EDM096-Academic English and Study Skills

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Anthony Zhang
Email: anthony.zhang@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module focuses on the development of English language and academic skills which are important for students who are studying for a Masters programme in Education. Advanced library and referencing skills will be practised and students will be trained in using the Education databases on the Library webpages. They will also receive training in paraphrasing, quotation and referencing techniques which are very important in writing essays and can help avoid plagiarism. The structure of academic articles will be analysed and students will practise reflecting critically upon the written work of authors in the field.

Aims:

This module aims to provide a foundation of master’s level skills and knowledge for students whose first language is not English to facilitate their progress through the English Language Education programme. While the content of the module will be level 7, it will also act as a vehicle to further develop essential English language skills, specialist linguistic terminology, and research knowledge and skills relevant to the study of English language education, as required.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• In relation to the study of English Language Education, on successful completion of the module students will be able to:


• Use essential linguistic terminology and concepts;


• Conduct a literature search and know how to use the Education Databases on the Library webpages;


• Explain fundamental concepts in empirical research in Education


• Understand the structure of academic articles and apply the conventions of academic writing;


• Apply the referencing practices based on the latest style of the American Psychological Association;


• Discuss what plagiarism is and how it can be avoided;


• Demonstrate skills in reading original research reports;


• Critically evaluate their reading in terms of the quality of argumentation and evidence versus opinion;


• Evaluate essential components of research design and research methods;


• Demonstrate improved presentation skills (oral and written);


• Use collaborative learning skills.

Additional outcomes:

The improvement of listening and speaking skills through interaction with tutors and fellow students;

The development of confidence to participate actively in modules across the master’s programme through a positive learning environment.

Outline content:

• Academic terminology in second language research


• Introduction to essential research design in education


• The structure and language of academic papers


• Reading research papers: argumentation in literature reviews


• Relating theory to data in research in education


• Academic writing (essays, dissertation; referencing and academic conventions; avoiding plagiarism);


• Development of research skills (e.g., conducting a literature search; reading and evaluating research papers; using online Education databases, such as the British Education Index and ERIC);


• Analysing good practice in researching language and language learning


• Presenting research work: practising oral presentations


• Presenting research work: practising writing up research results

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• Interactive seminars


• Group discussions: practising how to formulate academic arguments


• Practical tasks in pairs and groups (collaborative learning)


• Presentations of research work in oral and written form


• Online tasks which will be made available through Blackboard

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	12
Seminars	12
Tutorials	2
Practicals classes and workshops	6
Guided independent study:	168
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Portfolio	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Students must develop a portfolio of study skills, demonstrating evidence of acquisition of the major academic skills covered on the module.


2. Students must produce an essay of approximately 2,500 words.

Formative assessment methods:
Students will be set homework tasks on which they receive feedback on a weekly basis.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
Students must achieve a 50% aggregate mark

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission within one calendar month of the notification of failure.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023