Module overview
This module is non-credit bearing and forms part of Pre-sessional Course B. Within this module you will develop a set of skills, strategies and techniques that will collectively contribute to your understanding of learner autonomy in a UK Higher Education environment. This professional skills set is transferable and will be valuable not only in the immediate context but also in your further education and employment.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand and effectively use digital tools and systems to enhance your learning
- Reflect on you individual learning styles and employ methods to aid your own learning
- Efficiently and effectively identify reliable sources appropriate for your discipline
- Employ critical researching skills
- Employ referencing conventions and have a general knowledge of referencing management software
- Understand strategies for learning such as time-management, organisation and motivation
- Understand what is expected of you as an autonomous learner in the UK Higher Education system
Syllabus
A. INTRODUCTION TO INDEPENDENT LEARNING/ LEARNING RESOURCES/ACTIVE LEARNING
1. Recognise the importance of Independent Learning (or learner autonomy) during the Pre-sessional programme and at a UK university.
2. Understand expectations during the module and within future study contexts.
3. Learn how a range of materials and resources available at the university can be best applied for independent language learning. This will include materials located at the library, as well as online/ virtual materials.
4. Explore learning goals
B. RESEARCHING SKILLS/ CRITICALLY ASSESSING RESOURCES
1. Introduction to research resources
2. Effective research planning strategies.
3. Using the library.
4. How to effectively plan a library session
5. How to use search engines effectively
6. Critically analyse materials found on the internet
7. Recognise rigorous research methodologies
8. Familiarity with peer-review (iwho wrote it, when it was produced, and suitability).
C. TIME-MANAGEMENT, ORGANISATION AND MOTIVATION
1. Considering how to manage time and how to manage it more effectively.
2. Introduction to different ways of organisation, paper-based and electronic.
3. Learning about what motivates us and how to keep motivated throughout the Pre-sessional programme and beyond (for example, future study).
D. EXAM STRATEGIES
1. Explore approaches and attitudes to exams in the UK including collusion and cheating.
2. Identify and discuss examination strategies.
3. Identifying and targeting needs.
4. Using appropriate study strategies and learning resources.
5. Time-management.
6. Managing exam stress/nerves.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
You will experience a wide variety of teaching and learning methods including: interactive lectures and workshops; individual, pair, and group work; set tasks to be completed outside class; use of technology for learning; and one-to-one language and academic skills advising appointments.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 17 |
| Independent Study | 1 |
| Total study time | 18 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
A wide selection of study skills books are also available in both Avenue and Hartley libraries.
Internet Resources
Textbooks
Cottrell, S (2008). The Study Skills Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Northedge, A (2005). The Good Study Guide. Milton Keynes: Open University.
Lowes, R, Peters, H, and Turner, M (2004). The International Student’s Guide: Studying English at University. London: Sage.
Reinders, H, Moore, N, and Lewis, M (2008). The International Student Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Pears, R, and Shields, G (2010). Cite Them Right: The Essential Referencing Guide. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.