Pre-entry learning – phase 2 ‘skills4uni’

Abstract

This project provided pre-entry academic writing skills support. Although the initial aims and objectives for the module were not all achieved, the module has formed an important element of the Access to Birmingham Higher Education Learning Module, replacing the Foundations of Learning Module. The main advantage from this is that the students can access learning materials flexibly either at college or at home, rather than having to attend sessions at the University. 356 pre-entry applicants to the University were provided with academic writing skills support through the online module. Through working with these materials students are encouraged to analyse written texts and to consider carefully their use of language in writing and presenting for academic purposes. The module prepares students for the A2B summer academic assignment through its emphasis on understanding and avoiding plagiarism and its insistence on thorough and accurate referencing. 146 students completed the end of module test and these results were presented to Admissions tutors at the time of exam results publication, thereby providing additional information to help tutors when making decisions about borderline applicants. Although the module has met several of its aims, we would now like to take the project forward into a second phase using remaining project funds, in order to further develop the learning experience for the students.