In semester one of the module, you will be introduced to a range of different types of assessment that you will encounter in your studies, for example presentations, written work (e.g. essay’s, plans, workbooks), debates, podcasts and audio-recordings, as well as exploring software to conduct video and audio-recordings. Alongside this you will develop knowledge surrounding academic skills by exploring how to search for sport and exercise related literature using the Staffordshire University Summon Tool, EBSCO Host and Google Scholar, learn how to cite accurately using the APA 7th format, develop knowledge and understanding surrounding the structure of the previously mentioned assessment types, learn how to create argument and debate in your assessments, as well as learn to action-plan based upon tutor feedback.
Whilst in semester two of the module, you will be introduced to research skills appropriate for sport and exercise students, whilst having the opportunity to develop these skills by planning, preparing and undertaking a small-scale piece of research in small groups (2-3 students), which is themed around sport and exercise and your specific course. You will specifically have the opportunity to develop an idea, problematise the focus, search for contrasting literature around the topic, select an appropriate method (qualitative/quantitative research designs), collect data (experiments, surveys, interviews, questionnaires, observation, et al.), analyse the data and finally interpret the findings.

Semester 1: You are required to create an infographic poster which outlines the process of undertaking an assessment (25% of module assessment weighting). An infographic is a collection of imagery, charts, and minimal text that gives an easy-to-understand overview of a topic, in this case an assessment type of your choice. Once completed, this poster will be presented to your peers in sport and exercise, followed by a Q&A surrounding the content (5 minutes in duration) (25% of module assessment weighting). These two pieces of assessment comprise to achieve LO1 and LO3.

Semester 2: In small groups of 2-3, you are required to present your experiences from class work and specifically undertaking the sport and exercise themed small-scale research project. This will be assessed by a group presentation lasting 10 minutes in duration, followed by an audience Q&A. This assessment meets LO2 and LO3.

This module incorporates a tutor-lead lecture programme and workshops, with student-lead activities a common theme throughout, allowing the tutor to facilitate learning. Students will be required to conduct tutor-directed independent study, as well as student-lead enquiry and reading into research around the topics covered in the module. Specific formative assessment, reading and preparatory tasks will be completed prior to the summative assessment.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of assessments, whilst demonstrating enquiry surrounding the content of assessments.

Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry

2. Apply knowledge of research in sport and exercise by planning, preparing and undertaking an independent small-scale project, demonstrating developing research skills and analytical skills.

Application
Learning
Analysis

3. Effectively communicate your findings to an audience of sport and exercise students.
Communication

Appropriately and adequately equipped lecture theatre (with internet connectivity)
Appropriately and adequately equipped ICT lab for workshop activities to be undertaken
Appropriately and adequately stocked library facilities

Hopkins, D. and Reid, T., 2018. The Academic Skills Handbook: Your Guide to Success in Writing, Thinking and Communicating at University. Sage, U.K.
Cottrell, S., 2019. The study skills handbook. Macmillan International Higher Education, U.K.
Thomas, G., 2017. How to do your research project: A guide for students. Sage, U.K.

This module will develop your knowledge, understanding and competency surrounding aspects of academic and research skills, which are often required in sport and exercise industry jobs, as well as academia. Initially, you will be introduced to a range of different types of assessment and develop knowledge surrounding academic skills by exploring how to search for literature surrounding sport and exercise, how to cite/reference, how to structure your assessments, how to create argument and debate in your assessments, as well as respond to tutor feedback. From here, you will explore and develop a range of research-based skills, undertaking a small-scale research project with 2-3 peers that is based around a sport and exercise theme. By participating in this small-scale research, you will have the opportunity to develop an idea, problematise the focus, search for similar literature, select an appropriate method, collect data, analyse data and finally interpret the findings.