University of Example - ACSK4001 Academic Skills Portfolio

This academic skills portfolio, designed for the ACSK4001 course, encompasses various components aimed at developing and demonstrating core academic competencies. The portfolio includes a self-evaluation checklist, personal SWOT analysis, exercises on structuring writing, quantitative data analysis, and evaluating sources. Furthermore, it features tasks on synthesizing information, in-text citations, and presenting assignments. The portfolio also incorporates written tasks such as editing and proofreading, post-presentation reflection, and a personal development plan. A significant portion of the portfolio focuses on academic writing, specifically addressing the UK's exit from the European Union, and reflective writing. The assignments are designed to assess students' abilities to apply critical thought, reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, and utilize appropriate technologies for self-analysis and reflection. The portfolio emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying academic literacy skills throughout the course.

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.
The deadline for
uploading the
online portfolio
is:
2
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 t asks will be drafted
in class and are designed to
inform the written tasks in s
ection 1; S uggested 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
(T hese written tasks should
be developed throughout the
semester but compl eted 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
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
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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 ☐  ☐ ☐
IT
Access the internet ☐ ☐  ☐
Use search engines ☐  ☐ ☐
Create word documents ☐ ☐ ☐ 
Use PowerPoint ☐ ☐  ☐
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 have adequate amount of confidence so as to present
myself effectively.
1. Reliability of collected data is a question as it have direct impact
on the results.
2. Knowledge related to the subject helps in putting up the best
at front.
2. Time management can be an issue as it can affect the reliability
of overall project
3. Brainstorming ideas helps in receiving the best idea that can
be used in the subject matter
3. I am Aggressive in nature and hence get agitated very easily
4 Top 5 Strengths/talents (Gallup test):
 I am patient enough
 I have helpful nature which can further assist the team
4. I become impulsive and react on small things.
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mates
 I am innovative enough while working on a certain
project.
 I get creative ideas based on which the project can be
made effective
 I am optimistic in nature which always motivates me
to work
External
OPPORTUNITIES
[People, resources, opportunities]
THREATS
[ Things outside of my control ]
1. To develop analytical skills 1. Changes in the theories can deviate the results
2. To enhance the knowledge of subject 2. Financial constraint can reduce the access to the secondary data
from paid websites
3. To brainstorm data in order to reach to effective results 3. Planning constraint as I am not very good at planning and
managing things
4. To work efficiently and effectively to achieve the desired
goals.
4. Lack of knowledge regarding the subject
Discuss: how are you going to overcome your
weaknesses and minimise the threats? ( approx
100 words )
The weakness can be minimized by considering time management while considering the subject and
perform adequate market research so that appropriate data can be collected which is reliable enough to conduct
the study. Aggression and impulsive nature can be controlled through calm nature. Threats can be controlled by
keep an eye over changing environment further finding the method through which optimum utilization of the
resources can be initiated.
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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?
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.
Title: UK's exist from European Union
Introduction: The heading will include background of the topic “ UK's exist from European Union.
Further, it will include brief knowledge regarding Brexit. Moreover, few points that will be covered in
the report will be stated in brief.
Discussion point 1: The discussion will include concept of Brexit and its impacts on the economic
condition of the country. Further, detail discussion will be made on various causes of Brexit in Britain
Discussion point 2: Another important point of discussion will be made on effect of Brexit on
country's functioning. Key elements of negotiation between EU and UK with respect to Brexit process
will also be assessed.
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Discussion point 3: Various causes of Brexit will be discussed.
Conclusion: The overall crux of the essay will be concluded by inferring the discussion points
included.
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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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Illustration 1: Polling on impact on attractiveness of UK
(Source: British Council, 2016)
Reference
British Council, 2016. Available at
<https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ndqkbkqkzhqny9/G20%20survey_presspack_FINAL_embargoed%20until
%2000.01,%2015%20December%202016.pdf?dl=0>.

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.
The graph pasted above shows the assessment made on what is the impact of UK leaving Brexit on
Global, EU, common wealth and rest of G2O. The voting was conducted in these four stated areas.
Likert scale is used to make the analysis where the main form of answers are, very positive impact,
fairly positive impact, makes no difference, Don't have any opinion, fairly negative impact and very
negative impact.
At global level, 14% of people thinks that there is a very positive impact on the country after its
departure from EU. Further, positive impact is also assessed by another 18% people included in voting
globally. Hence, it can be assessed that 32% people are in favor of UK for Brexit. However, there are
other 21% people who thinks there will be negative impact of Brexit on the country.
On the other hand, EU thinks that the company will have to face negative economy due to its exit from
EU. It shows that 17% people thinks that the attractiveness of UK will increase. However, 36% people
thinks that it is going to decrease in near future.
Considering Overall graph there majority of people thinks that UK will have positive impact on its
attractiveness and functions. Hence, it is suggested that the country must opt for Brexit.
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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
Brexit and monetary
policy. 2017. [Online].
Available through
<http://www.bankofengla
nd.co.uk/publications/Pag
es/speeches/2016/917.asp
x>.
The consequences of
Brexit for UK trade and
living standards. 2017.
[Pdf]. Available through
<http://cep.lse.ac.uk/pubs/
download/brexit02.pdf>.
Brexit and marketing
budgets: What does it all
mean. 2016. [Online].
Available through
<https://www.wearecataly
st.co.uk/blog/brexit-
marketing-budgets-what-
does-it-all-mean>.
Authority Martin Wale Research scholar Blog writer
Currency Medium Medium Low
Content General Specific general
Accuracy High High Low
Audience Residents of UK Industries involved in
business
Policymakers, Public
Further notes/
comments
Nil Nil Nil
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
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:
Key ideas: The focus was on main reason of Brexit and its economic impact on implications of monetary
policies
Text B:
Key Ideas: The consequences of Brexit on living and trading standards of UK has been discussed.
Text C:
Key Ideas: Reasons of uncertainty in economy due to Brexit and its impact on online traders.
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).
PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE
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Week 7: Presenting your project , 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 baseyour presentation on one key point (one
main section/paragraph) from your assignment using thefollowing 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? (1 min )
 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.
Slide 1: Introduction to the topic “UK exists from European Union” . It will help in getting overall
idea to the topic.
Slide 2: Impact of Brexit on trade. Impact of Brexit on different sectors will be discussed in this part.
Slide 3: Reasons of Brexit will be assessed.
Slide 4: Explanation on opportunity created in the country due to Brexit. The focus will lie on
employment and increase in industrialization in the country.
Slide 5: Implications of Brexit will be discussed in this slide.
Slide 6: Conclusion to the whole presentation.
Slide 7: Recommendations on strategies that can be adopted by UK after Brexit in order to reduce its
impact on economy.
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).
*
D. Has a convincing introduction, arguments/ *
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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. *
Strengths:
 The understanding regarding the subject is concrete
 Possess effective communication skills which helped in preparing the report
successfully.
 Supported the argument with evidence and critically analyze the same.
Areas of improvements:
 Need to make adequate improvements in writing convincing introduction and
conclusion.
 Insightful on self assessment of strengths and weaknesses is less.
 Lack of argument in the analysis of the topic demonstrating less understanding
regarding the stated topic.
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