Module Directory

This module is designed to support students in their academic subject disciplines and to strengthen their confidence in key skills areas such as: academic writing, research, academic integrity, collaborative and reflective practices. The students are supported through the use of subject-specific materials relevant to their chosen degrees.

The aims of this module are:

1. To develop students’ ability to operate effectively, in both written and spoken language, in a range of academic and business formal settings.

2. To develop students’ basic research skills, supporting the development of a critical approach to source materials and appropriate use of sources as supporting evidence.

3. To encourage independent learning strategies and develop students’ confidence to make judgments and be evaluative.

4. To equip students with appropriate and effective academic language and University level study skills applicable to their various disciplines.

By the end of this module a student will be expected to be able to:

1. Develop time management strategies, employ self-directed learning and show an ability to reflect on one’s own goals and progress to support continuous improvement.

2. Apply search skills when using the University library resources and internet search engines to find relevant and appropriate sources to inform academic work.

3. Produce academic work, spoken and written, which is well-structured, context relevant, clearly reasoned and demonstrating appropriately academic, well-referenced support.

4. Communicate ideas, information and arguments with clarity, both orally and in written form, which demonstrates the ability to integrate students’ own ideas with those of academic experts.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of this module, you will have been offered opportunities:

1) To improve your written and oral communication skills;

2) To develop your online and independent learning skills;

3) To enhance your critical thinking skills;

4) To develop your research and planning skills;

5) To develop your teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Syllabus

Student success skills:

Understanding assessment at University

Working in partnership with other students and your lecturers

Time management

Academic integrity: referencing and how to avoid plagiarism

Research skills

Development of academic writing and speaking skills

Making effective use of feedback

Making effective use of visuals

The reflective process for University students

The skills identified above will be developed using topics which may include:

1. Topics of particular relevance to specific pathways.


2. Topics linked to Education for Sustainable Development.


3. Topics of generic relevance to studying at University.


4. Current affairs topics which offer opportunities for the development of critical thinking / discussion.

Sources will be included within the syllabus which support the decolonisation of the curriculum through offering a wider range of source materials, especially sources from the global south. (Collyey, 2018)

Education for Sustainable Development

1. Some class materials will include a focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals.


2. Students will be encouraged to incorporate elements of UN Sustainable Development Goals within their assessments.

Teaching and learning on Essex Pathways modules offers students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills, and competences to study at undergraduate level, through a curriculum that is purposely designed to provide an exceptional learning experience. All teaching, learning and assessment materials will be available via Moodle in a consistent and user-friendly manner.

The module will be delivered through a range of seminars, open access support sessions, and tutorials:

• AU and SU Terms: 2 x 2-hour seminars
• SP Term: 1 x 2-hour seminar and 1 x 2-hour group tutorial