Overview

This module aims to provide students with a sound foundation on which to develop key transferable skills including communication; information technology; problem-solving; numeracy; working with others; and reflection. These skills will give the student confidence and raise their self-esteem, enabling them to work and learn effectively within both the higher education and the workplace environments. In doing so it will address the following content:

• Personal development planning
• Organising self and time management
• Learning styles and strategies
• Introduction to communication and interpersonal skills
• Exploring self-awareness
• Working with others
• Learning to think reflectively
• Practical I.T. Skills
• Information gathering and processing e.g. data analysis
• Planning and completing assessments
• Academic writing

This module aims to provide students with a sound foundation on which to develop key transferable skills including communication; information technology; problem-solving; numeracy; working with others; and reflection. These skills will give the student confidence and raise their self-esteem enabling them to work and learn effectively within both the higher education and the workplace environments. In doing so it will address the following content:

• Personal development planning
• Organising self and time management
• Learning styles and strategies
• Introduction to communication and interpersonal skills
• Exploring self-awareness
• Working with others
• Learning to think reflectively
• Practical I.T. Skills
• Information gathering and processing e.g. data analysis
• Planning and completing assessments
• Academic writing

Assessment Strategy

Threshold -D+ to D- Demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of relevant material for this module, and a limited use of it to answer the question set with little independent thinking. Limited use of material from the module and other relevant information to support arguments; most of the references are drawn on appropriately to support discussion and presented correctly in both text and references list. Limited awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas but no real attempt to address them; some limited ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material. A framework for the assignment is apparent but logical flow and coherence not always consistent with acceptable use of written language.

Good -B+ to B- Demonstrates a very good knowledge and understanding of all relevant material, showing independent thinking. Very good use of material from the module and other relevant information to support arguments; references are drawn on appropriately to support discussion and are presented fully and correctly in both text and references list. Some awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas and a good attempt to address them; some ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material. Sensible use of the major points with very good signposting and balance between sections with good use of written language.

Excellent -A* to A- Demonstrates an excellent knowledge and understanding of relevant material, using it to answer the question set and showing independent thinking. Excellent use of material from the module and other relevant information to support arguments; references are drawn on appropriately to support discussion presented fully and correctly in both text and references list. Excellent awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas and a good attempt to address them; ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material. Excellent organisation of the major points with very good signposting and balance between sections with fluent use of written language.

Satisfactory -C+ to C- Demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of most relevant material, using it to answer the question set. Good use of material from the module to support arguments; references support discussion and are presented fully and correctly. Good awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas and a good attempt to address them; some ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material.

Learning Outcomes

• Communicate effectively with both academic and lay audiences.

• Demonstrate a basic competence in the use of information technologies which are relevant to the higher education or/and workplace environments

• Demonstrate reflective practice and discuss how this can enhance individual development.

• Gather, process and manage information effectively