Section outline

  • Course Overview

    The reading and writing expectations of higher education are often daunting for students. This course equips you with the skills and knowledge to make the jump to higher education. It teaches reading strategies to help you evaluate and question written and visual texts. It builds confidence in structuring a critical writing piece, spelling out arguments and integrating evidence.

    Learning Outcomes

    This course will help you to:

    1. Establish the value and purpose of critical reading and writing
    2. Prepare for and understand the jump in university expectations
    3. Recognize the difference between reading for pleasure and reading critically, clarifying the purpose of your reading for a particular piece of work
    4. Read and critically appraise academic literature and other forms of text, and understand some conventions of academic writing
    5. Search for and evaluate relevant material, recognizing different types of information
    6. Plan and prepare your writing for academic purposes
    7. Structure a critical writing piece, presenting a compelling argument and using evidence to support your argument

    • Course Instructor: Dr. Eric Addae-Kyeremeh

      • Dr. Eric Addae-Kyeremeh

        Dr. Eric Addae-Kyeremeh BA (Hons) MA (IS) MEd EdD is the Head of School in the School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport at Open University. Eric has over 20 years of professional experience that involves teaching, research, scholarship of teaching and learning, knowledge exchange, consultancy and public engagement. He was admitted into Fellowship by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT in 2012 for demonstrating leadership, eminence and authority in the area of educational technologies. In recognition of his expertise, significant impact, and contribution to leadership and management in education and training, he was awarded Chartered Fellowship by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) in the same year.

        Prior to joining the Open University in 2011, Eric worked in the Further Education (FE) sector in England from 2000-2010, firstly as a lecturer in Computing and ICT and then in a range of leadership and management positions. During his career in FE, he led and managed a number of subject areas, including Science and Mathematics; Information and Communication Technology; and Business, Administration and Law.

        View Bio for Dr. Eric Addae-Kyeremeh

      • Course Resources

        You will need to access certain files and resources throughout the course to get the most out of the activities. You can find them all here. 

      • Pre-Course Self Assessment

        Before you dive into this course, spend a few moments reflecting on your familiarity with the topic and your current level of skills confidence. 

        You can then re-visit the same questions in our Post-Course Self Assessment and reflect on how the course has helped you develop in confidence and grow your skills. 

        • Module One: Being Critical: What, How, and Why

          This module will help you to:

          1. Establish the value and purpose of critical reading and writing
          2. Prepare for and understand the jump in university expectations

        • Module Two: Being a Critical Reader

          This module will help you to:

          1. Recognize the difference between reading for pleasure and reading critically
          2. Clarify the purpose of your reading for a particular piece of work
          3. Read and critically appraise academic literature and other forms of text

        • Module Three: Reading the Right Things, the Right Way

          This module will help you to:

          1. Search for and evaluate relevant material
          2. Recognize different types of information
          3. Map out concepts and ideas while reading using tools and techniques

        • Module Four: Preparing to Write Critically

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify and apply different conventions of academic writing
          2. Plan and prepare to write critically for different academic purposes

        • Module Five: How to Write Critically

          This module will help you to:

          1. Structure a critical writing piece
          2. Present a compelling argument in your writing
          3. Use evidence to support your argument

        • List of References

          You can find the full list of references collated here.

        • Post-Course Self Assessment

          Now you’ve completed the course, spend a few moments reflecting on where your familiarity with the topics and your confidence skills levels are at now. 

          Has the course helped you develop new skills and grow your confidence?

          You'll need to complete the Post-Course Self Assessment in order to download your certificate. If you didn't do the Pre-Course Self Assessment before starting the course, please go to the top of the page and reflect on your familiarity with the topic and your level of skills confidence before you started the course.

          • Completion: Certificate

            Completing the course and Post-Course Self Assessment will unlock a course certificate, which you can download here.

            • Give Feedback About This Course

              Did you enjoy the course? Please take two minutes to share your feedback. We use learner feedback in future course updates and developments to provide an excellent learning experience.