The aim of this module it to: Assist learners in the development of their study skills for third level courses. Enable learners to practice and improve their oral communication, especially to support the delivery of oral presentations. Enable learners to understand written communication. Enhance learners interpersonal skills, towards effective working in groups and teams. Recommend the user of makerspaces to build creative confidence and collaborative skills.
Study Skills at third level
- Effective listening & note taking- Effective reading; including: goal-oriented reading, and methods such as SQ3R - Effective study techniques and organisation strategies.- Reference materials: Sources and methods of locating relevant reference materials; effective ways to use the work of others; the ‘honour code’ – plagiarism and how to avoid it through appropriate referencing and citation methods- Working to multiple deadlines: developing and planning effective study methods; allocating time based on importance of tasks; strategic approaches to coping with difficult workloads.
Written Communication
- Recap of written English essentials: paragraph and sentence structure, grammar, punctuation and spelling; and how Word Processors and other computer applications/resources can assist- Communicating with a purpose – identifying your audience and its needs- Structuring different forms of written communication; including essays an reports
Oral Presentation Skills
- Pillars of effective communication – preparation and delivery- Preparation – identification of audience profile, attitudes, needs and expectations, issues of context, time allotted for presentation, logistical issues re time and venue, research techniques and preparation timeline, rehearsals, dress, coping with nerves- Delivery – Importance of balancing spontaneity with prepared material, deciding whether to use notes, script or deliver ex tempore, use of slides and other props, maintaining the audience’s interest, set-piece beginnings and endings, relating to your audience - eye contact, volume, clarity, pace, vocabulary, humour - Coping with hostile questioning
Teamwork
- Defining teams and groups, - Factors influencing teamwork- Problems in teams, and strategies for their prevention and resolution
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |