Assessment 1 (20%) Project Plan
A short written proposal for a project on a selected theme in music technology, with defined timescales and project deadlines (approx. 500 words). [LO 1, 2]

Assessment 2 (40%) Report
A written report on the subject proposed in assessment 1 (1,000 words). [LO 2, 3]

Assessment 3 (40%) Presentation
A presentation describing the research methods used for the Research Report, evaluating the success or otherwise of the methods used. [LO 3, 4]

Formative assessment:
Participation in group discussions about different research and communication methods, and the differences between different forms of written communication, including report writing, technical document writing, essay styles, email communication and social media.

This module is designed to give you the tools you need to start your Foundation degree, and to keep you on target with your work. The module is made of short activities so that you can get feedback quickly and understand how to work at the right level. You will be expected to use particular styles when you present your work, so this module helps you do this in a range of ways, and the work you do will all relate to the music industry.

Part of the module will be a consideration of different types of written communication, and why you should use the appropriate style of writing for the intended purpose and the expected reader of the communication. This will include group discussions of the differences between report writing, formal essays, technical documents, social media, email, application letters etc. You will be expected to contribute to discussions on written communication, have examples of different styles and keep notes on the appropriate form of communication so that you will be able to use the style most suited to the work you are carrying out whilst studying and in the professional environment.

You will be able to explore a range of study skills in order to enhance your progression through the course and develop practical skills suited for working in the industry. Research methods will form a core of the module, and they will be integrated into other areas of your work. You will plan and undertake a short research project on a theme associated with music technology so that you can apply research methods and gain feedback from tutors to help you develop your writing and study skills. How you communicate your ideas will be discussed, with consideration of the appropriate method for the intended purpose. This will include how to write using Harvard referencing for the sources you have used for your research, as Harvard referencing is the University's expected method of referencing sources. This will help you establish a good approach to writing and help you avoid plagiarism, which will also be explained as part of the module.

You will be encouraged to evaluate your own understanding of your work, and the responsibilities relating to your learning, as this will become increasingly important as you progress through the course.

You will be expected to carry out a substantial amount of work in your own time, and you may draw upon a wide range of sources for the assessment material, including from your workplace and personal experience.

Introduction to study skills
Harvard referencing and avoiding plagiarism
Information retrieval demonstrations & workshops
Writing skills and workshops
Presentation skills and workshops
Group tutorials and critiques with formative feedback
Individual tutorials

Students will have access to studio space and college library and computer resources. University learning resources are available on campus at Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, and online via the partner Need to Know pages of the university website.

http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/partnerships/current_students/email/index.jsp

Audience Dialogue (Unknown) Learning Journals [online] Available from http://www.audiencedialogue.net/journal.html
Cottrell, S. (2013). Study Skills Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Cottrell, S. (2011). Critical Thinking Skills. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Moon, J. (2000). Reflection in Learning and Professional Development. London: Routledge.
Smith, Mark (2013), Keeping a learning journal. A guide for educators and social practitioners, the encyclopaedia of informal education. [online] Available from http://infed.org/mobi/writing-and-keeping-journals-a-guide-for-educators-and-social-practitioners/

Staffordshire University Online Resources
Academic Skills Guides: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/support_depts/infoservices/learning_support/academic_skills/
Harvard Referencing Guide: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/support_depts/infoservices/learning_support/refzone/harvard/index.jsp