Embedding Skills in your Curriculum

When considering the incorporation of skills training within an academic module, there are several important factors to consider.

Learning objectives

Firstly, it is crucial to identify the specific skills that align with the module's learning objectives and are relevant to the subject matter. These skills could include searching for information, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, research, or practical application of knowledge.

Mode of delivery

Secondly, the mode of delivery should be taken into account. With the availability of face-to-face and online teaching sessions, instructors need to determine which format best suits the nature of the skills being taught. For instance, certain skills may require hands-on practice and direct interaction, making face-to-face sessions more appropriate. On the other hand, some skills, such as online collaboration or digital literacy, can be effectively taught and practiced in online environments.

Regardless of the chosen mode of delivery, it is important to ensure that adequate support is available for skills development. Even if a module is already running, arrangements can be made to facilitate skill-building activities. This can be achieved through supplementary 1:1 support or the integration of practical exercises and assessments within the existing curriculum.

Active engagement and reflection

Lastly, it is essential to foster a supportive learning environment that encourages active engagement and reflection. Creating opportunities for students to practice and reflect upon their skills, offering regular feedback, and promoting self-assessment can significantly enhance the effectiveness of skills training within the module.

By considering these factors, you can effectively embed skills training within your academic modules, whether through face-to-face or online teaching sessions, ensuring that students have the necessary support and opportunities for skills development.

Embedding employability (professional) skills

Embedding employability in your curriculum gives students the opportunity to develop their skills, experience, and knowledge to help them make the successful transition in to graduate employment and/or further study.  It is relevant to all students at all levels of study and is increasingly important given the competitive job market.

Creating authentic assessments and learning for your students that highlight professional skills and utilise industrial links alongside subject specific skills and knowledge development are excellent ways to start embedding employability within your programmes.

The University Careers Service provides excellent support for academic staff looking to embed professional skills development within the curriculum.  Contact Joanne Hiatt, jeb@aber.ac.uk  to arrange a discussion about the support available from the Careers Service to embed employability within the curriculum and engage students to develop their professional skills.

Working in partnership between the Subject Librarians from the Academic Engagement Team and academic colleagues to provide support for education with library, information and digital literacies.

The Subject Librarians will:

• Provide advice to identify students' information and academic skills needs and suggest sustainable, accessible solutions.
• Create tailored lectures, workshops, learning materials, and educational activities to meet students' specific needs.
• Collaborate with you to co-develop and co-teach sessions.

Lectures

Interactive lectures offer students essential guidance and techniques to enhance their study abilities, combining practical demonstrations and activities to reinforce comprehension. These lectures can be conducted either in-person or online via Teams, accompanied by PowerPoint slides, teaching materials and recordings for reference. 

Seminars/Workshops

These offer hands-on practice and additional online resources to help students improve their library skills and apply them effectively in their coursework. In-person delivery with computer access is recommended for optimal effectiveness.

What does library skills teaching include?

We can advise on what is appropriate and relevant for your students, depending on their programme of study. Our teaching may include:

• Library inductions - an introduction to using Aberystwyth University libraries and accessing  library resources
• Searching for information using online resources including library catalogues, literature databases and data sources
• Finding, managing and evaluating information
• Using searching techniques effectively
• Teaching about referencing and referencing management tools, such as Endnote and Mendeley
• Literature and systematic reviews
• Dissertation research skills
• Skills relating to the research and getting published, including understanding open access, research data management and bibliometrics

To collaborate with us or to find out more about how we can support you and your students, please contact your Subject Librarian. 

The Digital Skills Team support:

• Students and staff to both assess and develop their own digital skills
• Academic colleagues wanting to embed digital skills development within their teaching
• Academic colleagues who wish to utilise key resources for digital skills development, such as the Jisc Digital Discovery Tool and LinkedIn Learning

The team deliver a number of training sessions, all of which are bookable through the main booking page. Academic colleagues are also welcome to contact the team for support (email digi@aber.ac.uk; book a meeting).

The IS Digital Essentials for teaching is a Blackboard Learn Ultra site designed to support new teaching staff at Aberystwyth University. 

This site brings together all of the advice and helpful information from Information Services that new teaching staff will need, ensuring that they are ‘digitally’ prepared for teaching. Whether that’s guidance on using the OneDrive to store work; how to set up a new module in Blackboard Learn Ultra; or finding guidance on lecture capture.  

With a helpful checklist and automatic access for all through Blackboard Learn Ultra, we hope that the site will save valuable time for staff, as well as being a helpful resource for all departmental staff. Please take a look at the introduction to the Blackboard site to learn how to get started. 

If you have any questions, or if you’d like to provide any feedback, please contact the Digital Skills Team (digi@aber.ac.uk).