From Diversity to Convergence: introducing students to Higher Education Learning & Teaching Conference 2013 Anna SOTIRIADOU Head of Computer Science Department Petros KEFALAS IF Director of Learning and Teaching The University of Sheffield International Faculty, CITY College. Thessaloniki, Greece

The International Faculty Thessaloniki54360% Abroad35940% Total902 Undergraduates37041% Postgraduates53259% Greek27230% Non-Greek63060% Thesasaloniki: Masters: 6, Bachelor: 3 Abroad: Masters 11, Bachelor:1 Student Body In Thessaloniki Greek27150% Non-Greek27250% Student Body

Diversity on Entrance

The setup At the IF: an environment with 100% International students originated mainly from SEE. At Sheffield: 79% is Home and EU (including non UK) 21% is non Home/EU

High School in SEE The situation/characteristics of High Schools in SEE: unbalanced knowledge - skills unbalanced teaching - independent learning heavily based on exams exam questions are mainly memorisation problem solving based on patterns lack of feedback and personal development rare contact with teachers outside the classroom

Diversity It is expected that candidates from different countries enter UK HE possessing skills that range from none to a wide variety. Awareness of what is expected in HE is also variant. The inter-cultural perspective adds another dimension of complexity.

The main problem: How to enhance the skills of new students (either UG or PG) so that we can facilitate their smooth transition to HE needs?

Workshop & Discussion Best Practices How to enhance the skills of new students (either UG or PG) so that we can facilitate their smooth transition to HE needs?

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The approach at the International Faculty

Alternatives Tutorial system for UG A series of workshops for PG Academic and transferable skills unit Badging of units to monitor that the Sheffield Graduate attributes are given

Tutorial System Tutor assigned also provides pastoral support Non-credit Level 1 Runs over 2 semesters Students are split into groups of hours round table discussions every fortnight No assessment, portfolio based Recorded on Transcript

Workshops for PG Run once a fortnight Targeted mainly on new PG students who graduated a state University in SEE More intensive, needs to focus: on research skills information literacy report writing assessment utilising feedback More tutorials provided with screencasts (myEcho)

Credit unit Aims to assist students to develop academic and transferable skills that can be used in all other units of the curriculum and during all the years of study. Academic and Transferable skills In some cases it is delivered in parallel with: Computing Skills and Academic English Skills One semester Also aims to introduce students to the specific academic environment and its regulations.

Skills Time Management: Academic calendar, Coursework map, Developing Study plans. “Chance Nota” case studyChance Nota” Reading Skills: The use of textbook, lecture notes and personal notes. Reading techniques. The role of the environment. Group Study. Reading Skills self-test.Group Study self-test Learning styles: Ways of learning.Ways Class attendance: Active engagement and interaction.

Skills Note taking: Organisation of personal notes. Information Literacy: Searching for sources, How to refine search, Use of library and e-libraries, Types of publications, The Internet as a source, Copyright issues. Evaluation of sources: What is reliable, credible and trustworthy and what is not? Plagiarism and Collusion: Impersonation. Definitions. Examples. How to avoid it. The role of TurnItIn.Plagiarism Examples Referencing: Why and what to reference? Referencing Styles. Citations. Bibliography.

Skills Writing a report: Planning. Structure. Content. Argumentation. Justification. Opinion. Writing techniques. Report format and language issues. Checklist for a successful submission. Checklist Assessment & Marking: Marking Scheme. Criteria for assessment and marking. Feedback: Principles of feedback. The role of feedback. Feedback on exams. Quality Assurance and fairness of marking. Working in groups: Collaboration. Creating Teams. Roles and Responsibilities. Group and individual assessment and feedback.

Skills Research Skills: What is research? Research Ethics. Research Methods. Working with data.Research Skills Presentation of work: Audience, Tips and guidance for a good oral presentation. Revision for exams: Exam Writing techniques. Time management in preparing and taking exams. Self-Assessment and goal setting. Semester evaluationSelf-Assessment Semester

Inclusion to HE Our Commitment: What is expected in HE from students and staff?. The Sheffield Graduate: profile and award. Introduction to the academic environment. Virtual Learning Environment: Lecture Notes. Organisation of e-documents. Coursework Assignments: Submission Deadline and penalties. Submission process.

Inclusion to HE Services: What do I do when I need...? Rules and Regulations: Curriculum. Units. Credits. Sits and Resits. Combination of Marks. Degree and Classification of degree. Attendance. Progression. Disciplinary issues. Appeals. Who is who: in Dept, Faculty, University?

Unit Badging Each module syllabus contains badges mapped to Sheffield Graduate attributes:

Conclusions

There are two options: 1.either leave the students acquire skills gradually through their studies or 2.do something for those who need to catch up at the beginning of their studies We, at IF, choose the latter.

Thank you for your participation!! The International Faculty : Creativity, Innovation & Competitiveness

Ideas shared, presentation and other related documents will be available to all participants after the conference.