Course Leader: Stephan K HOUGHTON
Home Institution: University of Reunion Island, France
Course pre-requisite(s): B1+ or higher in English on the European CEFR
International study increases not only students' skills and knowledge but also future employability in an increasingly globalized society. However, the success of such study depends on the necessary linguistic, study and intercultural skills. Insufficient preparation can lead to negative experiences or even failure due to linguistic isolation, poor academic performance or culture shock.
This course is designed to provide students with the necessary practical skills to guarantee the success and benefits of international study. Students will develop their proficiency in using oral and written language to effectively communicate and learn (English Language Skills). They will also perfect methods and techniques that aid effective learning, such as organizing and taking in new information, retaining information, or dealing with assessments (Study Skills). Finally, students will develop the ability to understand and adapt to different cultural situations and academic contexts (Intercultural Skills).
The course should interest all students considering, planning or preparing to study in an international context.
By the end of the course a successful student will be able to:
(i) take clear and well-organized notes in lectures,
(ii) participate actively in seminars and tutorials,
(iii) give an effective oral presentation,
(iv) prepare efficiently for assessments,
(v) communicate and interact appropriately with people from other cultures,
(vi) demonstrate knowledge of academic learning and assessment formats.
Understanding Lectures
Lectures as a learning format; active listening; styles and techniques for note-taking (Cornell notes, mapping/diagrams, etc.); using symbols & abbreviations; pre- & post-lecture activities.
Participating in Seminars and Tutorials
Seminars and tutorials as a learning format; active listening; interactive language (interrupting, agreeing/disagreeing, expressing opinions, etc.); pre- & post- activities.
Giving Oral Presentations
Purpose and types of oral presentation; preparation, design and practice of an oral presentation; presentation language (openings & introductions, sequencers & transitions summarizing & concluding, etc.); handling questions.
Preparing for Assessments
Organizing revision, active revision and exam technique; revision strategies; memorization techniques.
Academic Cultures
An overview of academic cultures; formats for learning and assessment.
A blended-learning approach will be used during the course consisting of online resources and in-class workshops. Online resources (videos, documents, quizzes) on a dedicated Moodle platform will provide pre-workshop preparation and post-workshop consolidation activities of course content. Workshops will involve pair and group work on task-based, discussion-based, and practical activities.
Completion of online activities and full participation in workshop activities will be necessary for the successful achievement of the learning outcomes.
Required Course Materials
Students will need access to a computer with an internet connection.
Background reading:
Boulay, D (2009) Study Skills for Dummies. Wiley. (ISBN-13: 978-0470740477)
Cottrell, S (2019) The Study Skills Handbook, 5th Edition. Macmillan (ISBN-13: 978-1137610874)
McMillan, K & Weyers, J (2012) The Study Skills Book, 3rd Edition. Pearson (ISBN-13: 978-0273773313)
Students will be evaluated by: continuous assessment (30%); note-taking of an academic lecture (20%); participation in an academic discussion (20%); and an oral presentation (30%).
Feedback will take the form of peer and instructor comments, and video recordings of the academic discussions and oral presentations.