Course module - Developing academic writing and digital study skills
Code : EDUC10631 Credit rating: 10 Semester : 1
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Aims |
Objectives |
Assessment |
Information
|
Course Content |
Course Materials |
Tutors |
Timetable |
Teaching Methods |
Keywords
Aims
• develop student autonomy and confidence in undertaking and managing their studies;
• develop ICT competence in researching, processing and presenting ideas and information
• develop students’ understanding of the nature and conventions of academic assignment writing
• develop students’ confidence in approaching a range of academic assignment modes and writing purposes
• develop students’ awareness of language in use and academic writing style
• help students develop their personal style within their academic writing.
Objectives (Learning Outcomes)
Knowledge and understanding
• have developed an awareness of academic and electronic literacies in the context of their specific studies
• have an understanding of the impact of the Internet on education and be able to employ techniques for its effective use for learning
• have developed their understanding of the specific rhetorical purpose of their assignments
• have developed an understanding of effective academic writing
Intellectual skills
• be able to demonstrate a critical approach to understanding research and ideas in their designated field
• be able to demonstrate an ability to make informed use of a range of resources available for academic study
• be able to demonstrate a heightened awareness of issues relating to the evaluation of online sources
• be able to construct an argument drawing on a critical use of sources and personal knowledge
Practical skills
• have developed the necessary practical skills to exploit targeted technologies for information handling and presentation
• have developed the necessary skills to exploit generic software to present their work
• have developed the necessary skills to use computer mediated communication tools to communicate with academic tutors and peers in study groups
• have developed the ability to plan, organise and develop personal responses to a range of assignment types
Transferable skills and personal qualities
• be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively verbally, non-verbally and in writing
• have developed skills toward becoming an independent and self motivating learner, including the organisation of time, information and study materials
• have developed a range of study and research skills including the retrieval of information and location of sources
• be able to demonstrate enhanced skills in appropriate academic presentation and use of academic conventions
• have developed interpersonal skills in working with tutors and fellow students, in individual and group situations, and using computer mediated communication
Assessment
A mini bibliography on a topic relating to a chosen subject area. This bibliography will be produced through the application of information handling skills developed during the course unit. 8-10 items
An evaluation of online sources following criteria drawn from a source text. 800 Words
Academic essay on a topic to be developed during the course unit sessions. 1500 Words
Weightings within the units 100%
Information
Online tasks and activities (individual and peer group): 30 hours
Directed reading : 12 hours
Staff/student whole group contact sessions : 18 hours
Tutorial/group activity (tutor-student; student-student): 10 hours
Preparation for assignment including stages of writing cycles : 30 hours
Total Hours: 100
Course Content
• Working within an online learning environment (BlackBoard)
• Accessing and managing digital library resources
• Being an ‘aware’ reader: critical reading of refereed and online sources
• Developing an understanding of academic writing: voice, interaction with sources, academic conventions, avoiding plagiarism
• Developing effective approaches to the writing process
• Approaches to study (time management, group work)
• Making effective use of ICT tools for information handling and the presentation of assignment tasks
• Being aware of the various purposes for writing academic texts, such as the modes of argumentation and exposition
• Being aware of the need for the five pillars of academic writing: unity, coherence, grammar, support and style
Course Materials
Tutor(s)
Alex Baratta
Timetable
Teaching Methods
Online content and interactive tasks via the course unit Blackboard space; face-to-face seminars/ computer sessions; individual and group work; peer review.
Preliminary reading
This is an indicative list of books providing guidance on academic and digital study skills. Choose the ones that work best for you.
Baratta, A. (2010) Visual Writing, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Bowell, T. (2001) Critical Thinking: a concise guide, London, Routledge.
Coombes, H. (2001). Research Using ICT. Palgrave MacMillan
Cottrell, S. (2008) The Study Skills Handbook (Third Edition), Basingstoke, Palgrave
Cottrell, S. (2011) Critical Thinking Skills, Developing Effective Analysis and Argument (Second Edition), Basingstoke, Palgrave
Drew, S and Bingham, R. (2001) The Student Skills Guide, Aldershot, Gower.
Greetham, B. (2001) How to write better essays, Basingstoke, Palgrave
Payne, E. (2000) Developing essential study skills, Harlow, Prentice Hall.
Race, P. (1999) How to get a good degree: making the most of your time at university, Buckingham, Open University.
Rose, J. (2001) The Mature Student’s guide to writing, Basingstoke, Palgrave.
Turner, J. (2002) How to study: a short introduction, London, Sage
The following online resources will be useful throughout your studies:
Gillies, D, The Dictionary of Education, http://dictionaryofeducation.co.uk/default.aspx
Greetham, B. Essay Writing Revision, http://www.palgrave.com/skills4study/studyskills/reading/revision.asp
The Open University “OpenLearn”, http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3359
The University of Manchester Academic Phrasebank, http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/
The University of Manchester Checkpoint - Online Learning System, http://www.its.manchester.ac.uk/trainingcourses/cpol/
The University of Manchester Faculty of Humanities Study Skills Website, www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/studyskills/
The University of Manchester Study Skills on StudentNet, http://www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/crucial-guide/academic-life/support/study-skills/
The University of Manchester Teaching and Learning Support Office , Resources, http://www.campus.manchester.ac.uk/tlso/studentsaspartners/thestudentconference/previous/march2010/resources/
University of Worcester, Moving On Section 7: Academic Writing, http://www.worc.ac.uk/movingon/Academic%20writing.pdf