DA4088 - Academic Skills, Research and Critical Reflection

The module takes a comprehensive approach to learning, ensuring apprentices develop a strong foundation of skills for using and evaluating information while fostering practical application skills that will be essential in their social work career. This is achieved through an enquiry-based learning approach using lectures, seminars, interactive e-learning resources Lead lectures which will be offered by specialist researchers, academics, practitioners and lecturers. Education strategies are designed to help apprentices develop knowledge during the initial stages of your professional development. Seminars will provide the opportunity for group work sessions with other apprentices creating an authentic learning experience and providing the opportunity for critical analysis of issues and concepts in social work practice.Engaging lectures will introduce key concepts and strategies, while seminars provide a space for hands-on learning and group discussions. To support apprentice independent learning, the module will also provide access to e-resources and materials on a dedicated e-learning platform (Blackboard), allowing them to delve deeper into topics covered in lectures and seminars. This combination of learning methods is designed to equip apprentices for the lifelong learning and continuous professional development that social work requires. A key feature of this approach is the use of seminar activities, feedback sessions and reflection exercises. These activities will not only strengthen academic and research skills but also help apprentices develop presentation skills for social work practice.

Academic support for apprentices, especially in the context of developing academic and research skills, is essential for success. The module team will provide academic support throughout the module. This is complemented by a range of resources designed to support their learning journey. Scheduled teaching workshops blend short lectures with group exercises, providing structured guidance and hands-on practice to hone specific academic and research skills. Apprentices will have access to individualised support through group tutoring or mentoring sessions. This personalised assistance allows academics to address specific challenges, give feedback and tailor learning experience to meet emerging needs. Peer support groups will be establishing among apprentices for sharing experiences, discussing academic challenges and collaborating on projects. Peer support encourages teamwork, enhances communication skills and fosters a sense of community among peers.Apprentices can access a variety of online resources and learning platforms outside of formal teaching hours. These resources may include video tutorials, interactive exercises, academic writing guides, research databases and virtual libraries. These tools supplement classroom learning and offer self-paced study options. Apprentices will also have access to student support and library services who can provide guidance on academic planning and writing, citation guidelines and literature review techniques. General queries about the module will be addressed by the module leader. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the Electronic Learning Portal (eLP). You will have access to lecturers at teaching times, by email, and telephone.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding (K&U):
K&U - Knowledge:

K&U 1
Apprentices will exhibit improved academic writing skills, including the development of clarity, coherence and organisation in their written work. They will demonstrate a developing understanding of academic conventions such as citation and referencing, ensuring their writing meets standards and effectively communicates their ideas.

K&U 2
By the end of this module, apprentices will demonstrate the ability to critically analyse information, arguments and evidence, and apply logical and systematic reasoning to form well-founded judgments and decisions, enhancing their overall critical thinking skills.

Intellectual/Professional skills & abilities (IPSA):

IPSA1
Apprentices will have enhanced their intellectual skills in social work through critical reflection and analysis of empirical evidence, research methods and ethical considerations, enabling them to apply these insights to social work.

IPSA2
Apprentices will have developed professional skills in social work, including effective communication, empathy, cultural competence and ethical decision-making, equipping them to engage sensitively and ethically with diverse client populations and navigate the complexities of professional practice.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural Awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

PVA1
Apprentices will embody key personal values attributes such as ethics, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. They will demonstrate ethical decision-making grounded in social work values and principles, while also displaying a genuine curiosity to explore and critically evaluate emerging issues and innovative approaches within the field of social work.

Formative Assessment
Apprentices will complete classroom-based individual and group oral presentations and written work, with apprentice’s peers. These will be reviewed during teaching sessions with feedback given by their tutor and peers.



Summative assessment
The summative assessment is a written assignment, which compares two peer reviewed academic journals on a subject linked to social work practice.

Feedback will be provided by the academic team via the electronic submission system (Blackboard/Turnitin) in line with department and university policy.

None

DA4089, DA4091, DA4092, DA4093

This module aims to cultivate robust academic and critically reflective practice proficiency, emphasising the discovery and utilisation of the evidence-base and approaches to practice across various domains such as writing, presentation, practice and research. It underscores the transferability of these skills into practical contexts, enriching both academic and professional endeavours resulting in ability to practice within the professional standards set out by Social Work England. Central to the module ethos is enhanced self-awareness as a learner, prompting critical reflection and introspection to discern personalised strategies and methodologies conducive to individual study and real-world applications. Through this journey, participants will not only refine their academic competencies but also gain insights into their learning styles, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and professional success. This comprehensive approach ensures that apprentices not only excel in academic pursuits but also seamlessly transition their acquired skills into professional practice, thereby fostering adaptability and proficiency across diverse professional practice environments.