Academic Induction Topics
In the revised Personal Tutorial System, Departments/Schools/the Division are required to address each of the areas of academic induction listed below. These will normally be supported through the Tutorial System although delivery may be offered through other mechanisms (for example, specific study skills units). Personal Tutors should refer to their Department/School's guidance for Personal Tutors for details of how these topics are addressed through their Departmental Personal Tutorial System.
Included in the list are links to resources that tutors may find useful when discussing some of the topics with their tutees. In addition, tutors are encouraged to signpost students to Academic Skills Support through the Student Support and Resources Website.
In the context of studying in general:
- independent learning, including taking responsibility for own learning
- using the personal tutorial system
- getting organised and time management
- writing skills for the discipline (essays, reports, assignments)
- plagiarism and academic integrity
- mathematical skills (where appropriate)
- using Moodle
- information retrieval and literature research
- laboratory skills (where appropriate)
- health and safety (lab related and other)
- electing Units/Programme specialisation choices
- importance of the 'student voice' at the University of Bath (see link for examples of the joint Students' Union / LTEO presentation to students)
- Guiding Principles for the Student Experience
- Personal Development Planning
In the context of assessment and feedback:
- preparing for assessment
- understanding assessment modes
- understanding grading and classification (particularly the differences between classification levels)
- the feedback policy of the department
- feedback processes (including recognising feedback that is available)
In the context of working and studying with others:
- team work principles and roles
- resolving conflict and seeking advice
- group work
- advantages of diversity and internationalisation
- cultural exchange and learning
In the context of seeking support and guidance:
- personal tutoring
- peer support
- students supporting students: SORTED, Advice and Representation Centre through the Students’ Union
- MASH centre: Mathematics and Statistics support
- Academic writing and English language: English Language Centre
- Key skills development (such as writing skills, oral/visual communication skills, information skills, working with others, IT skills
- Library support
- Student Disability Advice: disabilities, learning difficulties and other support needs
- Student Health & Wellbeing (Counselling)
- Essay Writing
- Note Taking
- Revision techniques and Exam preparation
- Seminars and Presentations
- Time Management
Additional Resources
There are also a number of external websites offering guidance on general and subject specific study skills which you may wish to signpost your students to:
Study skills http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/category.php?id=12
Employability skills http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/skillsintro.htm
Palgrave study skills http://www.palgrave.com/skills4study/index.asp
Intute http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk
Recommended reading
1. The Learning and Teaching Enhancement Office recommend the following texts for improving study skills:
The Study Skills Handbook by Stella Cottrell (Palgrave, 2007)
The Exam Skills Handbook by Stella Cottrell (Palgrave, 2008)
Both of these are available in the library.
2. The Advice and Representation Centre also provides downloadable guides on the following specific study skills:
These can be accessed at http://www.bathstudent.com/advice/academic/