points(1.5m each)

It provides a structured You can gain quicker access to much richer (1+3=4m)
approach to locating content in a more structured manner.
information If you have located the book you want from the
(1 mark) catalogue, you can move instantly to the book.
From there, you can go straight to the chapter
or subheading

Any two points(1.5m each)

It enables easy retrieval of What do you do if you need specific information (1+3=4m)
information on a certain topic and do not know which books
(1 mark) to look for?
Type a word, phrase or a sentence and a list of
results from the entire collection of the library will
be displayed for you to choose from.
Digital libraries can provide very user-friendly
interfaces, giving you instant access to its
resources at a click of your mouse

Any two points(1.5m each)

The books are always well- Regardless of how many times you or other (1+3=4m)
preserved users view the book; they will always be in good
(1 mark) condition not torn, dirty or missing.
Digital books cannot be defaced or damaged.

(1.5 marks each)

You can create your own You can create a virtual bookshelf for yourself. (1+3=4m)
virtual bookshelf Then you can put a book you want to refer to in
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(1 mark) future on the bookshelf, or stack it up with

hundreds of books.
You can create your very own digital library and
you need not buy shelves or put up with
restricted storage space.
When your room or house has no space for
extension, you can solve it by digitisation.

Any two points(1.5m each)

You can network What do you do if you cannot find a particular (1+3=4m)
(1 mark) book from one library?
Digital libraries can provide a link to the
resources of other digital libraries very easily.

(1.5 marks each)

Any five of the above.

Accept any relevant answer
(5 x 4 marks = 20 marks)

2. Describe four (4) major modes of learning under open distance learning.

Ways Explanation Mark

allocation
Self-learning Spend time reading course materials on your (2+3=
(2 marks) own. 5 m)
Make decisions on when, how, what to study.
Refer to other reading materials available at the
digital library or regional centre library

Any two of the above (1.5 marks each)

Face to face tutorials Conducted 5 times a semester/3 times in short (2+3=5m)

(2 marks) intake.
Tutor is not a lecturer but a facilitator.
Tutorial sessions help you interact with the tutor,
peers and participate in lab sessions.

Any two of the above (1.5 marks each)

Online learning The LMS that complements and supports (2+3=5m)

(2 marks) students course materials.
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It allows you to interact and learn 24x7 as it it a

web based platform.
A dynamic learning system that is specially
created to facilitate learning.

Any two of the above(1.5 marks each)

Group discussions Students are strongly encouraged to have group (2+3=5m)

(2 marks) discussions.
Make friends with peers during tutorial groups.
Brainstorm for ideas and materials
Emotional and academic support.

Any two points(1.5m each)
Accept any relevant answer
5x 4 marks = 20 marks)

3. Explain five (5) tips for more effective and dynamic oral presentations.

Tips Explanation Mark

allocation
Preparation Highlight the main points of your presentation. (1+3=
(1 mark) After each point construct a transition which will 4 marks)
lead you to the next step.
Decide if a pause is necessary and for how long.
Note instances where examples, demonstrations
or visual aids can be introduced and will be
useful.

Any three of the above(1 mark each)

Practice Do not memorise or write down your entire (1+3=4m)

(1 mark) presentation.
Use the outline you have created for your
presentation or make brief notes if you have
problems remembering your points
Rehearse your presentation until you are
comfortable it. Keep track of time.
Get friends and family to watch and give you
feedback.

Any three of the above(1 mark each)

Style of speaking Use an appropriate style of speaking. (1+3=4m)

(1 mark) Apart from verbs use non-verbal cues such as
pauses before you move to another point.
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Pauses allow the audience to reflect and create

suspense and anticipation.
The style you choose will depend on whether
your audience knows you, your rank and their
ranks.

Any three of the above(1 mark each)

Non-verbal language Eye contact and elaboration (1+3=4m)

(1 mark) Facial expression and elaboration
Gestures and elaboration
Movement and elaboration
Voice and elaboration
Appearance and elaboration

Any three of the above(1 mark each)

Taking questions The question time is a part of the presentation (1+3=4m)

(1 mark) where your ability to interact with the audience is
tested.
Discussion of any two tips that can help one
handle questions better e.g take time to reflect
on the question before answering and when not
sure of question, ask for a clarification or restate
question.

Any three of the above(1 mark each)

Controlling nervousness When introduced to speak, take three breaths to (1+3=4m)

(1 mark) relax yourself before you get out of the chair.
Thank the person who introduced you and wait
very briefly before you start talking.
Before you speak think of the audience as caring
and friendly who want to hear your speech.
A positive image should relax you and put you in
a right frame of mind.

Any three of the above(1 mark each)

Any five of the above.

Accept any relevant answer
(5x 4 marks = 20 marks)
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4. Discuss five (5) factors that can help motivate you to learn.

Ways Explanation Mark

allocation
Have a conducive environment Promotes optimal learning. (1+3=
to study Concentrate better and remove frustrations. 4 m)
(1 mark) Minimise distractions during study hours.

Any two of the above (1.5 marks each)

Break down bigger tasks Break down bid tasks to smaller tasks to make (1+3=
(1 mark) them manageable. 4 m)
Plan well so that you have enough time to go
through each section of the unit.

(1.5 marks each)

Set a realistic learning goal Set effective and realistic goals to enhance (1+3=4m)
(1 mark) motivation.
Set long and short term goals.
(1.5 marks each)

Have incentives(1 mark) Give yourself a reward when you have achieved (1+3=4m)
at least one objective.
Small incentives will motivate you greatly.
(1.5 marks each)

Be positive(1 mark) Take difficulties as a challenge. (1+3=4m)

Overcome them so that they do not become
obstacles that hinder you learning.
Seek solutions by getting the support of friends,
family, colleagues and tutors.

Any two of the above (1.5 marks each)

Learn actively(1 mark) Look for additional references in the (1+3=4m)

library/Internet.
Ask yourself questions about what you have
read.
Form discussion groups to discuss difficult
topics.
Ask your tutor questions.

Relax and exercise regularly
(1 mark)
Have group discussions
(1 mark)
Any five of the above
Accept any relevant answer
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Any two of the above (1.5 marks each)
Important for maintaining physical, mental and (1+3=4m)
emotional health.
Helps you function efficiently while working and
studying.
(1.5m each)
Discuss with friends online or face-to face.
Helps synergise the learning process.
Helps you get new ideas and solutions.
5x 4 marks = 20 marks)