Academic Skills Module Assignment

This GSM Learn Academic Skills module assignment tasks students with various academic skill development exercises. It includes a report focusing on a specific subject area (for non-law students) or an essay (for law students). Additionally, students must complete a reflective summary using Gibbs' reflective model, discussing their group work experience and one key academic skill developed during the module.

C17
Academic Skills Portfolio (ACSK4001)
Name: Student Number:
Lecturer name:
Tutor name:
Degree studied:
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.
The deadline for uploading the online portfolio is: Thursday 24th August by
2pm
Assessed Learning Outcomes:
 Show evidence of understanding core components of academic literacy/skills.
 Apply critical thought to a range of tasks, and do so with a minimum of external guidance in
particular situations.
 To reflect, analyse and discuss strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities personally and
academically.
 Use appropriate technologies to facilitate the completion of self-analysis/reflection.

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)
(+/- 10%)
SECTION 1: PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 1: self-evaluation checklist
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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
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
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Give a presentation on my work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Brainstorm ideas with peers ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Discuss written work in a tutorial ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Deal effectively with questions ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
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: HYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBOtnyt7BP4"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. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4 Top 5 Strengths/talents (Gallup test): 4.
External
OPPORTUNITIES
[People, resources, opportunities]
THREATS
[Things outside of my control]
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
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Discuss: how are you going to overcome your weaknesses and minimise the threats? (approx 100 words)
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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:
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?
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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
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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 Academic Skills page
on GSMlearn. Remember to write a full Harvard or OSCOLA reference for it.
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
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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 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 Harvard style in-text citation.
The graph discusses the net migration to the UK by nationality from 1975-2015. In the graph it can be
seen that the number of immigrants in the UK has increased largely from 1975-2015. The graph
states that the immigration in the UK has increased due to the high value of pounds and the
opportunities for the international candidates in terms of both study and employment (Wadsworth
et al. 2016). The UK has some of the world’s top raking universities that provide learning
opportunities of the students. Therefore, once the students used to reach UK for studies, they used
to evaluate the options of work in the country as well. During the 1975, though the work
opportunities were present in high number, the numbers of employees were comparatively less. As a
result, the students who went to study in the UK found themselves suitable and similar jobs and
planned their settlement in the country (Mourlon-Druol 2015). With time, individuals brought their
extended families due to which the immigration of the UK gradually increased over the years. With
the course of development in the UK since 1975, the country extended hand to various companies to
establish their business in the UK. As a result, the number of international companies in the UK since
1975 increased largely. Therefore, the business organisations brought their employees to the UK for
conducting effective business. This also resulted in the increase in the number of immigrants in the
UK. Pound is the highest currency in the world. Therefore, the high rates of the pound resulted in
attracting immigrants and establish them in the UK forever (Blinder 2014).
Evaluate your data analysis group presentation We need to
improve
this
We have
done this
OK
We have
done this
very well
The visual was effective and engaging ☐ ☐ ☐
We identified an overall trend ☐ ☐ ☐
We included reference to actual numbers ☐ ☐ ☐
The data analysis included some interpretation of the results ☐ ☐ ☐
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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.
Resource type:
(book, journal,
video)
& citation/reference
Text A Text B Text C
Authority
Wadsworth, J., Dhingra, S.,
Ottaviano, G. and Van
Reenen
Mourlon-Druol, E Blinder, S
Currency £ £
£
Content Brexit and the Impact of
Immigration on the UK
The UK's EU vote: The
1975 precedent and
today's negotiations
Migration to the UK:
Asylum
Accuracy Yes Yes Yes
Audience 32 15 55
Further notes/
comments
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 5: Synthesising
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In groups of 2 or 3: you are going to discuss the similarities and differences or 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:
Key ideas: Impact of Immigration in the UK
Text B:
In-text citation:
Key ideas: Negotiation between the UK and the EU
Text C:
In-text citation:
Key ideas: Migration to the UK
Individually: write up a paragraph which synthesises (combines) the ideas you talked about with your study
group. Remember to include in-text citations and link your ideas using linking words! (Suggested word count:
200 words).
The idea of settling in the UK has been long reflected in the mind of the individuals that visit the UK for
studies or employment. This is because the UK has been providing wide range of opportunities to the
migrants and the immigrants that has to the country. Due to exposure in terms of both employment and
education, the rate of migrants has increased in the country over the years. The country has never hesitated
in retaining qualified and experienced people that are useful for the organisation and the country. Migration
to the UK has increased over the years posing a hidden threat on their citizens. The country has never
thought on that aspect. Therefore, as the number of immigrants increased, the threat on their citizens in
terms of employment an education increased to a certain extent.
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
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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.
Title page: including your name and title
Giving a brief overview about the 7-minute presentation within 30 seconds
Introduction: Identify impact of Brexit on the EU from the assignment and stating its significance for a
minute
Briefly describing the impact of UK leaving the EU for 1 minute 30 seconds
Due to the impact of Brexit, describe the potential opportunity for the EU for 1-minute 30 seconds
Discussing one potential challenge for the EU for 1 minute 30 seconds
Concluding the presentation with suitable recommendation for a minute
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
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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).
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:
 Never paraphrase directly from the original – use your notes
 DON’T just use simple synonyms
 Change the structure of the information you are paraphrasing
Areas of improvement:
Type 3 short bullet points here:
 Writing
 English
 Referencing
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 9: Post-presentation reflection
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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?)
Moderate
Audience Engagement
(How enjoyable / interesting did the
audience find it?)
To a certain extent
Organisation
(How well-structured was it? How
well did the visuals support it?)
Strongly Satisfied
Professionalism
(How slick and professional was it?)
Extremely
Your reflection
Content
(How clear, complete and informative
was the presentation?)
Extremely clear and informative
Audience Engagement
(How enjoyable / interesting did the
audience find it?)
Extremely engaged
Organisation
(How well-structured was it? How
well did the visuals support it?)
Well-structured and followed the assignment briefs
Professionalism
(How slick and professional was it?)
Extremely profesional
Action Points
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(What could you do better in future presentations?)
I could have used more graphs and figures that would have helped me highlight the comparison more
accurately.
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 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
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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 ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
IT
Access the internet ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Use search engines ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Create word documents ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
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PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
Week 10: Personal development plan (PDP) Specific- Measurable- Achievable- Realistic- Timescale- (SMART)
During your university and professional career you will be asked to write a PDP, or set your own objectives. This PDP (below) should include goals for the
development of your Academic skills after the completion of the module. Be specific when setting your goals and how you will achieve and measure them (use
SMART).
Week Goal Action Success criteria Completed
when by?
E.G To improve my ability to write in an academic style To record useful academic vocabulary when
reading academic texts. To use appropriate
language when I write an assignment
Feedback from peers and lecturers. April 2017
1. Develop communication skills Practising more verbal and non-verbal
communications
Feedback from lecturers June 17
2. Time management Maintaining checklists daily Feedback from classmates and
lecturers
July 17
3. Stress management Meditation Feedback from classmates March 17
4. Language efficacy Reading more books and journals Feedback from lecturers April 17
5. Develop patience Meditation Feedback from classmates and
lecturers
March 17
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SECTION 2: ACADEMIC WRITING
Report (all students except law)
Write your report here. You can find your specific question related to your subject area on the Academic Skills
page on GSM Learn
Remember your report must include the following:
1. A title
2. A clear subject related focus
3. Clear sections, including an introduction, discussion of one or two points and a conclusion
4. A clear, well written and academic writing style
5. Features of report writing such as headings
6. Correct Harvard style in-text citation
7. A correct Harvard style reference list
Title:
SECTION 2: ACADEMIC WRITING
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Essay (Law students only)
Write your essay here. You can find your specific question related to your subject area on the Academic Skills
page on GSM Learn.
Remember your essay must include the following:
1. A title
2. A clear subject related focus
3. Clear sections, including an introduction, discussion of one or two points and a conclusion
4. A clear, well written and academic writing style
5. Features of essay writing such as long developed paragraphs
6. Correct OSCOLA style footnotes
7. A correct OSCOLA style bibliography
Title:
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