Module Descriptors
DEVELOPING RESEARCH SKILLS IN SPORT AND EXERCISE (ENHANCING CAREER AND PERSONAL SUCCESS)
SPOR40700
Key Facts
School of Health, Science and Wellbeing
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Matthew Slater
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 72
Independent Study Hours: 228
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
  • ASSIGNMENT weighted at 40%
  • GROUP PRESENTATION weighted at 20%
  • PORTFOLIO weighted at 40%
Module Details
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Demonstrate knowledge of a range of skills required for effective learning. (SG1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12) (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Reflection)

2. Demonstrate the ability to carry out inquiry based learning and analysis (SG1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12) (Communication, Enquiry, Learning, Problem Solving)

3. Demonstrate an ability to prepare, write and present in the appropriate format (SG4, 5, 6, 9, 12) (Communication, Learning)

4. Demonstrate an ability to be technologically, digitally and information literate and understand the importance of being enterprising (SG1, 4, 5, 11, 12) (Communication, Learning)

5. Demonstrate a capacity to distinguish between both qualitative and quantitative approaches to the research processes using appropriate methods of data collection and analysis (SG5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12) (Analysis, Communication, Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving)

6. Demonstrate an ability to identify personal strengths and skills gaps following reflection
(SG 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12) (Analysis, Communication, Problem Solving, Reflection)

7. Demonstrate an ability to apply staffordshire graduate attributes to a range of life experiences to facilitate life-long learning (SG1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12) (Communication, Learning, Problem Solving, Reflection)
SPECIAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Students must be enrolled on a Sport and Exercise Undergraduate Award
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
An assignment length 1500 words weighted at 40%. A Portfolio weighted at 40%. A GP Presentation weighted at 20%.

Students will be required to complete 3 pieces of summative assessment. All elements of summative assessment must be passed to gain an overall pass in this module

1. Submission of a subject-specific assignment of 1500 (which will assess LO's 2, 3 and 5) 40%.

2. Compulsory 10 minute in-class group presentation (LO3) 20%.

3. Completion of a reflective on-line portfolio which will include a 1000 word `Staffordshire Graduate: personal statement based on a) reflections from classroom workshops, b) reflections on own and others' presentations, c) reflections from internal/external events and d) a CV (which will assess LO's 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7) 40%.

Specific references should be made in the reflective portfolio to describe international/global aspects relating to either their study programme and/or to events attended and their relevance in the global context.

As part of the module the student will be expected to attend a number of events attended as directed by the tutor. These events may vary according to student need and timing of occurrence, but will be considered as being suitable and beneficial learning opportunities. Each Portfolio entry will involve a description of the event, what was learnt from it and how it impacts on a student's aspirations/ thoughts on the development of career skills. Students should also draw on personal learning from across their programme. Tutors will determine the number of events to be included in the Portfolio, which will be communicated to the student at the outset of the module.

Formative Assessment:
There are formative assessment points during the semester for the student to receive feedback on their PDP and progress from an assigned tutor. This will give them an indication of their current performance in relation to the Learning Outcome before submitting the on-line portfolio for summative assessment.The on-line portfolio is submitted at the end of the module for assessment.

1. Two compulsory written assignment submissions (induction week and week 6)
2. Via blackboard tasks
3. Via informal tutor feedback on essay submissions
4. Via feedback from tutor and students on peer review workshops and presentations given in class.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Students will attend a series of lectures and interactive student-centred Skills Workshops, which will include the appreciation and development of CV writing, study skills, employability skills, presentation/communication skills. In particular, students will review the skills and qualities they already possess, with reference to how they relate to those skills and attributes regarded as crucial for research and critical by employers. Indicative content includes:

1. Effective Learning Skills:
Time management, different learning styles, effective note-taking, behaving professionally in Sport and Exercise settings; compare and evaluate information from a variety of sources; prepare for and learn from assessment and feedback.

2. Communication Skills
(a) Written communication: preparing, writing and presenting an essay including referencing and citing of information; preparing, writing and presenting an individual research project including a literature review, methodology, results and discussion section;

(b) Reading and verbal skills: asking effective questions in class and group discussions; recognizing and constructing an argument and taking into account other students' views; selecting, analysing and comparing a range of print-based information;

(c) personal communication skills: giving effective presentations to groups.

3. Information Technology Skills:
The use of a Windows environment to communicate ideas via word processing and/or spreadsheets. Use e-mail and access WWW in terms of locating, selecting and evaluating internet-based information. The use of Pebblepad as an e-portfolio system to aid with Personal Development Planning (PDP).

4. Numeracy and Statistical Skills
Introduction to research methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research design. Introduction to statistical packages and the ways in which to analyse, interpret and represent data. Introduction to ethical issues involved in sport and exercise research.

5. Reflecting on Staffordshire Graduate Skills.
Engaging in internal and external events. University-wide events and lectures - programme specific and/or industry related to any area of the University curriculum. Identifying knowledge and skills used in the workplace. Constructing a CV and identifying areas for further development.
TEXTS
Cottrell, S. (2003) The Study Skills Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Gratton, C. and Jones, I. (2009) Research Methods for Sports Studies. 2nd Edition. London: Routledge.
Kirton, B. (2011) Brilliant Workplace Skills for Students & Graduates. London: Prentice-Hall.
Trought, F. (2011) Brilliant Employability Skills: How to stand out from the crowd in the graduate job market. London: Prentice Hall.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (72 hours)
24 hours of Lectures
48 hours of workshop-based material, with the emphasis on building on lecture material via individual and group based tasks (delivered by personal tutors).

Guided Independent Study: (228 hours)
34 hours preparation for workshops/completion of tasks / Bb activities
54 hours of assigned reading
20 hours identifying and attending internal / external events
24 hours completing reflective sheets and CV
12 hours tutorial support
10 hours preparing for presentations
62 hours preparing for submission of summative assessments
12 hours student - led research into topics covered
RESOURCES
Access to Blackboard/Pebble Pad
IT resources
Library resources

The module will be supported by an Enterprise & Employability Resource Bank that will provide learning materials from your Faculty/School, Careers as well as external contributors. Students will be encouraged through the Students Union's Enterprise Society to make use of student-led activities such as workshops, mentoring and networking events provided by NACUE (National Consortium of University Entrepreneurs) as well using and populating a website/depository for disseminating and sharing `good practice'.