Portfolio comprising examples of work undertaken throughout module workshops and evidence of skills gained. Approximately1500 words.

This module will help you build your confidence as a learner, enabling you to identify where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and how you can build your skills for the future. It will help you develop the skills necessary for successful study in Higher Education such as note-taking, preparing for lectures and seminars and research skills. You will find out more about how to use the library and the extensive range of IT support materials.

The following themes will be covered:

1. Beginning your study - note taking and listening skills in lectures an seminars, Critical Thinking skills

2. Independent learning skills - Library /research skills, IT Skills and Support, On-line Learning materials to support your study, time management

3. Developing Your Study Skills - formative and summative assessment, essay/report researching, essay / report writing , exams, oral presentations

4. Workshop Review and how to prepare a portfolio

The focus of the module is an introduction to the range of learning strategies used at university via an interactive, experiential workshop format. The workshops will provide an experiential introduction to lectures, seminars, on-line learning etc and students will begin to learn the skills which are appropriate to each type of learning strategy; e.g. note-taking skills, critical thinking skills etc. Students will also be introduced to a range of learning strategies which will facilitate their development as autonomous learners - e.g independent research skills, IT skills etc. In addition, via diagnostic exercises in the workshops students will be able to identify areas where they may need additional support for their learning and will introduce them to the range of support materials and approaches that are available.

The module will be taught by a wide combination of tutors including academic specialist subject staff, study skills tutors, library and IT specialists. In the first week each student will be assigned a specific tutor who will be the personal contact throughout the programme and will offer guidance on future study routes. Also student ambassadors - existing students at the university and colleges - will be available at different points in the programme to offer support and information from a student perspective.

Appropriate teaching rooms; Access to library and IT and online learning facilties;. Access to study support materials

Sue Drew and Rosie Bingham (2001) Student SkillPack, Gower, Aldershot, 2001 (also available on Staffordshire University Keyskills website)

Cottrell, S. (2005). The Study Skills Handbook. Macmillan, Basingstoke

Staffordshire University Keyskills website

http://www.staffs.ac.uk/keyskills/