H6AWS - Academic Writing Skills

Long Title:Academic Writing Skills
Language of Instruction:English
Module Code:H6AWS
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:LEVEL 6
Field of Study: Education Science
Module Delivered in 7 programme(s)
Module Coordinator: Laura Costelloe
Module editor: Laura Costelloe
Teaching and Learning Strategy: The module uses a learner-centred approach which acknowledges the variety of learning preferences and learning needs in the classroom. It is highly interactive and primarily workshop-based, incorporating opportunities for learning by doing and through engagement with fellow students. On-going feedback is an integral feature of this module and is incorporated at regular intervals throughout as students will be provided with constructive feedback on their writing as they go through the writing process. Students will be provided with samples of effective academic writing and encouraged to recognise the features of academic writing as a genre. Learners will also regularly participate in writing exercises in class, which will be supplemented by independent writing activities. In the delivery of the module opportunities for group work, self- and peer-assessment will be maximised, where possible. The assessment strategy for this module is broadly written so as to allow for integrative assessment with other modules on the programme.
Learning Environment: This module can be taught in a classroom setting and may incorporate a variety of delivery methods, both online and face-to-face.
Module Description: The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the genre of academic writing and associated conventions. It aims to develop productive writing habits among students, therefore equipping students with the key skills necessary to plan, draft, edit and revise an academic assignment. It seeks to develop learners’ academic literacies abilities, particularly the ability to address a written academic assignment for third level learning, including the associated research and writing skills. This module is likely to benefit all students, including those transitioning from second level and learners returning to study following a long break.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
LO1 Plan, draft, edit and revise a written assignment using a variety of writing strategies that can be adapted depending on the stage of the writing process.
LO2 Demonstrate effective information management skills and the ability to identify, select, evaluate and analyse information from a number of sources, including the library and online resources.
LO3 Incorporate a variety of academic sources in written assignments, using direct quotation, paraphrase and summary.
LO4 Correctly reference a variety of sources for academic writing, adhering to appropriate referencing conventions.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
The Writing Process
- Process approach to writing - Planning strategies (outlining, mindmapping) - Drafting strategies (freewriting, writing to a prompt, generative writing) - Editing strategies - Revision strategies - Structuring a paragraph - Developing appropriate vocabulary for academic writing
Information Management: identifying and assessing academic sources
- Using the library and finding relevant information - Assessing and evaluating the quality of academic sources - Gathering information relevant to a question - Accessing online resources
Using evidence in academic writing
- Direct quotation (when is it appropriate, selecting text for direct quotation) - Paraphrase - Summary - Organising information and presenting evidence in a logical and coherent manner
Harvard Referencing and building a bibliography
- Referencing and citations in academic referencing - Harvard referencing style - In-text citation and bibliography
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Portfolio Students prepare a portfolio documenting and evidencing the development of academic writing skills throughout the course of the module. Indicative content [subject to change]: (i) Learner journal which documents evidence of the use of a variety of writing strategies during the writing process. Students are expected to include samples of academic writing (e.g. earlier and revised drafts) as evidence of development and use of various strategies. (ii) Samples from two academic assignments (which may have been submitted as required for other module/s on the programme) which display evidence of achievement of module learning outcomes. 1,2,3,4 100.00 Sem 1 End
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Reassessment Description
For those modules with 100% CA, the Learner must repeat the CA or sit an examination which assesses all the module learning outcomes. The Programme Committee will decide which assessment is appropriate.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Independent Learning No Description 8.5 Once per semester 0.71
Lecture No Description 2 Once per semester 0.17
Total Hours 10.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 0.88
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.17
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture per week 2 Once per semester 0.17
Independent Learning No Description 8.5 Once per semester 0.71
Total Hours 10.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 0.88
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.17
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Murray, R. and Moore, S. 2006, The Handbook of Academic Writing: a fresh approach, Open University Press McGraw Hill
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Creme, P. and Lea, M.R. 2008, Writing at University: a guide for students, McGraw-Hill Maidenhead
  • Day, T. 2013, Success in Academic Writing, Palgrave Macmillan Basingstoke
  • McMillan, K. and Weyers, J. 2014, How to Write for University: academic writing for success, Pearson Harlow
  • McMillan, K. and Weyers, J.D.B. 2013, How to Cite, Reference and Avoid Plagiarism at University, Pearson Harlow
  • Murray, R. 2015, Writing in Social Spaces: a social processes approach to academic writing, Routledge London
  • Osmond, A. 2013, Academic Writing and Grammar for Students, Sage London
  • Sowton, C. 2012, 50 Steps to Improving Your Academic Writing, Garnet Education Reading
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Buckley, M. 2009, 1st Cite@NCI, NCI: Dublin
Other Resources
 

Module Delivered in

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
BAOAWE BA (Ord) in Adult & Workforce Education 1 Core Subject
BAOECE BA (Ord) in Early Childhood Education (level 7) 1 Core Subject
CIECE Certificate in Early Childhood Education (level 6) 1 Core Subject
CIE Certificate in Education 1 Core Subject
HCIAWE Higher Certificate in Adult and Workforce Education (level 6) 1 Core Subject
HCBS Higher Certificate in Business 2 Core Subject
HCIECE Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Education (level 6) 1 Core Subject