Module Content

• reading conventions and strategies to prepare students for degree level study by examining typical characteristics of both academic and non-academic texts in terms of features of specific academic genres, language, style and organisation.
• activities which are designed to develop critical thinking skills and to encourage students to actively question and reflect on the material they read while developing students’ general academic and subject-specific lexical range.
• skimming and scanning methods, for efficient information retrieval, while covering strategies for reading academic texts commonly encountered in higher education.
• practical exercises, including annotation and note-taking, which contribute to active reading habits.
• integration of cultural and contextual awareness, fostering a deeper understanding of the nuances within written materials.

Teaching Methods

During in-class sessions, students will be engaged in a range of activities designed to support continual development of their reading skills and deepen awareness and understanding of language use in academic reading.
The lessons will be designed with an emphasis on communicative activities and exercises, which will enable students to practise the language through interactive discussion and collaboration. Students will work in pairs, groups and individually, and both peer and group feedback will be encouraged during the lessons. Tasks will be designed to encourage students to think analytically, and to read and respond critically to academic texts.
A variety of reading materials will be strategically incorporated to expose students to a breadth of linguistic contexts. Collaborative learning strategies, such as group discussions and peer reviews will be used to encourage shared insights and the exchange of diverse perspectives. Hands-on exercises, including guided reading sessions will be prioritised, where students will apply newly acquired strategies and receive immediate feedback. Practical activities, such as annotation workshops and note-taking exercises will be used to promote a deeper understanding of text.
Students will also be supported individually through periodic tutorial sessions with the tutor, and through office-hour appointments as needed. As well as direct contact hours, students will be given homework tasks and guided towards resources to use during independent learning hours. Students will receive regular feedback (oral or written as appropriate) on their homework. The portfolio process (with tasks undertaken across the module) is a prime example of formative assessment in that students are given feedback on each element as it is undertaken. The final mark is awarded on the basis of the completed portfolio and a final test. Summative assessment is supported by in-class briefings and followed by feedback and feed-forward as relevant.
The module nurtures student autonomy in comprehending and analysing texts. The approach empowers students to navigate the reading process independently by employing strategies such as skimming, scanning, and active notetaking. Scaffolded activities like guided annotation exercises and reciprocal teaching discussions facilitate the development of critical reading skills, including identifying main ideas, making inferences, and evaluating arguments. Measurable goals are set to track progress, accompanied by self-assessment tools like reading logs and comprehension quizzes. Metacognitive strategies encourage students to reflect on their reading habits and adapt their approaches accordingly. Digital resources such as Google Scholar supplement traditional texts, while annotation tools like Hypothesis and Adobe Acrobat Reader enrich learning experiences. Task-based exercises, such as summarizing articles and participating in literature circles, immerse students in authentic reading tasks. Peer-led discussions foster collaboration and deeper understanding, while instruction in independent study skills like time management enhances student autonomy. By instilling confidence and proficiency in reading, the methodology equips students to tackle diverse texts with ease and comprehension.

Assessment Methods

This module is assessed through one Portfolio and one Final Test.