Matriculation to HND (Engineering)

Code FDE/LL/SS
Course Title Study skills in research
Guided Learning Hours 30

Aim

To improve overall study skills and to enhance writing skills

Learning Outcomes

On completing this course successfully learners will be able to:

1. Develop effective strategies for studying

2. Develop good time management strategies to become a successful student
3. Find, select and note information in an efficient and critical way
4. Develop sound research skills
5. Develop academic writing skills for higher education

Indicative Content

1. Understand the requirements of studying

Why is it important to have a study strategy? Students will know the importance of having the right tools
and taking responsibility for their own learning. Students will know how to manage their work, time and
the study circumstances. They will also know how to manage their morale and understand the
importance of being self motivated.

2. Know the different learning styles

Students will understand the different styles-activist, reflector, theorist, pragmatist. They will know the
characteristic of each learner and will be able to identify their own style.
3. Know how to gather and evaluate information

Students will be able to gather information from online sources as well as the library. Students will know
how to determine if sources are reliable and credible. Students will be able to use appropriate reading
strategies for different types of texts and different tasks

4. Know the difference between primary and secondary sources.

Students will know the different types of secondary sources as well as the different types of research
methods. Students will use the concepts of reliability, validity, objectivity as well practicality to
determine the advantages and disadvantages of both quantitative /qualitative research methods.

5. Know how to take proper notes

Students will know the importance of note-taking for their course of study. Students will be able to
select important information for note taking. Students will be able to develop their own system of note
taking and short hand.

6. Know what academic writing is

Students will be able to understand the differences between academic and other styles of writing.
Students will be able to identify the characteristics of academic writing. Students will know the step by
step process of writing-brain storming, creating an outline, adding support, editing, and proof reading.
Students will know how to avoid plagiarism.Students will be able to organize their ideas using definition,
categorization, description, chronology, cause and effect, comparing and contrasting, general to specific.

Learning Outcomes

Candidates will be able to:

1. Understand the requirements of studying

1.1 Identify the different strategies required for studying

1.2 Discuss the importance of time management and how it can impact on students’ success
1.3 Understand how to use time strategically
1.4 Understand how to manage your study circumstances by equipping yourself and setting
up a place to study
1.5 Understand how to manage your morale by knowing what lowers morale and how to deal
with everyday crisis

2. Know the different learning styles

2.1 Identify the different learning styles

2.2 Discuss the characteristics of each learning style.
 2.3 Apply learning styles to the classroom experience

3. Know how to gather and evaluate information

3.1 Identify the different ways to gather information-library/ internet

3.2 Use different reading strategies for different types of texts and tasks
3.3 Identify the differences between skimming, scanning and reading with a specific purpose
3.4 Understand how to evaluate information and how to read critically
3.5 Appreciate how to use the PROMPT checklist-presentation, relevance, objectivity,
method, provenance, timeliness

4. Know the difference between primary and secondary sources

4.1 Define what is a secondary and primary source
4.2 Explain the difference between primary and secondary sources
4.3 Identify the different types of secondary sources
4.4 Identify the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods and link
to primary sources
4.5 Discuss the strengths and limitations of research methods using reliability, validity ,
objectivity and practicality

5. Know how to take proper notes

5.1 Discuss the importance of note -taking
5.2 Discuss the importance of creating a system for note taking
5.3 Explain what should be written when taking notes
5.4 Explain how notes should be written ad organized –succinct, intelligible, well organized
and effectively filed

6. Know what is academic writing

6.1 Understand the differences between the various types of writing

6.2 Understand the step-by-step process of brainstorming, planning, drafting and editing
6.3 Incorporate other people’s ideas into writing without the risk of plagiarism
6.4 Make use of a variety of organizing strategies in writing
Outline Learning Plan

The outline learning plan has been included in this unit as guidance. It demonstrates one way of planning the
delivery and assessment of this course.

Topic and suggested assignments/Activities Hours

Self-introductions 30 mins
Establish ground rules 10 mins
Discuss the overall objectives of the programme 20 mins
Discuss what the learners expect to gain from the programme 20 mins
Introduce the requirements for studying 20 mins
Invite students to plan a study time table 20 mins
Introduce the different learning styles-activist, reflector, theorist, pragmatist 1 hour
Invite learners to identify their learning style 1 hour
Discuss the importance of time management 1 hour
Invite learners to share their challenges with respect to time management 1 hour
Emphasize the importance of using different reading strategies 1 hour
Introduce reading exercises where learners have to incorporate skimming and scanning 2 hour
Discuss the PROMPT checklist and its importance for evaluating information 1 hour
Introduce information to learners where the PROMPT checklist can be used 1 hour
Discuss the differences between secondary and primary sources 1 hour
Invite learners to bring samples of secondary sources 1 hour
Discuss quantitative and qualitative research methods 2 hour
Engage learners with a questionnaire construction activity and interview protocol exercise 1 hour
Discuss the strengths and limitations of research methods 2 hour
Invite learners to present different research methods highlighting strengths and limitations 2 hours
Discuss the importance of note taking 2 hour
Invite learners to bring to class notes taken from previous classes 1 hour
Discuss what is academic writing
2 hour
Use a sample to show students what is academic writing and invite students to highlight the
20 mins
characteristics of academic writing
Introduce the writing process 20 mins
Invite students to draw a concept map where they demonstrate their ability to brainstorm 20 mins
Guide learners in the writing process 20 mins
Discuss the use and importance of evidence in academic writing 20 mins
Discuss the importance of paraphrasing and summarising in writing to minimise plagiarism 20 mins
Engage students in a paraphrase and summary writing activity 30 mins
Explain the different ways to organise ideas in writing 30 mins
Invite students to practise writing using the different strategies 2 hour
 Assessment Details

Method of assessment Summative

Grading mode Numeric

Weighting % 100%

Pass mark % 50% Overall

Outline details Students are to write a reflective essay using at least three references
from academic sources. The essay is to reflect on their own learning
styles and its implications on how they plan and execute their period
of study. This includes, but is not limited to reading, research, note
taking, planning and writing.

Essential Learning Resources:

Title Author Publisher

The Study Skills Handbook Stella Cottrell Palgrave Macmillan; 3rd edition
(22 Feb. 2008)

The Little Brown Handbook H. Ramsey Fowler & Jane E. Pearson; 12 edition (23 July
Aaron 2013)

The Good Study Guide Andrew Northedge Open University Worldwide; 2nd
Revised edition (15 Feb. 2005)