This module introduces students to the higher education landscape by focusing on developing essential academic skills, particularly in reading comprehension and academic writing. Students will explore the structure and techniques of effective writing, the principles of referencing, and the importance of academic integrity. Emphasis is placed on nurturing critical thinking, fostering an academic identity, and building an authentic academic voice. Through practical tasks and reflective exercises, students will enhance their academic and information literacy, gaining the competencies and values needed for academic success and lifelong learning.
Introduction to Academic Learning – Navigating Higher Education
Session Overview This session introduces students to the world of higher education, focusing on the differences between everyday learning and academic study. It provides an overview of the expectations, challenges, and opportunities that come with university life, emphasizing the importance of developing independent learning habits. Students will explore essential academic skills, including time management, study techniques, and critical thinking. The session also highlights the importance of effective planning and organization for academic success while introducing the concept of AI-assisted learning and ethical considerations in using technology for academic growth.
Session Relevance Entering higher education requires a shift in learning approaches, emphasizing critical thinking and self-directed study. This session equips students with foundational skills to navigate university life successfully, helping them develop strategies for managing workload, understanding academic expectations, and using available resources effectively.
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Key Topics • Differences between academic and everyday learning • Roles and responsibilities of a university student • Study techniques and time management strategies • The role of AI in academic learning and ethical considerations
Session Objectives The objectives of this session are to: • Recognise the expectations of academic study. • Develop independent learning and time management strategies. • Explore academic resources for study support. • Understand ethical considerations in AI-assisted learning.
Prescribed Reading/Resources Levin, P. (2009). Write great essays! (Ch. 1-2, pp. 1–15). Open University Press. Levin, P. (2009). Write great essays! (Ch. 4, pp 17-20). Open University Press. Barry, P. (2019). In Good with words: Writing and editing (Ch. 1, pp. 1–15). University of Michigan Press
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Speaking the Language of Psychology – Mastering Academic Discourse
Session Overview This session explores the unique language and conventions of academic discourse within psychology. Students will learn how to decode complex texts, use disciplinespecific terminology effectively, and engage in scholarly communication. The session introduces the concept of academic enculturation, which involves adapting to the writing and speaking styles of an academic community. Additionally, students will examine how AI can assist in language development while maintaining ethical and critical engagement with AI-generated content. Emphasis is placed on balancing AI’s role in language support with personal mastery of academic discourse.
Session Relevance Mastering academic language is essential for engaging in scholarly discussions and constructing well-structured arguments. This session helps students develop the ability to communicate clearly, ensuring their writing aligns with the conventions of academic psychology.
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Key Topics • Academic vs. discipline-specific language • Oral and written academic discourse • Psychology as a scientific discipline • AI-powered grammar and writing assistance
Session Objectives The objectives of this session are to: • Understand and apply academic language in psychology. • Differentiate between spoken and written academic discourse. • Develop confidence in academic communication. • Evaluate AI-generated academic writing suggestions critically.
Prescribed Reading/Resources Levin, P. (2009). Write great essays! (Ch. 3, pp. 11–16). Open University Press. Levin, P. (2009). Write great essays! (Ch. 6, pp. 23–34). Open University Press. Heffernan, T. M. (2016). The student’s guide to studying psychology (4th ed., Ch. 1). Psychology Press.
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Academic Integrity – Navigating Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism
Session Overview Academic integrity is a core principle of university education, requiring students to present original work and properly acknowledge sources. This session covers the fundamentals of referencing, including APA citation guidelines, and explores various forms of plagiarism. Students will learn how to maintain originality in their writing while engaging with existing academic literature. The session also introduces AIdriven plagiarism detection tools and their role in preventing unintentional academic dishonesty. However, students will critically evaluate these tools, ensuring they rely on proper citation practices rather than solely on AI-generated plagiarism checks.
Session Relevance Ethical research practices and accurate referencing are fundamental for maintaining credibility in academic writing. This session ensures students understand the importance of acknowledging sources correctly and avoiding both intentional and unintentional plagiarism.
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Key Topics • APA referencing and citation practices • Forms of plagiarism and how to avoid them • Ethical use of academic sources • AI and plagiarism detection tools
Session Objectives The objectives of this session are to: • Explain the principles of academic integrity. • Apply APA citation guidelines accurately. • Recognize and avoid plagiarism in writing. • Evaluate the role of AI in detecting and preventing plagiarism.
Prescribed Reading/Resources Levin, P. (2009). Write great essays! (Ch. 24-30, pp. 123–154). Open University Press.
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