George Mason RAK Campus offers research tips to Choueifat students

The workshop on 'Preparing Students for College Research Programme,' held at the George Mason University, Ras Al Khaimah Campus last week, took students of grades 11 and 12 through an extensive tour of processes like research planning and sourcing as well as selection of information and the ethics of writing.

Starting with how to develop a research plan, the workshop provided students with useful tips on identifying the right source of material without infringing intellectual property, discreet selection of data and on making the best use of the internet.

Organized as part of the community initiatives of George Mason University, Ras Al Khaimah, the workshop was facilitated by Dr Erika Berner, Assistant Dean for University Life at George Mason University, Ras Al Khaimah Campus. Dr Berner is an expert in management and administration with more than 20 years of teaching experience at the university level.

"Success in university is different from success in high school. Students who perform and derive the greatest benefit from entry level university courses are those who are prepared for thoughtful study, engaged in the material and the process of learning and those who are curious, persistent and realistic," commented Dr Berner.

Dr Berner, who holds an MEd and PhD in Education from George Mason University, has been working in various educational institutions in the UAE for the past nine years.

"A student entering college is likely to be overwhelmed with the volume of information available nowadays, if unprepared. Precise selection and careful filtering of data is hence very important. For example, a research scholar may find Google Scholar more useful than Google," added Dr Berner.

"More and more students in the UAE are pursuing higher education nowadays and there are a lot of opportunities for them within the country and abroad. It is a fast evolving sector and needs able guidance and support from all stakeholders. George Mason University, Ras Al Khaimah Campus has come up with a timely initiative by volunteering to guide and support our students who are preparing to leave school and pursue higher education," said Arne Berger Director of the International School of Chouiefat, Ras Al Khaimah.