None

Cottrell, S. (2005) Critical thinking skills: developing effective analysis and argument. Hampshire: Palgrave Study Guides
Crème, P. & Lea, M.R. (2003) Writing at university Open University Press
McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2006) The smarter student skills and strategies for success at university Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall
Payne, E. & Whittaker, L. (2006) Developing essential study skills 2nd Ed., Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall

You will be asked to complete a portfolio worth 100% (covering outcomes 1 - 3)

Portfolio
You will need to build a portfolio (a collection of work logically presented) and this should be presented in two sections as follows.

Section 1
- A range of course materials,
- Your own notes from workshops
- Independent activities you have undertaken.

Section 2
- 2 copies of a piece of written work on a subject of your choice showing a first draft (done at the beginning of the module) and a developed second piece. The second piece should demonstrate that you have worked on the draft to include some of the key elements covered in the course eg referencing, critical thinking. Word count 1,000 words worth 50%.

- Throughout the course (and after each session) you will be encouraged to respond to the sessions by completing a short reflective account (a template will be provided for this). These accounts should be included in Section 2 of your portfolio along with a short piece of reflective writing outlining your development and progress as a learner during the course. Word count 500 words worth 25%.

- A completed action plan showing possible options for your progression in the future - Word count 500 words worth 25%.

Students will have a 15 week tutor-led lecture programme and learning materials will be accessed through the Moodle vle.

Consisting of 3 hours per week (45 hours total)
- 2 hours lecture
- 1 hour group tutorial

105 student-led Independent study hours:
- 30 hrs background reading
- 30 hrs portfolio planning
- 45 hours portfolio writing

Weekly tutorial support
Small Group Review meetings
Activities on the vle

The focus of this module is to give you an introduction to the Higher Education (HE) environment and the types of learning and skills you will encounter in HE. The module will also give you the opportunity to develop these skills through a range of workshop-based activities, activities on Moodle, and through the formal portfolio assessment. These essential skills will be required to be applied to other modules for example presentation skills in the Sports Coaching module.
During the module the following topics will be explored:

An introduction to:
- Research skills within sports development and coaching
- Critical thinking as an academic process
- Academic writing approaches
- Reflection as a part of learning