module specification

 This module aims to:
- Develop student’s academic study skills and digital literacy.
- Introduce students to research within the health and social care context
- Make connections between work based and academic knowledge and develop skills in all aspects of academic discourse
- Consider the professional skills required within health and social care including communication, teamwork, partnership working and an anti-bias approach
- Develop an awareness and understanding of the cultures, principles and values that underpin practice within health and social care

 Some of the key areas include:
- An introduction to study at higher education
- Academic skills
- An introduction to research skills within a health and social care context
- Communication skills
- Team work
- Partnership and inter-professional working
- Anti-biased approach / anti-oppressive practice
- Cultures, values and principles which underpin health and social care practice
- Personal development planning
- Self-awareness and reflective practice All LO1-5

Theoretical input will be through online material and exercises, seminars and workshops.  Students will also benefit from a blended learning approach through the use of Web Learn for supplementary materials, links to E-books, on-line discussions and self-assessment exercises such as reflective tasks.

Reflection and discussion are key to teaching for all students and will be in the context of tutor-led sessions and exercises incorporated into web-based materials. 

Teaching and learning strategies and methods also focus on workplace skills and professionalism.

 On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a range of academic study skills
2. Recognise areas of development relating to their own learning
3. Understanding of key concepts of research
4. Practice research skills relating to health and social care
5. Explain the use of research in health and social practice

 Students will demonstrate that they have met the learning outcomes through the submission of two detailed personal development plans.  Students will receive detailed guidance on the format, structure and indicative content of these development plans during the module.

 Aveyard, H., Sharo, P., & Wooliams, M. (2015). A beginner's guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care.

AVEYARD, H., & SHARP, P. (2013). A beginner's guide to evidence-based practice in health and social care.

Becker, L., (2009) The Mature Student’s Handbook  Basingstoke: Palgrave McMillan

CRAIG, C. (2009). Study skills for health and social care students. Los Angeles, SAGE.

Dawson, C. (2004) Learning How to Study Again: A Practical Guide to Study Skills for Mature Students Returning to Education or Distance Learning, Oxford: How To Books

FIELD, R., & OLIVER, J. (2013). Effective commissioning in health and social care.
GLASBY, J. (2012). Understanding health and social care. Bristol, Policy Press.

KLINE, R., & PRESTON-SHOOT, M. (2012). Professional accountability in social care and health: challenging unacceptable practice and its management. Exeter, Learning Matters.

McMillan, K., Weyers, J. (2010) How to Write Essays and Assignments, Harlow: Pearson (available as E book)

OKO, J., & REID, J. (2012). Study skills for health and social care students. London, SAGE.

Pearson Burns, T, Sinfield, S. (2008) (2nd edition), Essential Study Skills London: Sage

THOMAS, J., POLLARD, K. C., & SELLMAN, D. (2014). Interprofessional working in health and social care: professional perspectives.

Wilson, E., Bedford, D. (2009) Study Skills for Part-Time Students, Harlow: Pearson