LO1 Identify and demonstrate the skills of a higher education student.

Assessment Brief 1

Assessment Title: The HE Learner

Weighting: 25%

Module Learning Outcomes: LO1 Identify and demonstrate the skills of a higher education student.

TASK

To meet the requirements of this assignment you should research the skills needed to be a HE student. You are required to identify and describe these skills giving reasons as to why they are important and present your research findings through a virtual mood board. You will then reflect on your own skills, assessing them against those of an HE learner. Within your assessment consider the HE skills you have demonstrated so far on the course and critique your performance identifying clearly where and how you can continue to develop your HЕ Skills. (LO1) Other relevant assessment information: You will need to include and reference at least 4 different sources including 2 academic textbooks, 1 academic journal to help provide supporting evidence for any assertions that you make within your presentation.

Your presentation will be recorded and should last no longer than 10 minutes. You will need to provide support notes outlining your research, judgements and conclusions drawn along with your Mood Board. You must include both a reference list and bibliography.

Word Count: presentation notes 1,000 words (+/-10%)

Presentation Notes Example

Introduction

Higher Education (HE) is a major step in a person’s academic and personal journey. Unlike school or college, HE students are expected to take more responsibility for their own learning and growth. To succeed at this level, there are certain key skills that are essential. In this presentation, I will describe the most important skills of an HE student, explain why they matter, and then reflect on my own abilities. I will also look at where I have done well and what I still need to improve. These ideas are supported by academic sources and will be shown visually through a mood board.

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Part 1: Essential Skills for Higher Education Students

1. Independent Learning

One of the most important skills in higher education is the ability to learn independently. This means taking control of your own studies — reading, researching, and organising your work without needing constant help from your tutors.

Why is it important?
Independent learning helps build confidence and allows students to explore topics in more depth. It prepares students for future careers where self-motivation is needed.

Academic Support:
Cottrell (2019) highlights in The Study Skills Handbook that independent learners are more successful because they take responsibility for their own progress and stay motivated even without supervision.

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2. Time Management

Managing time well is another key skill. HE students often have several deadlines, lectures, group tasks, and maybe part-time jobs or personal responsibilities. Without proper time planning, it’s easy to fall behind.

Why is it important?
Good time management reduces stress, improves academic performance, and helps balance different parts of life.

Academic Support:
Burns and Sinfield (2016) in Essential Study Skills: The Complete Guide to Success at University say that setting goals, making schedules, and avoiding last-minute work are all signs of a successful student.

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3. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking means questioning information, analysing ideas, and forming your own opinions based on facts. It’s not enough to simply repeat what you’ve read — in HE, you must think deeply and provide evidence for your views.

Why is it important?
Critical thinking leads to better decision-making, academic writing, and problem-solving. It helps students engage with difficult ideas and think creatively.

Academic Support:
Moon (2008) in Critical Thinking: An Exploration of Theory and Practice explains that critical thinking is central to academic success because it allows students to go beyond surface learning.

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4. Academic Writing and Research Skills

Writing at university level is more formal and structured than at school. Students must also know how to do proper research and reference their sources.

Why is it important?
Clear writing helps you share your ideas effectively. Proper research supports your arguments and shows that your work is based on facts, not opinion.

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