Academic Skills Portfolio: Autumn 2018 - Evaluating, Writing, Data

This Academic Skills Portfolio, submitted by a student, encompasses several key academic skills. Task 1 evaluates three texts, comparing their authority, currency, content, accuracy, and audience. Task 2 involves presenting and analyzing migration data, including a handwritten in-class analysis and an improved written paragraph. Task 3 focuses on academic writing, with an introduction and discussion sections addressing the impact of Brexit on recruitment and retention within the UK workforce, referencing relevant sources and data. Task 4 requires presentation skills, and Task 5 involves reflective writing. The portfolio adheres to specified word counts for each task and addresses the impact of Brexit on the workforce, focusing on recruitment and retention challenges and potential solutions.

Autumn 2018
Academic
Skills Portfolio
Name:
Student number:
Degree studied:
ACSK lecturer name:
ACSK tutor name:
This is your Academic Skills Portfolio, which should be submitted by Thursday 20th December, 2pm via your
student portal.
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).
Please refer to suggested word counts for each task included within this portfolio.
Submission deadline:
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Table of Contents
Task Pag
e Week LO
Task 1: Evaluating sources & critically engaging with texts 3 3 1&2
Task 2: Discussing data 4 6 1&2
Task 3: Academic Writing 7 1-10 1
Task 4: Presentation 8 9 1
Task 5: Reflective writing 10 9-10 3&4
Word count: 1,800 (+/- 10%)
 Task 1: 300 words
 Task 2: 300 words
 Task 3:700 words
 Task 4: 200 words
 Task 5: 300 words
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TASK 1
Evaluating sources & critically engaging with texts (to be completed in week 3)
(Word count: 300 words)
Evaluate 3 texts by completing the following table. Text A is the same for every student
and is shown next to the citation/reference box. For Texts B and C you can choose texts
that you are planning to use as references in your academic writing task. You can use texts
from your reading list or texts you have found yourselves or texts recommended by your
lecturer. Make notes for Texts A, B, C below.
Text A ↓
All students should use the text shown in the
box (also available on GSM Learn).
Text B ↓
This is a text of your choice.
Text C ↓
This is a text of your choice.
Citation/reference
Read, R. and Fenge,
L.A., 2018. What does
Brexit mean for the UK
social care workforce?
Perspectives from the
recruitment and
retention
frontline. Health &
Social Care in the
Community.
Vancouver
[Accessed 26
November 2018].
Ford, M., 2016. The
Impact of Brexit on UK
Labour
Law. International
Journal of Comparative
Labour Law and
Industrial Relations.
32(4). pp.473-495.
[Accessed 26 November
2018]
Gammon, J., 2017. The
meaning of
Brexit. Engineering
Insight. 18(2). p.35.
[Accessed 26 November
2018]
Resource type
(e.g. book, journal et.c.)
Article Journal Journal Article
Authority
(Who is the author? Is
he/she qualified to
speak on this topic?)
Rosie Read and Lee‐Ann
Fenge
Yes both are qualified to
discuss on topic.
Michael Ford
Yes, author is qualified to
discuss on topic because
the study is by international
journals which promotes
profession writing
Gammon, Jonathan
Yes, author is qualified to
discuss on topic because
the study is based on
engineering collection
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Currency
(Is the text up-to-
date?)
Pound Pound Dollar
Content
(Is the content relevant
to your topic?)
Yes Yes Yes
Accuracy
(Are any facts & ideas
supported with
evidence?)
Yes Yes Yes
Audience
(Who is this text
written for?)
Specifically for staff of
social care
Specifically for employer
as it is based on
employment rights in UK.
It can be used by every
researcher who wants to
gain sight over, meaning
and impact of Brexit.
Further notes/
comments
The study is conducted
specifically for staff of
social care by helps in
analysing perspective
from retention and
recruitment
The research is conducted
to develop understanding
over relevant implication
for employment rights in
UK after Britain exit from
European union.
The study is effective for
determining employment
opportunities and shortage
of engineering skills in Post
Brexit Britain.
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TASK 2
Discussing data (to be completed in week 6)
(Word count: 300 words)
Part I: Presenting data
Cut and paste the graph you used in the tutorial here and give it a title. You can find it on the Academic
Skills page on GSM Learn. Remember to write a full Harvard or OSCOLA reference for it and add a
title.
Title: Migration in UK by nationality
Graph:
Reference:
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Part II: Analysing data – Compulsory in-class task (ACSK tutorial, week 6)
Write a handwritten paragraph in your week 6 tutorial class addressing the areas in the box below.
Remember to refer to the graph/chart using correct OSCOLA or Harvard style in-text citation.
1. A description of your data (What is it? Where does it come from? What area is it
focussing on?).
The data is focusing on net migration of people in UK on the basis of nationality
2. A summary on what the data shows in general.
Major migration in UK was seen within 2009 to 2010
3. One or two areas of the data looked at in detail and an explanation of why you
think they are significant.
Net Non EU migration, Total net migration. It was important to derive difference
between immigration and net immigration.
4. The important trends and differences/comparisons in the areas you have chosen.
Immigration and net immigration.
5. Possible explanations for what the data is showing (remember to reference wider
research to back your ideas up).
In accordance with presentation it can be said that total EU migration will decrease
with regard to overall immigration.
6. A recommendation for further action that could arise from this data.
The data could have more specific with regard to nationality, cultures and beliefs
1. (COMPULSORY TASK, to be completed in-class): Paste a picture of the handwritten paragraph you
wrote in-class, with your tutor’s signature, here. Please do NOT type the paragraph here.
Note: If you could not attend your week 6 tutorial class, please e-mail the module leader.
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2. (To be completed independently): Re-write the paragraph you wrote in-class, making improvements.
Type your improved paragraph below.
Brexit negotiation is focusing on establishing control over immigration. It was important to derive
difference between immigration and net immigration because there will a decrease in overall
immigration in comparison to EU immigration. Central idea of graph states that immigration of EU
will have significant impact in net migration. The graph notified that there is significant increase in EU
migration from 2009 to 2015.
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TASK 3
Academic Writing (to be completed in weeks 1-10)
(Word count: 700 words – suggested word counts for each section are outlined below)
Check the assessment section of the Academic Skills page on GSM Learn for your programme-specific topic. You
must choose a different sub-topic from the one you may have chosen in a previous attempt. Write your
answers in the boxes below (please do NOT insert PDFs or screenshots).
Remember: The presentation of your writing should reflect the type of text you have been asked to write
(e.g. reports need to have appropriate headings).
All students are reminded that Plagiarism, Collusion and Ghost writing are forms of cheating which will be
investigated in accordance with GSM’s Academic Misconduct Regulations.
Law students with a proven academic offence (as outlined above) are reported to the Solicitors Regulation Authority
and The Bar Council, which can prevent a student from being admitted into the legal profession.
Part I: Introduction
Type your introduction in the box below (approx.100-150 words).
With announcement of the Britain leaving the European Union, the whole world was
shocked as this was never ever expected by any nation. The consent for this movement was taken
by public voting, and votes in favour of this motion were come to 52%. With this exit of Britain
from EU was sure and this was termed as “Brexit”. Britain will EU on 29th May 2018 and with it
will be a separate nation having its own legislation, rules and regulation. This decision not only
affect the economy but also other factors of economy. Industrial developments, employment,
international trade and commerce all are affected to a rate extent. In present task a discussion about
impact of Brexit on recruitments and retention of current and prospective employees is determined
with context of Keeping higher skills workers in UK.
Part II: Discussion
Type your discussion part in the box below (approx.400-500 words).
With a Survey conducted by CIPD as Resourcing and Talent Planing 2017, an insight on key
workforce issue arising from Brexit has been analysis (Brexit impact on workforce trend, 2018).
With announcement of Brexit it has been seen that states of confusion is revolving around the
industries that what will happen after Brexit and the one of the major area being affected by this is
the working force in Britain and all around the Globe. With Brexit the business organisation are
putting more emphasis on the developments of the existing staff, increment in communication and
opportunities to listen to workforce. The recruitment process is also closely monitored. It is
anticipated that in for a period of announcement and actual leaving of Britain from Eu a tough
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competition is expected for recruitments of key, senior and high skilled staff. The firms in the
industry must remain more alert and active to the anticipated change and be quick in attracting and
retaining the people with the best skills. The skills talent includes employees in high digital,
technical and engineering industries.
As per the Chamber of Commerce the main impact is on UK workforce and it must
continue to retain and attract them most talented brains and scientists to make sure that it hold it
prominent place in world economy (BREXIT: Attracting and retaining talent, 2018). With Brexit the
Eu more than EU migrants from hospitality and tourism sector are retained in UK and this will
have a larger impact on UK economy. But as per the Survey report the UK organisation can face a
difficulty in recruitments of senior and skilled and technical employees.
As per the report from ICS the fact is determined that post Brexit Announcement 785% of
the HR managers are finding it difficult to recruit the skilled talented and retention of dames is also
affected to a grate extent. This can be stated with the fat that 90% of the law firm have anticipated
that most of their talent will defiantly migrate to international firms (The impact of Brexit on
Retention and Recruitment, 2018). A shortage of skills manpower is estimated to 1.8 million. A fall
on 50% is determined in recruitment of foreign candidates post Brexit voting.
The business organisation with fewer international skilled talent are definitely affected.
Though the business organisation of UK are willing to recruit employees from other EU nations, the
shortage of talent and a fall in attraction and interest in jobs of UK, the competition is more likely to
increase. One forth of current workforce of UK is also seeking new job and opportunities and two
thirds are considering to change the country of job as they do not find ant thing attractive in
retention. The retention on present employers from UK itself is also migrating from the nation post
dune 2016, hence new recruitment is very difficulty.
Part III: Conclusion
Type your conclusion in the box below (approx.100-150 words).
This can be concluded that with an announcement of UK leaving Eu the job market stater to
have ambiguities and post the voting in favour of Brexit, the current and prospective employees do
not find anything attracting in UK as it is anticipated that with in a new nation the growth
opportunities are very few and with new rules and regulation on one wants to start from Scratch. It
will be vary difficulty for UK to recruit new skilled and talented workforce as no one is willing join
jobs in UK after Brexit. The existing staff in technicals, tourism, banking, hospitality and
construction is trying to either leaves the job and switch to international organisation or to start new
jobs.
With this it can be concluded from 23rd June 2016, With Brexit announcement UK is finding
it difficult to retain its existing national and internation workforce. Recruitment is also difficult as not
one is willing to work in nation with new identity and lesser opportunities of growth.
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Part IV: References
Type your references below.
Online:
Brexit impact on workforce trends. 2018. [Online]. Available through
:<https://www.cipd.co.uk/news-views/brexit-hub/workforce-trends>.
The impact of Brexit on Retention and Recruitment. 2018. [Online]. Available through
:<https://www.icslearn.co.uk/blog/posts/2017/july/tapering-talent-the-impact-of-brexit-
on-retention-and-recruitment/>.
BREXIT: Attracting and retaining talent . 2018. [Pdf]. Available through
:<https://www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/22-03-
2017_Policy-Statement_BREXIT_Attracting-Retaining-Talent_Final.pdf>.
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TASK 4
Presentation (to be completed in weeks 7 - 9)
(Word count: 200 words)
You will deliver a 7-minute presentation (including visual aids) to other students in your tutorial class in
week 9.
You should base your presentation on one academic skill you consider important for university students
on your programme of study. You can use sources from the academic skills reading skills on GSM Learn
to prepare your presentation.
You can use the following structure for guidance with suggested timings:
 Title page (your name and a title for your presentation)
 Overview of what your 7-minute presentation will cover (30 secs)
 Introduction: Identify one academic skill and briefly describe it (1minute).
 Explain how it can be developed (1-2 minutes).
 Explain why this skill is important (2-3 minutes).
 Finish your presentation with a summary? (1min)
 Ask your audience for questions / observations.
 Reference list
Part I: Presentation planning (slides or notes / weeks 7-9)
Provide evidence here to show that you have planned your presentation. This could take the form of a
detailed plan or your PowerPoint slides (no PDF files). If you copy your slides here, please make sure
that they are legible.
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Part II: Post-presentation reflection (week 9)
Using the table below, write notes about your presentation. You should make notes of:
a. Your group’s comment about your presentation.
b. Your reflection on your presentation.
c. What you could improve in future presentations.
You should include any points of interest in your reflective writing task in section B.
Your groups’ comment about your presentation
Content
(How clear, complete and informative was the presentation?) Point specification in every
slide helped in clear
understanding.
Audience Engagement
(How enjoyable / interesting did the audience find it?)
The discussion was
interesting because of chosen
academic skill
Organisation
(How well-structured was it? How well did the visuals support it?)
The PPT was structure and
visual support was clear
Professionalism
(How slick and professional was it?)
Clear specification of heading
and communication skill of
learner made ppt presentation
highly professional.
Your reflection on your presentation
Content
(How clear, complete and informative was the presentation?)
The information was clear
because there was no critique
statement
Audience Engagement
(How enjoyable / interesting did the audience find it?)
The participation of audience
was supportive and was based
on individual slides.
Organisation
(How well-structured was it? How well did the visuals support it?)
Point specification on the
basis of heading make
specified structure of PPT
Professionalism
(How slick and professional was it?)
Clear justifiable statement of
presentation made it highly
professional
Action Points
(What could you do better in future presentations?)
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In accordance with my opinion and audience view it is clear the structuring and discussion of
presentation was professionals but in future I have planned to distribute cards among audience
which will comprise question on the basis of information in presentation. This will support critical
thinking and discussion with audience during presentation.
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TASK 5
Reflective Writing (to be completed after week 9)
(Word count: 300 words)
Write a 300-word reflective summary applying the content of your presentation to your subject area.
Your summary should include 2
paragraphs on:
1. What did you learn from delivering a
presentation? You can use Gibb’s
reflective model to answer this question
(150 words).
2. How does the skill your presentation
focused on relate to students and
professionals of your subject area?
What can they learn from it? How can
they develop it? How is it useful? You
can also refer to your other modules to
answer this question (150 words).
Gibb’s reflective cycle (1988)
Remember to write 2 paragraphs in full sentences.
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The reflective writing will help in outlining learning of university learner from presentation on one
academic skills that is communication. I feel presentation in from of audience in the best way of
analysing own learning and knowledge over specific area. Personally, the presentation was
interesting and helped me in gaining insights over importance of communication skill which is the
key academic skills for university students. However, I evaluated that the best part of presentation
was head wise discussion which helped in outlining every aspect of specific points of
communication skill like its importance and development which was the best part which helped in
developing clear understanding among audience. Further, I analysed that communication for
university learners play a crucial role as it supports critical thinking and persuasive skills at
university. Thus, I would like to concluded by stating that presentation helped me in boosting
confidence and learning over effective communication. However, in future my focus will be on
distributing debate cards in order to encourage critical discussion with participants.
The reflective writing is focused on analysing needs and importance of communication for students
and professionals of university. I feel communication is the core skill which supports learning,
thinking of students. Apparently, in my opinion communication skill is essential part of university
learner as it depicts individual persuasive ability. On the other hand, I evaluated that effective
communication is important for students learners because the individuals will be able to explore
critical thinking over one specific research are which is basis for communication skill in university.
Likewise, I analysed that communication skill is important to display own understanding over one
specific area of research. Thus, I would like to concluded by stating that the presentation over the
skill is important because it will be supportive for individuals interaction during research projects.
Hence, in future my focus will be on taking combination of two skills for presentation because it will
help in deriving importance of skills by making comparison.
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