Academic Skills Development Report

This assignment requires students to develop their academic skills in writing, reporting, and reflection. The task involves creating a report (for non-law students) or an essay (for law students) on a specific topic related to their subject area. Students must follow guidelines for report writing, including clear sections, headings, and Harvard-style citations. Additionally, they must write a reflective summary using Gibbs' model, reflecting on their experience of working with a study group in an academic context and discussing one key academic skill developed during the module.

Autumn 17
Academic Skills Portfolio (ACSK4001)
This is your Academic Skills ONLINE Portfolio. Please save a copy on your computer and back it up regularly
(e.g. by saving it on your computer / in the cloud (e.g. Google Drive) / emailing it to yourself. You will receive
a printed copy which you should bring to all lectures and tutorials. However, at the end of the course, you
need to submit this electronic copy. Please refer to suggested word counts for each task included within this
portfolio.
Week Table of Contents Page Learning
Outcome
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence
(These tasks will be drafted in class and are designed to inform the written tasks in section 1; Suggested word
counts are included in brackets where appropriate.)
1 Self-evaluation checklist 3 LO 3 & 4
1 Personal SWOT analysis (suggested word count: 200 words) 4 LO 3 & 4

2 Structuring your writing (including examples and evidence) 6 LO 1 & 2
3 Quantitative data analysis (suggested word count: 300 words) 7-8 LO 1 & 2
4 Evaluating sources and referencing (suggested word count 150
words)
9 LO 1 & 2
5 Synthesising and in-text citations (suggested word count: 250
words)
10 LO 1 & 2
7 Presenting your assignment (include screen shot) 11 LO 1
8 Editing and proof reading your portfolio: using the marking criteria
to get a first!
12-13 LO 1 & 3
9 Post-presentation reflection 14 LO 3 & 4
10 End of course self-evaluation checklist 15 LO 3 & 4
10 Personal development plan (PDP) (suggested word count: ) 16 LO 3 & 4
Section 2: Written Tasks
(These written tasks should be developed throughout the semester but completed in weeks 9-11)
1-10 Academic writing [degree-specific focus related to The UK’s exit
from The European Union] (900 words)
17-18 LO1
9 & 10 Reflective writing: summary (300 words) 19 LO 3& 4
Writing word count: Academic writing (900 words), Reflective writing (300 words) and a minimum of
600 words in total on the other tasks
(+/- 10%)
SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 1: self-evaluation checklist
Below is a list of the skills you will need during your university and professional career. Tick ( )✓ the
appropriate box for each skill, according to how well you think you can do this.
Skills Do not
know
about this
Find this
difficult/
can’t do
this
Can
partially do
this
Can do this
well
Looking for information
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Identify which books/journals/websites to use ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐✓
Select relevant parts of a text ☐ ☐ ☐✓ ☐
Evaluate sources ☐ ☐ ☐ ✓☐
Using sources
Acknowledge sources of information ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐✓
Synthesize information from more than one source ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐✓
Write a reference list correctly ☐ ☐ ☐ ✓☐
Avoid plagiarism ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐✓
Planning/ writing
Brainstorm ideas ☐ ☐ ☐✓ ☐
Plan written work ☐ ☐ ☐✓ ☐
Link ideas effectively ☐ ☐ ☐ ✓☐
Paraphrase & summarise ideas ☐ ☐ ☐✓ ☐
Write an introduction ☐ ☐ ☐ ✓☐
Write a conclusion ☐ ☐ ☐ ✓☐
Critically edit written work ☐ ☐ ☐ ✓☐
Independent study
Work independently (without lecturers) ☐ ☐ ✓☐ ☐
Work as part of a (study) group ☐ ☐ ✓☐ ☐
Oral presentation
Give a presentation on my work ☐ ☐ ✓☐ ☐
Brainstorm ideas with peers ☐ ☐ ✓☐ ☐
Discuss written work in a tutorial ☐ ☐ ✓☐ ☐
Deal effectively with questions ☐ ☐ ✓☐ ☐
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IT
Access the internet ☐ ☐ ☐ ✓☐
Use search engines ☐ ☐ ☐ ✓☐
Create word documents ☐ ☐ ☐ ✓☐
Use PowerPoint ☐ ☐ ☐ ✓☐
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SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 1: Personal SWOT analysis
Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBOtnyt7BP4
In-class activity: In pairs conduct interviews to create a personal SWOT analysis.
Internal
STRENGTHS
[Things within my control]
WEAKNESSES
[Personal barriers; things stopping me, but still within my control]
1.
I am a loyal to my work.
1 Spend too much time in helping others.
2. A trustworthy personality. 2. Can spend too much time in reading additional information
other than important topic.
3. Well organised toward my work. 3. Hard to self at times if fails in achieving my work.
4 Top 5 Strengths/talents (Gallup test):
Truthful in doing my work and towards other.
4. Take times to plan and not implementing them.
External
OPPORTUNITIES
[People, resources, opportunities]
THREATS
[Things outside of my control]
1. Having wide range of opportunities to grow my career. 1. There are many others in the same industry who will be
preforming better than me
2. Contact with other people to make most of it. 2. There are no set goal for me so this will be not enabling me to
do better in my work.
3. Would like to work for a good organisation and can be able
to develop it with my available knowledge.
3. Takes myself for granted at times.
4. Be with someone who would help me in finding my abilities. 4. Spend too much time at learning.
Discuss: how are you going to overcome your weaknesses and minimise the threats?
(approx 100 words)
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To overcome my threats I will concentrate on my work rather than working for others. Will seek to make sure
that I read additional information at my free time and look forward to concentrate on my important work to be
finished. At failure times would take decisions that fight help me to overcome the problems and stop being
harsh and self motivate myself. Plan report or other work and make habit of implementing it and learn through
my mistakes. Stop thinking about other more and develop strategies to overcome my mistakes and work to
achieve my goals. Will make habit to revise so to learn easily and work to build myself.
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SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 2: Structuring your writing
During your lecture and tutorial you will learn how to group ideas and develop paragraphs to give
structure to your academic writing. You can use the outline below as a model, although others will be
discussed in your lectures and tutorials.
Title
:
Group ideas and develop paragraphs to give structure to academic writing
1.0 An introduction (150 words) [use evidence/ research throughout]
 What is your question about? (give the background to your topic)
 Include some detail on the topic (narrow your focus; what exactly are you focusing on?) Who are the
key ideas/ people involved/ organisations etc.?)
 What will your report show? Be specific [you should write this section last]
2.0 Discussion point 1: ……………………………… (300 words) [Use evidence/ research throughout]:
 Identify one point from your area of focus and say why it is a key issue.
 Describe how leaving the EU will impact on this
 What are the opportunities it could create?
 What are the possible problems?
 What can you conclude from this? What are the implications?
3.0 Discussion point 2: ……………………………… (300 words) [Use evidence/ research throughout]:
 Identify another point from your area of focus and say why it is a key issue.
 Describe how leaving the EU will impact on this
 What are the opportunities it could create?
 What are the possible problems?
 What can you conclude from this? What are the implications?
4.0 Conclusion (150 words) [refer back to key evidence/ research]
 Give a summary of your key points from 2 & 3
 Include a summary of your key conclusions from both 2 & 3
 What would you recommend needs to happen now?
INTRODUCTION
 The writing and planing in the academic session suggest that there is non one way to write.
 There are different patterns of writing in every disciplines although there are many variations in every
subject.
 Here we are going to learn about how to give paragraphs to effectively structure the writings.
 Plan to write the paragraphs in details and in what criteria to change the paragraph.
 A paragraph is a bunch of related sentences that is considered to support one main idea.
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 The question arises where to change the paragraph and start new one. The present report shows the
requirement of changing the para according to the topic and discovering ideas to generate ways in
which the written plan can work.
 It also shows the area where the focus is to change the paragraphs and to make effective writing
structure to evaluate the basic requirement of the topic.
 Britain in 2015 announced its leaving from the European Union by the mid of 2019 which was
popularly known as Brexit.
Discussion:Impact of Brexit on Universities
 The effect that Brexit will enforce in the European unions is discussed in the essay. There is
already demand among students to study higher education institutes in UK.
 The Brexit strategy has claimed that the there is a number of rise in the students applications from
international countries from the EU say by 10%.
 This figure has marked a drop in different institutes about 14.1% in applications across the channels
(Impact of Brexit on Universities, 2017 ).
 They have also stated that this number will also decrease and the application will fall in the coming
year as soon the Brexit comes into action. But also the number of students going for higher education
in UK the risk tend to offset.
 The effect that it will enforce on the EU is that to existing treaties, there are students who pay the
same at the universities In all the countries members of EU as the same as the local students. Its effect
will be seen when the split between UK and EU would be seen or finalized.
 EU students are going to be treated as the other students and this will make a change in the status.
People are also now becoming aware that there are many countries that has started offering English-
speaking degrees.
 The situation is not yet cleared and these students may be treated as the students from foreign
countries. These situations will lead to increase the benefits for the universities in UK as they will get
more fees from the students as they will have to pay same fees like foreign students.
 Therefore, EU students will also deal in their loans, and if they will not be subjected for the loan then
the issue is clear. Already students from EU are paying more in studying UK then their countries as Uk
is the only country that charges more.
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Illustration 1: Impact of Brexit on Universities. 2017
[source: Impact of Brexit on Universities. 2017]
Discussion: Impact of Brexit on EU students studying in UK
This portion reflects to the analyse of the effects that Brexit has on EU students and argues for
enrolment of the students should be minimum. These students are important for the economy of the country
and higher education. There are approx 124,575 students studying at the universities and they altogether add
up to 2.27 billion of the economy of the country. It is also stated that any changes for the EU students and their
commencement should be taken into account carefully and analysed frequently. There effect is going to be
seen in the short term as the function of the funding will be calculated and it has been visualised that there
accordance that immigration status will be linked and students will be charged and treated as international
students. The universities are supposed to be benefited as the students from EU will have to pay higher fees
and increase in the fees will also implement in the rise in economy of the country and for universities as well
(Impact of Brexit on EU students studying in UK. 2017). The students will have to enforce for the student loan
and if the issue is there against the loan and students are not able to claim the loan, then the issue is subjected
to be removed. It will create opportunities for the universities to raise their fees and treat everyone equally
and these situations will also lead to increase the revenue for the universities. There are also possibilities that if
these changes to EU students are implemented then this process can reduce the number of EU students in the
country. But it is also concluded that it will not affect the EU students as they are already paying enough to
study in UK and this is the only country that charge higher in terms of higher educations.
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Illustration 2: Impact of Brexit on EU students studying in UK
[Source: Impact of Brexit on EU students studying in UK. 2017]
CONCLUSION
From the above it is concluded that, there will be change in the working of the universities and the EU
students as the rise in the fees will bring a change in the students coming for higher education and there is a
requirement and need to make sudden changes and Brexit effect will not enforce much on the working of the
EU students because they are already paying huge to study in UK. There is only going to be equal treatment
among the students and fees structure. There is also going to be an effect on the economy of the country as
the students will have to pay more and the universities are going to be affected the most and increase in their
income. There is a chance for the improvement in the planing of the individual and the EU students fees as
they will now have to take loans to study but of they are not given loan then the problem is solved and there
will be another effect of this procedure.
REFERENCES
online
Impact of Brexit on Universities, 2017 Online Accessed through <https://www.google.co.uk/search?
q=Impact+of+Brexit+on+Universities&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi-
0ael5vzXAhUJSo8KHa5-CjMQ_AUIDSgE&biw=1537&bih=805#imgrc=d66Z9HkzuFouMM:>
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Impact of Brexit on EU students studying in UK, 2017 Online Access through
<https://www.google.co.uk/search?
biw=1537&bih=805&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=bMUrWp2IBoH4vATw5I7IAg&q=Impact+of+Brexit+on+EU+stu
dents+studying+in+UK&oq=Impact+of+Brexit+on+EU+students+studying+in+UK&gs_l=psy-
ab.3...245530.245530.0.245927.1.1.0.0.0.0.159.159.0j1.1.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-
ab..0.0.0....0.exaxi5jPmTc#imgrc=jpwJOjCaFIeiuM:>
SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 2: Structuring your writing
Write a detailed plan here for your report or essay – showing what information you are planning to
put in each section. Remember as you do more research this plan might change so keep it up to date
to help you to write a well-structured report or essay. You can find the subject specific topics in the
assessment section of the GSM Learn academic skills page.
A detailed plan to write a report:
A report is a well organised and systematic document that defines the requirement to analyse the problem that
includes: Planing and research: It is required to have the basic information of the topic and complete planing
must be prepared and the central focus should be on the thoughts and findings. Title page: This includes the
title of the report Acknowledgement: This includes the list of people who have intentionally or unintentionally
helped in the report findings. Content pages: It should include a well formatted sections and sub sections of
the report. The page numbers should be indicated and should include what is there in the main body.
Summary: A very brief outline of the report to provide a general idea about the report. Overall objectives, key
findings and conclusion of the report and recommendation as well. Introduction: This should include you have
understood the task clearly and cover every part required. It must indicate the basic structure of the report, a
little background of the reason to write the report. Main body or Findings: This is the main part of the report,
it includes all the findings of the report with headings and sub headings and must clearly indicate different
sections. Proper charts, diagrams and tables if required should be indicated with the opinions and should also
be included in the appendix. Results: The observation recorded and also includes statistics and tables or
graphs. Conclusion: It must draw an outline to the findings and conclude what is the outcome of the report.
Recommendation: This should be specific and logical from the conclusion, the findings must be evaluated and
propose situations to improve against it. References: This list gives the details of the source that have made it
easier to complete the report.
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SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 3: Presenting and analysing data
Presenting data
Cut and paste the graph you discussed in the tutorial here. You can find it on the Week 3 Academic
Skills page on GSM Learn. Remember to write a full Harvard or OSCOLA reference for it.
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 3: Written analysis of Data
Analysing data
Based on the graph looked at in the tutorial, first discuss, and then plan how to write an analytical
paragraph about your graph. You might want to include the following information:
1. A description your data (What is it? Where does it come from? What area is it focussing on?):
2. A summary on what the data shows in general
3. One or two areas of the data looked at in detail and an explanation of why you think they are
significant
4. The important trends and differences/comparisons in the areas you have chosen
5. Possible explanations for what the data is showing (remember to reference wider research to
back your ideas up)
6. A recommendation for further action that could arise from this data.
Individually write your data analysis as a paragraph (approx. 300 words). Remember to refer to the
graph/chart using correct OSCOLA or Harvard style in-text citation.
Analysing data
From the graph or the above data it is concluded that Brexit main aim is to control immigration. It also
significantly delivers that by controlling the EU immigrations this process will help in decreasing the overall
immigration in the country. This reduction is also supported by the graph that and will contribute in having the
effect on the net migration ratio of the country. The above data describes the overall growth of the number of
the migrants and they are growing steadily since 2009 and have taken huge rise till 2015. This is concluded that
the total net migration has seen a good rise in the years reducing this net would lead to drop it in the overall
rate. Hence, this EU migration could be controlled with implementing strict immigration control. Since 1990's
the migration rate has seen a steady growth till 2005 as the interest in higher education has seen a big growth
and students around the EU participants were also coming to pursue education and have a descent growth in
their standard of living. The chosen area shows that their was a trend to pursue higher education in the EU
participating countries and they wanted to increase their living standards. There was a sudden decrease in the
migration rate in the countries from 2004 to 2011 where the migrant's ratio was decreased and it further saw a
huge increase in the students pursuing higher education and they were increasing rapidly. So to control the
migration these strict rules were implemented.
The data shows the steady growth in the migration rate in the students and the rise from 2000 to 2015
and increase in the rate of students to pursue education. It is recommended from the graph that the actions
taken from the government to control the EU migrants must be taken as soon possible so to have a similar
difference between local and foreign students.
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 4: Evaluating sources & critically engaging with texts
In your study groups, evaluate 3 different text from your reading list, or ones you have found. During class your
lecturer will give you questions to guide you through this process. You can find these texts on the Week 4
Academic Skills GSM Learn page.
Resource type:
(book, journal, video)
& citation/reference
Text A Text B Text C
Authority Author has
information about the
field
Author has less
information about the
field
Author has less
information about the
field
Currency It was published in
2017
it was published in 2017 it was published in 2017
Content Yes content is relevant
to the topic
Yes content has
relevance to the topic
Yes it provide valuable
information
Accuracy Yes the information
seems to be accurate
and reliable.
The information has
reference to other
work.
Yes the information
seems to be accurate
and reliable.
Information is not highly
accurate and reliable.
Audience General people People interested in
politics
General audience
Further notes/ comments The information is
helpful and effective
in understanding
deeply.
The information is
helpful and effective in
understanding deeply
but could be enlarged.
Require more information.
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
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Week 5: Synthesising
In groups of 2 or 3: you are going to discuss the similarities and differences of different texts. You each need to
read and understand a text, tell your group about it, and make notes.
Write (in note form) the key ideas for the 3 different texts:
Text A:
In-text citation or OSCOLA footnote (Law):
Key ideas: author is having very wide knowledge about the present field and this was published in the year
2017. This is very relevant to the topic and all the information contained in it are important and accurate.
The audience are people of the society.
Text B:
In-text citation or OSCOLA footnote (Law):
Key ideas: in this part author is having very less knowledge about the present field and was also published
in the year 2017. The people related to politics wopuld be interested in this data and this future require
more comments and research.
Text C:
In-text citation or OSCOLA footnote (Law):
Key ideas: in this also author is not having relevant information and was published in the year 2017 the
audience who are related to this are general public. The information mentioned in this are not very relevant
and accurate and further clarification is required.
Individually: write up a paragraph which synthesises (combines) the ideas you talked about with your study
group. Remember to include in-text citations or OSCOLA footnote (Law) and link your ideas using linking
words! (Suggested word count: 200 words).
The data shows the steady growth in the migration rate in the students and the rise from 2000 to 2015
and increase in the rate of students to pursue education. It is recommended from the graph that the
actions taken from the government to control the EU migrants must be taken as soon possible so to
have a similar difference between local and foreign students.Author is having very wide knowledge
about the present field and this was published in the year 2017. This is very relevant to the topic and all
the information contained in it are important and accurate. The audience are people of the society.
In this part author is having very less knowledge about the present field and was also published in the
year 2017. The people related to politics wopuld be interested in this data and this future require more
comments and research.
In this part author is having very less knowledge about the present field and was also published in the
year 2017. The people related to politics wopuld be interested in this data and this future require more
comments and research.
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 7: Presenting your assignment
At university, you are often asked to present your research. In week 9 you will deliver a short 10-
minute presentation (7 minutes delivery + 3 minutes for Qs) in class to a small group. You should base
your presentation on one key point (one main section/paragraph) from your assignment using the
following structure for guidance with suggested timings:
 Title page: including your name and title
 Give a very brief overview of what your 7-minute presentation will cover (30 secs)
 Introduction: Identify one point from your assignment and say why it is a key point (1minute)
 Briefly describe how leaving the EU will impact on this (1 min 30s)
 What is one potential opportunity it could create? (1 min 30s)
 What is one possible problem? ( 1min 30s)
 What can you conclude from this? What are the implications/ your recommendations? (1min)
 You should refer to evidence/ research throughout your presentation.
 Be prepared to answer questions (3 mins) at the end of your presentation.
Provide evidence here to show that you have planned your presentation. This could take the form of a
detailed plan or PowerPoint slides.
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 8: Editing and proof reading your portfolio: using the marking criteria to
understand how to get a first!
Good
evidence
Some evidence Insufficient
evidence
Knowledge and understanding of the subject
A. Demonstrates overall understanding of core
academic skills, evidenced both with the
portfolio tasks and academic writing tasks.

B. Demonstrates independent reading and
research. 
C. Has an understanding of conducting primary
research (appropriate to level 4). 
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D. Has a convincing introduction, arguments/
discussion and conclusion for the written
assignment.

E. Demonstrates an understanding of the subject
material related to programme of study. 
Cognitive/ Intellectual skills
F. Clear and logical argument/ discussion and
structure. 
G. Shows evidence of applying critical thought to a
range of tasks. 
H. Has backed up discussion/ arguments with
evidence. 
I. Has evidence of some analysis and evaluation
(appropriate to level 4). 
Graduate skills for Life and employment.
J. Insightful reflection on own strengths and
weaknesses. 
K. Effective written communication skills (e.g. have
they written in an appropriate academic style?)
is the report/essay format successful? Is the
reflective writing appropriately written? Is it
professional?

L. Effective visual presentation. 
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Strengths:
Type 3 short bullet points here:
Areas of improvement:
Type 3 short bullet points here:
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 9: Post-presentation reflection
At University and work you’ll often be asked to provide feedback, and reflect on your performance and that of
your peers and colleagues. Using the table below, write notes about your presentation. You should include any
points of interest in your reflective writing task in section 1.
Your groups’ comment
Content
(How clear, complete and informative was the presentation?) clear
Audience Engagement
(How enjoyable / interesting did the audience find it?)
interested
Organisation
(How well-structured was it? How well did the visuals support it?)
Very well structured
Professionalism
(How slick and professional was it?)
professional
Your reflection
Content
(How clear, complete and informative was the presentation?)
clear
Audience Engagement
(How enjoyable / interesting did the audience find it?)
interested
Organisation
(How well-structured was it? How well did the visuals support it?)
Very well structured
Professionalism
(How slick and professional was it?)
professional
Action Points
(What could you do better in future presentations?)
It is required to de better than they will provide the audience a more inside intro the topic and better
understanding is required.
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Week 10: self-evaluation checklist
You have reached the end of the course. Tick the appropriate box for each skill, according to how well you think you can
do this now. Has anything changed? This should help inform your reflective summary.
Skills Do not
know
about this
Find this
difficult/
can’t do this
Can partially
do this
Can do this
well
Looking for information
Identify which books/journals/websites to use  ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Select relevant parts of a text ☐  ☐ ☐ ☐
Evaluate sources ☐ ☐  ☐ ☐
Using sources
Acknowledge sources of information  ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Synthesize information from more than one
source ☐  ☐ ☐ ☐
Write a reference list correctly ☐ ☐  ☐ ☐
Avoid plagiarism ☐ ☐  ☐ ☐
Planning/ writing
Brainstorm ideas  ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Plan written work ☐  ☐ ☐ ☐
Link ideas effectively ☐  ☐ ☐ ☐
Paraphrase & summarise ideas ☐  ☐ ☐ ☐
Write an introduction ☐ ☐  ☐ ☐
Write a conclusion ☐  ☐ ☐ ☐
Critically edit written work ☐ ☐ ☐  ☐
Independent study
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