IF0ACA-Academic Skills

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:F
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IF0RAS Foundation in Academic Skills
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mr Robert Pitt
Email: r.k.pitt@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module aims to help students develop their academic study skills in order to be successful on the International Foundation Programme and as undergraduates. Course content will be delivered through a combination of lectures and practical workshops as well as online delivery to include screenscasts, narrated powerpoints, live sessions and discussion boards. Students can successfully complete the module on campus or remotely.

Aims:

The module aims to help students develop their study skills in order to be successful on the International Foundation Programme and as undergraduates.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• produce written work which is well-organised, relevant and makes use of appropriate terminology and academic style.


• demonstrate good academic writing skills


• prepare and deliver an oral group presentation


• identify problems, apply their knowledge and skills in finding solutions and evaluate these solutions.


• interpret and analyse a range of information beyond mere description.


• work as a member of a group team by cooperating with others, negotiating, listening to others in theÌýgroup, sharing responsibilities/tasks and meeting deadlines

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students should be able to:

• successfully engage with the University online teaching and learning platform Blackboard, becoming familiar with the features for accessing learning resources (e.g., online live teaching, live group sessions, assessment delivery, assessment submission and performance monitoring)


• become a confident user of the university’s VLE (Blackboard) and other learning technologies (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint and the internet)


• use a variety of resources for the purpose of independent study


• manage their time effectively, meet deadlines, reflect on their progress and set targets for improvement

Outline content:

Key Foundation Skills

The Foundation Skills session presents an essential introduction to transferable skills. The session provides a framework of strategies which will enhance organisation and efficiency in academic encounters.

Academic Culture

The Academic Culture session has been designed to assist students in coping ith the process of acculturation involved in the tra nsition from secondary to higher or further education.

Essay and Report Writing

The Essay and Report Writing session provides an introduction to the process of academic writing. Focusing on structure, organisation and academic register conventions, students who follow this course will be supported in the process of title analysis, arrangement of key information and the creation of effective introductions and con clusions.

Scientific Writing

The Scientific Writing session teaches students how to structure and organise writing for scientific purposes. The session is also useful for students who need to describe charts and graphical material as a result of both primary and secondary research.

Team Working

The Team Working session shows students how to optimize the group work experien ce for the purpose of achieving collaborative goals. This includes how to effectively use technology in collaborating online.

Presentations

The Presentations session familiarises students with the process of researching, structuring and delivering an oral presentation by using market-leading slideshow software. Delivery is online and students will learn how to eff