Project Compass A PlannerforProject&PresentationCourse PREPARATORY STUDIES CENTER UTAS - IBRA

Cover Page Information Instructor: Student ID: Student Email: Student Name: Instructor Email: Level: Section: 1

Message to Students Ms. Wafa Mohammed Al Nuumani Lecturer, PSC UTAS Ibra Dear Students, Welcome to the Project and Presentation Course Planner. This planner has been designed to help you stay organized, manage your tasks, and track your progress throughout the semester. Use it to record important dates, plan your project work, and prepare for presentations. We hope it supports your learning journey and helps you achieve success in the course. Wishing you a productive and enjoyable semester! 2

Goal and Aims of the Planner Goal: To provide GE3 students at UTAS with a practical tool for organizing their learning, managing project activities, tracking deadlines, and improving presentation skills throughout the Project and Presentation Course. Aims: • Help students plan and manage their course activities effectively. • Support the successful completion of projects and presentations. • Encourage responsibility, time management, and self-reflection. • Assist students in achieving the course learning outcomes. 3

My Important Dates University Events • Orientation day: • Workshops: • Field trips: • Club activities: My Academic Deadlines Special / Personal Dates Remember: • Birthdays: • Holidays: • Family events: • Personal achievements: • Assignment due dates: • Midterm Exams dates: • Project submission deadlines: • Presentation dates: • Final Exams dates: “Every deadlineisasteptoward success”. 4

Your Ideas Start Here "Every great achievement starts with an idea." This page is yours! Use it to sketch ideas, brainstorm project topics, create mind maps, write inspiring quotes, set personal goals, or capture any thoughts that support your learning journey. 5

Action Plan 6 Week Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Task Date Completed "Small steps every day lead to big achievements."

SMART Goals 7 S – Specific Your goal should be clear and well-defined. -> What exactly do you want to achieve? T – Time-bound There should be a clear deadline or time frame. -> When will you complete it? M – Measurable You should be able to track your progress. -> How will you know you are improving or finished? A – Achievable The goal should be realistic and possible to complete. -> Is it doable with your time and resources? R – Relevant The goal should be meaningful and related to your course or purpose. -> Does it matter to your learning or project?

SMART Goals Planner Page 8 S (Specific): R(Relevant): A (Achievable): M (Measurable): T(Time-bound): Write your main project goal here: Use this page to set clear and effective goals for your Project & Presentation course. Make it SMART: My SMART Goal:

Group Project Information Page 9 1. 2. 3. 5. 4. Student Names/ Team Members: Approved by: (Teacher)

My notes: My mood: Don’t forget to: I am grateful for: 10

2. Getting Started What topics are we interested in? Before You Begin Receive the research topics from your instructor. Read the topic carefully. Ask your instructor any questions. Meet with your group. Discuss your ideas and create a plan. Brainstorm Your Ideas 1. Write any ideas your group has before choosing a topic. Research Topic Discussion 11

3. 5. 4. Why did we choose this topic? What is the final research topic? What did our instructor recommend? Main Topic: Research Topic: Research Topic Discussion 12

Complete the crossword puzzle using the clues provided. GE3-Vocabulary 13 Across 5. making you feel annoyed or upset 6. to give someone support or confidence 8. to organize or carry out an activity 9. the state of being male or female 11. a holiday or time spent away from work or study 12. the result of a change 14. money that you owe someone 16. the results of a study or research 17. a happy event or party Down 1. being faithful and supportive 2. unhappy or worried 3. to affect or change someone or something 4. enough 7. to communicate or work together 10. cheap or not costing much 13. an organization that helps people in need 15. a special task or purpose E D I 8 C 9 G 11V I F M F S L C I E U 6 14 3 7 16 5 15 4 17 1 12 10 2 13 C

Why this tool is suitable: Step 3: Design the Questions Write clear and simple questions. Make sure questions match the research topic. Use different question types. Note: Total Questions: 10–12 Step 2: Identify Target Audience Decide who will answer your survey/interview. Ensure the audience matches the research topic. Choose a clear and specific group. Our Target Audience: Examples: University students / Teachers / Young adults / Community members / Online users Step 1: Choose the Research Tool Discuss different research tools (interview / questionnaire). Decide the most appropriate tool for your research topic. Agree on one final tool as a group. Selected Research Tool: This page helps your group plan the research tool, target audience, and survey/interview questions. Research Tool & Survey Design 14

Yes / No Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Open-Ended Questions 11. 12. Multiple Choice Questions 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Yes / No Questions Multiple Choice Questions Open-Ended Questions Draft Questions Step 4: Final Review Check clarity of all questions. Ensure all question types are included. Remove unclear or repeated questions. Agree on final version as a group. Question Types 15

Questionnaire Multiple Choice Questions Yes / No Questions Open-Ended Questions Final Survey Questions 16

Relax & Color 17

Writing the Introduction 18 Answer these questions: • • • • • What is your research topic? What does it mean? Why is it important? What is the main problem? Include 1–2 in-text citations. Quick Notes Write 175–200 words Divide it into 3 paragraphs Add the heading Introduction Use the required font and formatting Explain: • • • • Your specific research area Why it is important in your setting What previous researchers found Add in-text citations Quick Notes Goal: Introduce your research topic, explain why it is important, and tell the reader the purpose of your study. Your Introduction Checklist: Paragraph 2 – Narrow the Focus: Paragraph 1 – Introduce the Topic:

Writing the Introduction 19 Remember Planner Tip Introduction Formula Background -> Research Topic -> Purpose Paragraph 3 – State the Purpose: Complete this sentence: The purpose of this project is to... You may also mention: • • What you want to discover Who your target participants are Purpose Statement: Start on a new page Move from General -> Specific -> Purpose Use academic language Support ideas with references Keep your paragraphs connected “Imagine you're introducing your project to someone who knows nothing about it. Give enough information to make them interested before explaining what you will investigate”.

Introduction Draft 20 Using your notes, prepare an outline for the introduction of your report. I. II. III.

Word Scramble Activity 21 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. FTFACE -> CNOCREEDN -> PELYESMEO -> IVTCADDIE -> USSMAE -> PUBM -> CXOELMP -> TAELR -> GBNARIA -> NEOLEKWDEBGLA PTLEIO -> SAPHUERC -> RMOLAEIMCC -> SEWBOR -> NHCAEEN -> BCVTOJEEI -> TLIELUSATRR -> SFOTNAIATCSI -> TMESESSAN -> XRPELOE -> TFIYDNEI -> ITOBMCAONIN -> Unscramble the letters to discover the correct vocabulary words. ->

22 My notes: My mood: Quote of the Day: Small Step Everyday lead to BIG results. Study Tips: - Be consistent - Eliminate distractions - Take short breaks - Revise regularly - Believe in yourself

Writing the Findings 23 Goal Present your survey or interview results clearly using charts, percentages, and brief analysis. Findings Checklist Present Your Data Choosethe mostsuitable chart: Analyze Your Results Planner Tip Organize your responses. Create charts using MS Excel. Add clear titles and labels. Include percentages. Explain what each chart shows. For each chart, answer: • • • • • What does the chart show? Which response has the highest percentage? Which has the lowest? What patterns or trends can you see? What do these results tell you? Course Handbook • • Bar Chart Pie Chart Remember: Don't copy the automatic charts from MS Forms. Create your own charts in MS Excel. Don't justdescribe the chart—explain what the results mean and how they answer your research question. Fordetailed guidelines, sampleanalyses,and reporting expressions, refer to the Project and Presentation Course Handbook, pages 40–45.

Writing the Findings 24 Question 1: Question 2: Question 3: Summary of Findings: (Writethe question here) The graph shows that The majority of respondents (%) said A small percentage (%) chose This suggests that (Writethe question here) The results indicate that Around % of participants selected Only a few respondents chose This may imply that Ingeneral,the datashows that Most respondents prefer/believe that This supports the research question because Planner Tip (Writethe question here) The graph shows that The highest percentage of respondents (%) said The lowest percentage (%) selected Overall, the data indicates that “Repeatthisstructure foreachquestiontokeepyour analysis clear, organized, and easy to follow”.

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Learn Beyond the Classroom 26 Scan the QR codes to watch short videos that will help you improve your research, writing, presentation, and study skills. Topic QR codes Create Charts in Microsoft Excel (Kevin Stratvert) How to Create a Survey in Microsoft Forms (Kevin Stratvert) How to Give a Presentation in English

Conclusion 27 Your Conclusion Should: Summarize the main findings Answer the research objective(s) Mention any important patterns or trends State any limitations (if applicable) Do NOT include new ideas or new data Write two paragraphs Helpful Questions Ask yourself before writing: - What were the most important findings? - What do these findings tell us? - Did we achieve our research objective? - Were there any limitations (few respondents, limited time, etc.)? What is a conclusion? Your conclusion is the final part of your report. It summarizes your findings and answers your research question without introducing any new information.

First Draft of My Conclusion 28 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 1 Final Checklist I summarized the main findings. I answered the research objective. I did not include any new information. My conclusion is clear and logical. Remember: A strong conclusionleavesyourreaderwitha clear understanding of what your research discovered.

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Recommendations 30 Ask yourself: Think About... What are recommendations? Good Recommendations Are... Clear and specific Realistic and practical Based on your findings Written in a logical order What should students do? What should teachers or the university do? How can the situation be improved? What could future researchers investigate? "Nowthatweknow the results, what should happen next?" Remember: Your recommendations should come from your conclusion. Do not introduce new ideas that were not supported by your findings. Recommendationsarepracticalsuggestions for future action based on your research findings. • • • •

Draft Your Recommendations 31 Recommendation 4 Recommendation 3 Recommendation 2 Recommendation 1 Final Checklist My recommendations are based on the findings. Each recommendation is clear and practical. I used appropriate academic language. I did not introduce unsupported ideas. My group agreed on the final recommendations. Planner Tip Strongresearchdoesn'tstopatexplainingaproblem,it offers meaningful solutions.

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Why is referencing important? Paraphrase: Social media has changed the way people communicate. (Smith, 2023) or Smith (2023) explains that social media has changed the way people communicate. Direct Quote: Reference List At the end of your report, include a page titled References. -> Arrange sources in alphabetical order. Wheneveryouusesomeoneelse's ideas, words, statistics, or information, you must give credit to the original source. Referencing helps you: - Avoid plagiarism - Support your research with reliable sources - Show academic honesty - Help readers find your sources In-Text Citation Use an in-text citation whenever you paraphrase or quote information. "Socialmediahas transformed modern communication." (Smith, 2023, p. 25) Referencing (APA 7th Edition) 33

Book Author,A. A. (Year). Title of the book. Publisher. Website Author/Organization. (Year, Month Day). Title of the webpage. Website Name. URL Brown, T. (2022). Communication skills. Oxford University Press. World Health Organization. (2023). Healthy diet. https://www.who.int Example Example APA 7 Checklist Useful Reminder Every in-text citation has a matching reference. Every reference is cited in the report. Sources are arranged alphabetically. Book and journal titles are italicized. I checked punctuation and formatting. Cite while you write! It is much easier to add references as you work than to search for them at the end. Common APA 7th Edition Formats 34

Draft Your References 35

36 THREE GOALS FOR TODAY: DID I HAVEENOUGH: oWater oFruits oVitamins oWalk o Freshair o Sleep o Rest o Exercise THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS: TODAY I FEEL: o Grateful o Relaxed o Annoyed o Motivated o Proud o Productive o Powerful o Anxious o Angry THINGS TO DO TO MAKE MY NEXT DAY BETTER: o Running/ Walking o Exercise o Reading Book o Meetingwith Friends o Do Hobbies o Shopping REMINDER o Play Games o Cook Food o Listening Music

Prepare & Practice Your Presentation 37 My Visual Aids: Tick the visualaidsyouwilluse. ☐ PowerPointPresentation. ☐ Charts ☐ Graphs ☐ Images From Research to Presentation: Infographic Video Clip Tables Other: Presentation Checklist: Before your presentation, make sure you can tick all the boxes: Our slides are complete and well-designed. The presentation has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. We included visuals (charts, graphs, images, or tables). All information is accurate and easy to understand. We checked spelling and grammar. Every group member has a speaking role. We cited our sources. We stayed within the time limit. We are ready to answer questions. Yourresearch is complete—now it's time to share your findings with confidence! A successful presentation is well-organized, engaging, and well-practiced. Use this page to prepare for your final presentation. ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Practice Tracker 38 Presentation Tips Be Ready for Questions 1. 2. 3. Our answers: Possiblequestionstheaudience may ask: Speak clearly and confidently. Maintain eye contact with your audience. Don't read directly from the slides. Use simple, professional language. Keep slides neat and uncluttered. Explain visuals instead of just showing them. Work as a team and support each other. Finish with a strong conclusion. Final Practice Practice Session Practice 1 Practice 2 Date Time Take What Should I Improve?

Confidence Meter 39 Final Reminder One thing I will do to feel more confident is: How confident do you feel before your presentation? Practice builds confidence. The more you rehearse, the more natural and engaging your presentation will be. Believe in yourself, trust your preparation, and enjoy sharing what you have learned!

Reflect. Learn. Grow 40 Every project is more than a final presentation—it is a journey of learning, teamwork, and personal growth. Take a few minutes to reflect on your experience and celebrate how far you've come. My Project Reflection One word that describes this project: How do I feel after completing the project? The biggest challenge we faced was... How did we overcome this challenge? What I Learned The most interesting thing I learned was... The skill I improved the most: Research Skills Academic Writing Critical Thinking Teamwork Communication Time Management Presentation Skills Problem Solving Leadership Digital Skills Other: My Personal Growth

Reflect. Learn. Grow 41 Why? Proud Moments The moment I felt most proud was... Looking Ahead IfIcould do this project again, I would... One thing my team did really well was... One thing we could improve next time is... Teamwork Reflection Something I learned about working in a team... One piece of advice I would give next year's students... Something I accomplished that I didn't think I could do...

Reflect. Learn. Grow 42 Area 1 2 3 4 5 Teamwork Presentation Research Process Overall Experience Time Management "Every challenge helped me grow. Every step brought me closer to becoming a more confident learner." Final Thought My Project Experience A Message to My Future Self One academic goal for my next semester is... Circleyourrating(1=Needs Improvement, 5 = Excellent) Writeashortmessagetoyourself to read at the end of your next semester.

Message: Every page you've completed represents your effort, teamwork, and growth. Completing this project is more than submitting an assignment, it is proof that you can plan, research, solve problems, and present your ideas with confidence. Kind Regards, Ms. Wafa Mohammed Al Nuumani Lecturer, PSC Utas Ibra Be proud of what you have achieved, and remember that every successful researcher and professional started with a first project, just like this one. Congratulations! You Did It! 43

References: 1. American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association. 2. Clear, J. (2018). Atomic habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones. Avery. 3. Covey, S. R. (2020). The 7 habits of highly effective people (30th anniversary ed.). Simon & Schuster. 4. Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House. 5. engVid. (n.d.). How to give a presentation in English [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@engvid 6. engVid. (n.d.). Presentation tips & key phrases [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@engvid 7. engVid. (n.d.). Stop procrastinating [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@engvid 8. Lucas, S. E. (2023). The art of public speaking (14th ed.). McGraw Hill. 9. Microsoft. (n.d.). Microsoft Excel help & learning. https://support.microsoft.com/excel 10. Microsoft. (n.d.). Microsoft Forms help & learning. https://support.microsoft.com/forms 11. Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). APA formatting and style guide (7th edition).https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_ and_style_guide.html 12. Reynolds, G. (2019). Presentation Zen: Simple ideas on presentation design and delivery (3rd ed.). New Riders. 13. Stratvert, K. (n.d.). Create charts in Microsoft Excel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@KevinStratvert 14. Stratvert, K. (n.d.). Microsoft Forms tutorial [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@KevinStratvert 15. University of Technology and Applied Sciences. (n.d.). University website. https://www.utas.edu.om 16. University of Technology and Applied Sciences. (n.d.). UTAS Moodle. https://moodle.utas.edu.om 44

Puzzle Answer Key (Scan to Reveal): - Scan the QR code below to access all answers for the puzzles in this planner. - Try solving all activities before checking the answers. Reminder Learningstartsaftery try! 45