Course Description
The life and study skills introduced in this course facilitate transition into college life and support academic achievement. It deals with psycho-social skills for decision making, time and stress management. It also develops study and communication skills for critical thinking, problem solving and creativity. Improves interpersonal empathy leading toward satisfying academic and professional lives.
Learning Outcomes
1. Develop an awareness of personal identity and personality theories to understand others’ behavior in a group setting.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of college regulations, organizational structures, services and resources relevant to academic needs and personal success.
3. Recognize key transitional stages in our lives and develop skills and techniques in relation to preparedness for college and work life.
4. Recognize the importance of time management, teamwork and effective study skills including basic research literacy and critical thinking.
5. Recognize the importance of being a productive member of society both at work and in the broader community.
6. Develop an understanding of the use of digital and information literacy skills for success in college and beyond.
Delivery Framework
Wk 1-4: Beginning the college life journey
General college life orientation
College regulations
Academic policies and standards
Academic honesty
Formal study skills:
listening to instructions
learning strategies
presentation skills
time management
exam skills
Blackboard Learn (BBL) and Banner (portal)learning strategies
presentation skills
time management
exam skills
Wk 5-8: Personal and Interpersonal Skills: Well-being of Individuals
Self-awareness
Self-regulation
Internal motivation
Empathy
Social Skills
Wk 9-12: Preparedness for College
Psycho-social development and challenges of coping with transition from school to college
Essential characteristics of mature and psychologically healthy individuals
Decision making
Problem solving
Wk 12-14: Skills for Family, Work and Community Service
Effective communication skills
Active listening skills
Interpersonal skills
Negotiation skills
Project development and planning
A basic understanding of the Family, Society, and Culture
Teaching and Learning Strategies
An active, collaborative and experiential learning approach is required. The student will make use of a study guide, classroom learning, group discussion, problem-based learning strategies, case analysis, fieldwork and assignments to meet the learning outcomes. A variety of positive learning experiences that encourage student responsibility and sensitivity to the needs of others will be provided.
Assessment
1. Practical Skills Assessment
Coursework
Weight: 25%
A range of activities assessing the application of effective study skills to current courses (e.g. understanding terminology, use of an assessment planner and course checklist, etc.).
2. Project Output
Coursework
Weight: 20%
Reflective journal outlining steps that have been taken to manage stress and enhance well-being. To be completed on BBL.
3. Portfolio and Oral Presentation
Coursework
Weight: 25%
Produce a portfolio and give a presentation in front of the class, outlining the achievements and skills acquired within this course related to academic success.
4. Final Exam: written examination
Final Assessment
Weight: 30%
This exam assesses student’s overall understanding of the concepts and information introduced in the whole course. Duration: 2 hours.
Learning Resources
Cambridge, D. (2010). E-portfolios for Life-Long Learning and Assessment. John Wiley & Sona.
Cottrell, S. (2010). Skills for Success: Personal development and employability. Palgrave.
Sears, S. J. (2010). Building Your Career: A guide to your future. Prentice Hall.
Trought, F. (2011). Brilliant Employability Skills. Prentice Hall.
Website: www.lifeandstudyskills.blogspot.ae
Zubizarreta, J. (2009). The Learning Portfolio: Reflective practice for improving student learning. Jossey-Bass.
HCT Handbook 2018: click here.
