JOU3113 - Academic skills and studying with confidence

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
use effective search techniques to find relevant, reliable information.
reference sources in the appropriate referencing style for their subject area.
demonstrate effective oral presentational skills.
Identify and describe key support services within the University.

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 portfolio will require students to gather information about key university services that can offer them support whilst they are students. They will be asked to reflect upon when they and/or their peers might access these sources of support.

The group presentation will focus upon the benefits and challenges of being a university student.

In the short literature review students will briefly discuss key studies on a negotiated topic related to their future studies at honours degree level.

Assessment:

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

Fact File

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

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