The purpose of this module is to develop the necessary learning strategies and communication skills to succeed at third-level. The module will focus on the development of critical competencies such as research skills, learning techniques, academic and business writing, referencing, design thinking, communication and interpersonal collaboration. It also familiarises students with the TU Dublin Strategic Intent 2030, in which the university's commitment to the three strategic pillars, People, Planet, Partnership, is communicated. Thus, some of the learning, teaching and assessment strategies adopted will be tailored to these strategic pillars, equipping students with many of the skills needed for successful learning and professional development.
Preparing for Effective Learning
Introduction to graduate attributes and rationale for Critical Skills & Communication module; Learning at third level (teaching methods/styles – lectures, labs, tutorials; learning outcomes, assessment approaches independent learning, extra-curricular activities); Responsibilities as a learner, personal learning/development planning; Using technology to support learning; Using the Library and other academic supports; Learning context (exploring the context and connectivity of learning and linking learning to college, work and life).
Learning Strategies
Understanding intelligence and learning (what is learning, learning preferences, multiple intelligences, thinking about your learning); Learning strategies (factors for effective learning; active learning; reflective learning, learning journals); Effective note-making (summarising material, mind-mapping, concept-mapping); Effective reading skills (planning your reading, critical and active reading, skimming).
Communication Skills & Critical Thinking
Collaborative problem-solving skills within the context of 21st-century learning skills development (e.g., communication and critical thinking/creativity). Gain insight into how communication can be used to build more inclusive communities; Develop a set of communicative skills crucial for employability in marketing and advertising (e.g. study contemporary communication models; master listening skills & skills for communicating with others). Making oral presentations and public speaking. Understanding and respecting diversity (e.g., perception, other cultures/backgrounds, disability; understand the relationship between the individual and society and the importance of responsible consumption in this context). Develop critical [design] thinking (forming an argument, solving problems; generating ideas; participating in debates, approaching tasks from different perspectives, discussing solutions and drawing conclusions).
Groupwork and Collaboration
Collaborating to achieve impact (gain insight into how to achieve cooperation with stakeholders through effective communication); Rationale for groupwork (skills gained and implications for further study, work and life); Groupwork techniques (guidelines for effective groupwork, organising study groups, completing group assignments, assigning roles and tasks, being an effective group member, dealing with difficulties in groupwork); Using intrapersonal and interpersonal skills in groupwork (talking and listening skills, negotiation, leadership, giving and receiving constructive feedback).
Research Skills and Academic Writing
What are research skills and why are they important?; Information sources and types; Finding information (e.g., academic databases, digital/electronic sources); Evaluating information; Using and communicating information; Academic writing (writing styles, planning your work; starting to write; developing your writing); Referencing and plagiarism; Using referencing sofware tools to support referencing and formatting (e.g. Mendeley, Endnote); Academic Integrity and artificial intelligence tools.
Professional Development and Career Planning
Reflect on your Professional Development Plan (PDP): Maximising your influence and impact, recognising strengths and weaknesses; Time management and balancing college work and life; Setting career goals; Building a career plan and portfolio; Organisation skills (planning, prioritising, procrastination).
Learning and teaching methods are varied and acknowledge the different learning styles among the learner cohort. The main teaching approaches
on this module are as follows:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Debates
- Peer-to-peer learning
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |