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, and collaborative and reflective practices.

The students are supported through the use of subject-specific materials tailored to their chosen degrees with the alignment of assessments between academic subject modules and the skills module.

The aims of this module are:

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


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


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


• To equip students with appropriate and effective language and study skills applicable to their various disciplines.

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

1. Produce academic writing which is well-structured, relevant and clearly reasoned.


2. 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 others.


3. Deliver effective presentations using an appropriate range of visual aids.


4. Comprehend texts on a range of subjects identifying main points from listening and reading material, and demonstrating critical reading skills to assess the usefulness of the information.


5. Make full use of academic libraries and a range of appropriate electronic media for independent research purposes


6. Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate use of academic register and referencing conventions.


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

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of this module, students 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 develop your analytical, and critical thinking skills.


4. To enhance your reflective practice and develop a growth mindset.


5. To develop your research and planning skills.


6. To enhance your teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Syllabus

• Develop research techniques.


• Reading and note-taking skills development.


• Academic writing skills development.


• Planning, editing and redrafting skills (including effective use of feedback).


• Referencing and how to avoid plagiarism.


• Listening skills development.


• Taking notes from lectures.


• Summary writing.


• Presentation skills including the effective use of visuals.


• Revision and exam strategies.


• The reflective process for university students.

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

• Topics of particular relevance to specific pathways.


• Topics linked to Education for Sustainable Development.


• Topics of generic relevance to university students and studying.


• Current Affairs topics 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.

This module will be delivered via:

• Two 2-hour classes.

Teaching and learning on Essex Pathways modules offers students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills, and competencies to study at the undergraduate level, through a curriculum 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.