HUM3113 - Academic skills and studying with confidence

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Use effective search techniques to find and use relevant, reliable information.
Cite and reference sources using APA referencing.
Demonstrate effective and task-appropriate academic communication skills.
Interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas.
Negotiate and co-create an appropriate assessment.

Content:

This module focuses upon developing students’ skills so that they can successfully pursue their higher education. Skills such as how to use library and electronic resources, planning, note taking, building a bibliography, and avoiding plagiarism will be explored. Students will be required to reflect upon when they are likely to have an information need and to identify how different sources of information can meet their needs. Communication skills related to essay and report writing, delivering presentations and being a successful participant in debates and classroom/online discussions will be developed. How to be successful in managing time and stress will also be a feature of this module. Learning activities aim to make participants independent and reflective students. The value of using peer assessment to promote reflection will be explored. Students will also examine and be offered an opportunity to develop skills connected to how to effectively engage in collaborative learning. It will also focus more generally on managing the transition to university life and the challenges this might pose.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will utilise student-centred learning. Debates and critical reflection will be employed to stimulate student interest. Students will work in groups to develop their understanding of trends and academic theories. Students will undertake problem-solving learning and be involved in formative peer assessment of each other work. Students will also be encouraged to take part in on-line discussion groups. On-line quizzes and resources will be drawn upon to support students’ learning. All learning will be supportive to foster increased self-confidence.

Workshops/seminars
Hours: 60
Intended Group Size: 20

Guided independent study
Hours: 240

Further details relating to assessment
The negotiated assessment will introduce students to key academic skills such as research and referencing, as well as academic writing, structuring and presentation skills. Relevant topics will be chosen in conjunction with subject tutors, and both topic and mode of delivery will be different from those used in the Project module to assist with the development of assessment literacy.

For component 2, essay titles will be based on the student’s subject area to increase the relevance of the assessment and the cross-curricular nature. Academic Skills tutors will work with subject tutors to compile a list of potential relevant questions. The essay (up to 1500 words) will be heavily scaffolded throughout semester 2 taught sessions and regular feedback on drafts will be provided within class time. This component aims to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the academic skills taught, as well as their ability to research, 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 (up to 500 words) will enable students to reflect on how they chose the sources they did and to review how effective these evaluative methods and actions have been, and also helps mitigate against use of AI-generation.

Assessment:

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

Fact File

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

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