ISS - Introducing Study Skills

  • 990 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 1
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 1
    AQF level
  • research methodsUnit Discipline

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Be able to

  1. Approach the materials of a unit of study with confidence, utilising practical skills in time management, information processing and assessment orientation.
  2. Demonstrate a Foundational set of study skills, including methodical reading, note taking, note revision, and exam preparation.
  3. Construct a disciplined and informed response to assessable material, based on a thorough understanding of the formal requirements and means of expression that characterise assessment tasks.
  4. Negotiate the tension of the Bible’s status as a devotional book of faith that can also be treated as an academic text and subjected to a range of scholarly processes, translations and interpretations.

Content

Section A: Approaching Your Study Materials

  • Time management skills and study plans.
  • The construction of a unit of study, its outline, syllabus, study guide, and readings.
  • Unit assessment and the links between the syllabus, learning outcomes, and assessment tasks.

Section B: Basic Study Skills

Methodical reading of:

  • textbook content
  • the table of contents
  • chapter design
  • index
  • note taking
  • Effective revision
  • Exam preparation

Section C: Responding to Your Study Materials

  • Engaging with online learning forums.
  • Key terms used in exam and essay questions.
  • Methods for constructing an argument for essays and exams.
  • Referencing, academic honesty, discerning reliable sources/authorities, avoiding plagiarism.

Section D: Studying the Bible

  • The Bible as both an academic and a devotional text.
  • The role and history of different translations of the Bible.
  • Using the Bible in an essay: biblical citation, the difference between proof texting and explanatory comment.

Assessment

Colleges can utilise the assessments set by the ACT or submit an alternate scheme to the scanner. For example:

Assessment 1 (50%)

Small outcomes-based learning tasks/activities on each section of the syllabus

Assessment 2 (25%)

Select one of the following below to submit.

1. Using the ACTh. syllabus of either New Testament, Old Testament or Christian Belief for Cert. Theol., write a report that shows the link between the aim, assessments, and outline, and create a sample study plan for approaching study of the subject.

2. Choose a textbook and examine its design. Discuss how this design and the arrangement of its material are or are not effective for study, and create a reading plan to show how you would use it as a study tool.

3. Choose a question from one of your other units of study. Design an outline for producing an answer to the question, using the thesis model for essays. Include in your answer an assessment of the benefits of this approach to answering the question, or an outline of an alternative approach to the question and explain why that would be preferable to the thesis model.

Assessment 3 (25%)

Discuss how the Bible is used in Christian life and ministry and in what ways the different translations of the Bible contribute to its history.

Set Readings

Academic:

M Fry, R. (1994). How to Study Program. Career Press (There are a number of books in this series including Ace any Test, Improve your Memory, Improve your Reading, Take Notes, Manage your Time, Write Papers)

Orr, F. (1988). How to Succeed at Part Time Study. Allen & Unwin 

Harrison, A. (2003). Basic English Grammar. South Yarra [Vic.]: Macmillan Education Australia

Cottrell, Stella (2008). The study skills handbook (Palgrave Study Skills)  (3rd ed). Palgrave (There are a number of books in the Study Skills series including Researching Online, E-learning skills, Critical Thinking Skills.)

Hall, Bronwyn J. (2007). The Night Before Essay Planner. Sydney: Fairfax books

Thomson, Anne (2002). Critical Reasoning: a practical introduction. Routledge (early chapters).

 

Theological:

Packer, J.I. (1975). Knowing God. Hodder and Stoughton

Drane, J. (1986). Introducing the New Testament. Lion

Drane, J. (1987). Introducing the Old Testament. Lion

Grenz, S. J., and Olson, R. E. (1996). Who needs theology? An invitation to the study of God. Downers Grove (USA): IVP. Particularly Ch 2 ‘Not all theologies are equal’ pp.22–35.

Jensen, M., ‘How to Write a Theology Essay’, Oct 4, 2011, http://mpjensen.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/how-to-write-theology-essay.html (in conjunction with Stanton, G., Jan 6 2012, ‘How to write a Theology Essay… for the first year of a Diploma course’, http://grahamstanton.tumblr.com/#15367051165)

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