IL1AKSGN-Key skills and language for university study course

Module Provider: International Study and Language Institute
Number of credits: 0 [0 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: IL1AKSBN Key skills and language for Business and Finance degrees course
Current from: 2020/1

Email: f.p.orel@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This course develops the academic English language and study skills needed for study through the medium of English. Students will create a learner diary throughout the course which will help them to identify where further support is needed and where it can be accessed through in-sessional provision.

Aims:

The course aims to develop the range of skills that the students will need in order to access their course content more competently. It is designed to give learners a brief introduction to the skills needed to accomplish a number of academic tasks when they begin their selected course at the University. 

Integrated into the course will be clear links to the range of in-sessional courses which can be accessed to continue development of the skills practiced which will raise students’ awareness of the ongoing support available in each skill. The course will provide input sessions on both written and spoken language components with a focus on students completing tasks to practice the skills introduced in each session.  

Through engaging with the course students will gain familiarity with UoR learning platforms and digital resources while developing their confidence with using technology for learning. 

By the end of the course students will be better able to 

Writing skills 

• distinguish between the different assignment types (or genres) they are required to write, e.g. the Essay, Case Study, Proposal and Reflection 


• produce effective written coursework, applying genre-appropriate organisational patterns at paragraph, section and whole-level text 


• analyse writing assignment instructions accurately and produce an effective response integrating a critical writer ‘voice’ 

Reading skills 

• critically engage with a range of texts, employing appropriate academic reading skills and strategies 


• identify and appraise writer stance and argument with texts 

Reading-to-Write Skills 

• use a variety of techniques to incorporate and comment on the views of others in your writing 


• synthesise ideas and information from a range of source texts to make evidence-based arguments 


• accurately apply the referencing conventions for your discipline when citing your sources 

Accuracy & Fluency 

• use appropriate academic vocabulary and grammar to communicate fluently and accurately 


• prepare and produce confident and coherent spoken language 

Assessable learning outcomes:

The course will not be assessed.

Additional outcomes:

By the end of the course students will be better able to

• demonstrate an awareness of university policies and practices, and the reasons behind them such as conventions for good academic practice, and student feedback mechanisms 


• identify their needs and locate and utilise learning resources and techniques to continue their own academic skills development

Outline content:

Induction Days 1 & 2:

• Introduction to online learning


• Introduction to the course


• Signpost available resources

Course materials all linked to the theme of immigration and designed to follow a progressive path, while being appropriate for students to select most useful sections for their needs.

Day 3 Lesson one: Introduction to genres

Day 4 Lesson two: Qu estion analysis and essay planning

Day 5 Lesson three: Introduction to key reading skills

Day 6 Lesson four: Writing introductions and conclusions

Day 7 Lesson five: Writing main body paragraphs

Day 8 Lesson six: Listening to lectures and note-taking

Day 9 Lesson seven: Summarizing, synthesising and paraphrasing

Day 10 Lesson eight: Presentation skills

Day 1 1 Lesson nine: Seminar skills

Day 12 Lesson 10: Reflective writing

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Days 1 & 2 (induction): 2 hours asynchronous input each day

Days 3 – 12: 3 hours of online and self-directed study. One hour ‘live’ drop-in session each day

Expected interaction: Independent asynchronous study with discussion boards for the students and course facilitator, and a daily drop-in session of one hour each day with the course facilitator.

Nature and quantity of feedback: Integrated into the learning m aterials within feedback on tests and quizzes and through Screencasts of models. Links provided to suggested resources for development in specific areas including AEP courses

Summative assessment- Examinations:

None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

None

Formative assessment methods:

Integrated into the learning materials within feedback on tests and quizzes and through Screencasts of models. Links provided to suggested resources for development in specific areas including AEP courses.

Penalties for late submission:

n/a

Assessment requirements for a pass:

n/a

Reassessment arrangements:

n/a

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

None

Last updated: 17 July 2020