COM3113 - Academic Skills and Studying with Confidence

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 - Use effective search techniques to find and use relevant, reliable information
2 - Cite and reference sources using the APA style of referencing
3 - Demonstrate effective and task appropriate communication skills
4 - Interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas
5 - Negotiate and co-create an appropriate assessment.

Content:

This module aims to prepare students for academic study at Level 4 by introducing key skills and developing confidence in their abilities as independent, reflective learners. Students will learn different ways of presenting academic information, as well as skills such as how to use library and online resources, planning, note-taking, critical skills and avoiding plagiarism. They will learn how to identify and evaluate sources of academic information and how to use these to support an argument.

The module will also help students develop organisational, time management and stress management skills to enable them to approach their Level 4 studies with confidence. They will reflect on assessment feedback, their needs as students and identify relevant support services to help them in their academic career.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module utilises student-centred learning to boost engagement and attendance. Workshops consist of a taught element, introducing new academic skills and a more productive element, in which students can practise these skills with feedback and assistance from their tutor. Group work and peer assessment are encouraged, and online quizzes and resources are drawn upon to support students’ learning. All learning will be supportive to foster increased self-confidence and reflection, while academic skills will be introduced and assessed through a range of subject-linked methods. Cross-curricular content includes suggestions and material from subject tutors. The goal is to produce independent, confident learners with a sufficient grasp of relevant academic skills to enable them to flourish at Level 4.

Workshops
Hours: 60
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 240

Further details relating to assessment

Academic Skills Negotiated Assessment: The negotiated assessment introduces students to key academic skills such as research and referencing, as well as academic writing, structuring and presentation skills. Relevant topics are chosen in conjunction with subject tutors. In the literature review students investigate and discuss key studies on a topic related to their future career.

Academic Skills Essay: Essay titles are based on the student’s subject area to increase the relevance of the assessment and the cross-curricular nature. Academic Skills tutors work with subject tutors to compile a list of potentially relevant questions. The essay is heavily scaffolded throughout Semester 2 taught sessions and regular feedback on drafts are provided within class time. This component aims to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the academic skills taught, as well as their ability to investigate, evaluate sources and interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas, demonstrating their ability to use their skills and knowledge to complete a set task. The reflective rationale section allows students to reflect on how they selected their sources and to review how effective these evaluative methods and actions have been.

Formative assessment serves to bolster the skills essential for module success. This includes engaging in practical tasks, undertaking design and modelling tasks, delivering case study presentations, completing short quizzes and conducting specific investigation tasks. The provision of formative feedback is integrated seamlessly into class sessions, ensuring an ongoing and iterative process to enhance learning outcomes.

Full details are available in the Module Handbook.

Assessment:

001 Negotiated assessment; 1,000 words or equivalent; end semester 1 50%
002 Essay plus reflective rationale; 2,000 words; end of semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Adam Osborne
Level - 0
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 3YL

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