Academic Skills Portfolio (ACSK4001) Name: Student Number: Lecturer name: Tutor name: This is your Academic Skills 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 a completed electronic copy. Please refer to suggested word counts for each task included within this portfolio. The deadline for uploading the online portfolio is………………………………………………………………………………………   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 3 Primary research: (Quantitative) data analysis (suggested word count: 300 words) 5-7 LO 1 & 2 4 Evaluating sources and referencing (suggested word count 150 words) 8 LO 1 & 2 5 Synthesising and in-text citations (suggested word count: 250 words) 9 LO 1 & 2 6 Structuring your writing (including examples and evidence) 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 LO 1 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 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 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 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] 1) 2) 3) 4) Top 5 Strengths/talents (Gallup test): WEAKNESSES [Personal barriers; things stopping me, but still within my control] 1) 2) 3) 4) external OPPORTUNITIES [People, resources, opportunities] 1) 2) 3) 4) THREATS [Things outside of my control] 1) 2) 3) 4) Discuss: how are you going to overcome your weaknesses and minimise the threats? PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE Week 3: Presenting and analysing data Presenting data As a group, you are now going to visually present your data to highlight what you believe are the most important points. Decide with your group what you think is the best way of presenting the data in order for it to be: a) effective given your context, and b) engaging for your audience. Remember to correctly reference your data!   PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE Week 3: written analysis of data Analysing data Using your data, first discuss, and then plan how to present the following information (1-6). Make notes next to each bullet point: 1. Describe your data (What is it? Where does it come from? What area is it focussing on?): 2. Summarise what the data shows in general: 3. Choose one or two areas of the data to look at in detail and explain why you think they are significant: 4. Highlight the important trends and differences/comparisons in the areas you have chosen: 5. What are possible explanations for what the data is showing? (remember to reference wider research to back your ideas up): 6. Make 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 to the graph/chart. 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. PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE Week 4: Evaluating sources & critically engaging with texts In your study groups, evaluate 3 different texts 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 Currency Content Accuracy Audience Further notes/ comments PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE Week 5: Synthesising In groups of 2 or 3: you are going to discuss the similarities and differences of 3 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: Text B: (in-text citation: ______ ) Key ideas: Text C: (in-text citation: ______ ) Key ideas: 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). PORFOLIO EVIDENCE Week 6: Structuring your writing During your tutorial you will learn how to group ideas and develop paragraphs to give structure to your academic writing.   PORFOLIO 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. Below plan your presentation: 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/ 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).   good evidence some evidence insufficient evidence 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: (type 3 short bullet points here) Areas for Improvement: (type 3 short bullet points here)   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’ comments Content (How clear, complete and informative was the presentation?) Audience Engagement (How enjoyable / interesting did the audience find it?) Organisation (How well-structured was it? How well did the visuals support it?) Professionalism (How slick and professional was it? Your reflection Content (How clear, complete and informative was the presentation?) Audience Engagement (How enjoyable / interesting did the audience find it?) Organisation (How well-structured was it? How well did the visuals support it?) Professionalism (How slick and professional was it? Action Points (what could you do better in future presentations)   PORTFOLIO EVIDENCE 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 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 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). You will be asked about these goals when you start your professional skills course. 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 my assignments. Feedback from peers and lecturers. April 2017 1 2 3 4 5 SECTION 2: ACADEMIC WRITING Report (all students except Law) You are the CEO of a business. Write a short business report (900 words) to your local government based on The UK’s withdrawal from The European Union, and how this impacts on your area of interest/business. Your area of interest/focus*: Recruitment in the events industry Title: the possible impact of the referendum result which took place on 23rd June 2016 on Recruitment in the events industry 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? 4.0 Reference list (word count is not applicable)  Include a full reference for all the sources you have cited in your text. *You can find more guidance regarding this topic (including reading lists) on GSM learn As this is a report, you can include the following features: subheadings, bullet points, charts, graphs etc. SECTION 2: REFLECTIVE WRITING Summary (all students) In both academic and professional settings you’ll often be asked to reflect on your learning and/or work experience. Use Gibbs’ reflective model (below) to help structure your reflective summary and reflect on your experience of the Academic Skills module, and what you have learned. Your summary should include two paragraphs on: 1. Your experience of working with a (study) group in an academic context. You should include something you learned from the post-presentation reflection here (150 words). [use Gibbs’ model (below) to structure your paragraph] 1. One key academic skill you have developed as a result of taking this module (150 words). [use Gibbs’ model (below) to structure your paragraph] Remember to write in full sentences and use paragraphs.