Module 1 - The student view

A group of friends at a coffee shop

This introductory unit contains some reflections on the process of becoming a successful undergraduate student, as described by CAL first year students, now in their second term at university.

Activity

Introduction to this activity - it should take you two 25 minute sessions to complete

In this short introduction, Nicola Taylor (The College's Academic Writing Advisory Service manager) explains what he course is all about

Before you listen, make sure you have a pen and paper available, as you will be asked to take notes and have some ideas as we go through the study sessions provided.

Your first activity

As you listen to the next clip, take notes on what you are asked to do next!

Recap on the instructions

Think about the advice you have been given so far about becoming a university student, rather than a college student or sixth form pupil.
Can you group these snippets of advice under 3-5 headings?
Give yourself 5 minutes to dig deep and reflect on what different people may have said to you about studying at undergraduate level - your friends - your teachers - your family or other people interested in your future.
Then move on to the next video to see what other College of Arts and Law students have said about their first year as university students...

Comparing your ideas with our focus group

As you listen, make brief 'notes-to-self' about what you hear

This is good practice for your lectures - these presentations are not designed as dictations - they will still be there if you should wish to come back to them - so start practising listening out for key points, and using abbreviations / diagrams / noting down any questions that occur to you as you go.

Pause for reflection

Our focus group came up with three main headings:

- Independent Study,
- Tutors' Expectations, and
- Time Management
Have another look at your list, and highlight any points you made that come under these headings, using three different colours or symbols to annotate your list
What do you have left over?
- Make a note against each of these 'extra' points in case they come up later in the course.

Now use this link to move on to page 2

(N.B. If you use the 'Next' button below this page, it will take you straight on to the second half of this activity, and you will miss things!)