There are two elements of assessment;

1. Plan and deliver a ten minute presentation (individual or group) that includes different view- points on a given topic. (50%) (LO 1,2)

2. A written reflective essay that explains the main arguments from the presentation and your own learning from the process. For example; you may consider how you worked with others, how you organised your time and planned for the presentation, if you have developed listening skills and confidence in communicating with others. (750 words) (50%) (LO 1,2,3)

This module focuses on essential personal and communication skills which will help you to communicate with different audiences and to develop your communication skills for future studies and career.

1. Demonstrate ability to communicate different view-points from academic sources.
Learning
Analysis

2. Demonstrate that you can work with your fellow students and tutor to complete academic tasks and solve problems.
Analysis
Problem Solving

3. Demonstrate your familiarity with a range of communication skills (mostly related to the academic context) and be able to apply them effectively.
Application
Communication
Enquiry

You will be working on your own or in groups to plan and deliver a presentation, You will be listening, speaking, reading and writing, both in class and during independent study. Class activities may include pair discussion, group debates, presentations, audio-visual inputs, short tutor lectures, seminars and tutorials.

The in-class activities will be supplemented by your independent study outside class, doing such things as:

• Researching information.
• Thinking.
• Discussing and writing about your learning, planning how to improve your skills.
• Carrying out specific tasks.

Access to library and IT resources
An advanced learner's English dictionary

The tutor will be able to recommend useful books to help you with your writing. Another very useful resource is the Internet, where there are numerous sites which focus on academic writing. As for the material for your topic itself, you'll find your information largely from the university library and the Internet.

There are many books which can help you develop your academic writing skills. Here are some suggested texts:

Cottrell, S. (2008) The Study Skills Handbook, Basingstoke: Palgrave/Macmillan

Price, G. and P. Maier (2007) Effective Study Skills: Unlock your Potential Harlow, Pearson