Through regular small group meetings with a tutor this module is designed to both deliver study and learning skills and provide students with the opportunity to explore and discuss more fully the key geographical and environmental concepts and issues which are introduced in their other Level 4 modules. Two interlinked strands will be woven into the module.

A study and learning skills strand will introduce key learning to learn skills - note taking, active and critical reading, essay and report writing skills, library and literature searching skills, effective preparation for assessments, how to use formative and summative feedback and be a reflective learner, effective revision and examination techniques, time management and managing deadlines.

A contemporary geographical and environmental issues strand will reinforce students understanding of a range of key geographical and environmental concepts. Debates, seminar type discussions, structured worksheets and role play activities will allow students to critically explore the underlying causes of geographical and environmental problems and appreciate the complex inter-linkages between the human and physical environment.

Cottrell, S. (2010) Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook (2nd edition). Palgrave Macmillan
Godfrey, J. (2009) How to use your reading in your essays. Palgrave Macmillan.
Kneale, P. (2011) Study Skills for Geography, Earth & Environmental Science Students. Hodder Education
Middleton, N. (2008) Global Casino: an introduction to environmental issues (4th edition) Hodder Education
Murray, P. (2011) The Sustainable Self: A Personal Approach to Sustainability Education. Earthscan

20 x 1 hour small group tutorial meetings. These sessions will be designed so that students can discuss both contemporary geographical and environmental issues with their tutor and peers and strategies to increase the effectiveness of their study and learning skills.

Outside of class students should spend:
65 hours working on compiling their Learning Skills Portfolio - this will include completing their personal development planning worksheets and preparing their reflective essay
65 hours working on compiling their Contemporary Issues Portfolio by researching and completing their essay and preparing for and completing tutorial activities.

Learning Skills Portfolio: containing a 1000 word reflective essay and a set of personal development planning worksheets.[Learning outcomes 3 & 4] 30%

Contemporary Issues Portfolio: containing a 1250 word essay on a contemporary geographical / environmental issue and a set of worksheets. Learning outcomes 1, 2, & 5] 70%

Formative Assessment:
The learning programme has been structured so that the class activities will allow students to discuss their ideas for each activity with both each other and their tutor and provide them with the opportunity to self-evaluate their understanding of module materials. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their essay and presentation plans.

Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resources Centre, Internet, Blackboard or equivalent VLE