Academic and Life Skills Development:

Academic Learning Management

ALMV1X0/ALMV100/ALM1000/ALMV120

MODULE GUIDE 2022

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world
-Nelson Mandela

ALM lecturers:

Name Email
Samantha Greeff samantha.greeff@mandela.ac.za
Ghauderen Coetzee ghauderen.coetzee@mandela.ac.za
Mandy Brophy mandy.brophy@mandela.ac.za
Martin Keyter martin.keyter@mandela.ac.za
Tilly Crosbie tilly.crosbie@mandela.ac.za
Aamena Vawda aamena.vawda@mandela.ac.za
 NORMS FOR ALM GROUP

When we work in a group setting, it is important that we agree on certain “rules” for behaviour that
we call “Norms”. These norms will make the group a more pleasant and productive experience for
each group member. As a group, decide on which norms you want for your group. You can write
them below and add to them at any time during the year, after group discussion.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION A: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 4

1. WHY HAVE AN ACADEMIC AND LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT MODULE? ................. 4
1.1 Module Outcomes.............................................................................................. 4
1.2 What students say about the ALM Module ........................................................ 4
1.3 Prescribed Textbook .......................................................................................... 4
2. MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS ..................................................................... 5
3. MANDELA UNI CARES FOR YOU – ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE ................................ 5
4. HOW TO ACCESS MOODLE ........................................................................................... 5
4.1 How to upload assignments and assessments to Moodle ................................. 6
5. TEACHING MODE AND COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR LECTURER .......................... 6
6. PLAGIARISM .................................................................................................................... 6
7. MODULE OUTLINE AND ASSIGNMENT WEIGHTINGS ................................................. 7
SECTION B: ASSESSMENT .................................................................................................... 8
1. ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES ........................................................................................... 8
SEMESTER 1: ASSIGNMENTS ............................................................................................... 8
1. ELC REFLECTIVE ASSESSMENT (Chapter 1) ............................................................... 8
2. STUDY PROCESS REFLECTION AND GOAL ASSIGNMENT ........................................ 8
2.1 Marking Rubric: Study Process Reflection and Goal Assignment ...................... 9
3. PLANNING AND SCHEDULING ASSIGNMENT ............................................................ 10
3.1 Marking Rubric: Planning and Scheduling Assignment ................................... 10
SEMESTER 2: ASSIGNMENTS ............................................................................................. 10
1. DECISION MAKING PROCESS ONLINE QUIZ ............................................................. 10
2. STRESS MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................................................................................... 10
2.1 Marking Rubric: Stress Management Plan....................................................... 11
3. ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL GROWTH ORAL PRESENTATION ............................... 11
ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL GROWTH ORAL PRESENTATION MARKING RUBRIC .... 12
SECTION C: GLOSSARY ...................................................................................................... 13

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 SECTION A: INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Nelson Mandela University and a special welcome to the Academic and Life Skills
Development (ALM) module. This module will provide you with an opportunity to obtain academic
success.

1. WHY HAVE AN ACADEMIC AND LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT MODULE?

The ALM module is designed to help students cope with the new demands of university life. To
maximise students' chances of success, the University has committed itself to being proactive in the
academic development of students. The module has developed out of a need to address the
educational needs of students, to enhance their intellectual, personal and social growth and to improve
retention rates.

The purpose of the academic and life skills module is to help you adjust to your new environment, to new
academic requirements, to campus life and perhaps, most importantly, to one another. The module aims
to empower you to be purposeful and successful. It will provide you with support to improve your
chances of success at university, where success is measured in terms of academic achievement,
personal growth, increased student satisfaction and retention. You will develop your academic and
intellectual skills, develop critical thinking and be part of a group experience.

How much you will benefit from this module will depend on yourself.

All students have had different previous learning experiences and different exposure to learning
opportunities. We need to ensure that you all will have the same starting point by providing you with
some knowledge and skills and hopefully encourage a positive attitude. Remember, university is what
you make of it. Your success depends on YOU. It is up to you to use the knowledge and skills taught.

1.1 Module Outcomes

At the end of the ALM module as preparation for successful tertiary study, you should be able to:
• Cope effectively with the academic demands of tertiary education.
• Successfully interact with others in the tertiary environment.
• Function effectively on an intra-personal level.
• Make effective choices regarding future career options.

1.2 What students say about the ALM Module

The ALM modules have been part of Extended Programmes curricula since 2007 and annual research
conducted has found it to be worthwhile by most of the students. Most students felt that the ALM module
helped them to be more effectively prepared for the demands of university. The following are some of
the comments made by past students:

• It is an excellent and innovative program, which gives students a second chance at their dreams.
• I have learned a lot of things and in a way - I could say I have changed. I take my studies very
seriously. I am doing my best to achieve good marks with the help of ALM.
• I learned a lot through ALM, most of the stuff I knew about but didn’t know how to handle it. I now
know what to expect and what is expected from me here in varsity.
• It actually helped me being in the extended program because I learned about ALM and the
subjects are manageable. It helped me as a person emotionally and academically.

1.3 Prescribed Textbook

Snyders, S.M., Vawda, A., Taljaard, N., Brophy, M. and Plaatjes, R. (Eds.). 2005. How to make
Higher Education easier: Take control of your success. Port Elizabeth: NMMU.

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The textbook chapters will be posted on Moodle so there is no need for you to purchase a copy
of the book. Bring this module guide, the textbook and your student diary to every session. Your
module guide provides important information and your textbook contains study material. Learning
material will be accessible via our Moodle site. Your lecturer will guide you. Using your diary regularly,
will help you meet deadlines for homework and assignments. Your ALM lecturer will guide you through
each topic. You need to ensure that you can meet the learning outcomes for each topic to be successful.

Make the best of every opportunity!

2. MANAGING YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Your progress at university is very important to us and assistance with academic and personal
challenges will help you to succeed. There are various ways you can access assistance:

• ORIENTATION IS IMPORTANT. If you have missed it, click on this link:

https://orientation.mandela.ac.za/
• This important FYS (First Year Success) Guide has essential information for you:
• https://orientation.mandela.ac.za/orientation/media/Store/documents/2022%20FYG/Gqeberha-
GEORGE-FIRST-YEAR-GUIDE-2022.pdf
• Your ALM lecturer is also available to support you, should you have exhausted other means of
support. This will work via email appointment and online consultation.

3. MANDELA UNI CARES FOR YOU – ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE

Among the resources the University offers to students, is the Emthonjeni (Fountain of Wellness). This
is a good resource to consult should you need to speak with a qualified counsellor. They work on an
appointment basis and their services are free and confidential. They are based on every campus. You
can seek help for the following:
• Academic Issues: module and course choice/change, concentration, workload help, study
strategies, exam and test taking strategies etc.
• Career Issues: career information, career decision-making and planning, career testing.
• Personal Issues: loneliness, depression, interpersonal relationships, alcohol/drug abuse.

See this link for further information:

https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/EmthonjeniStudentWellnessSouthCampus@livenmmuac.o
nmicrosoft.com/bookings/

Another important resource is the Success Coaches whom you can contact for further academic help if
you are struggling in your modules. They can be contacted via:LearningDevCoaching@mandela.ac.za
for an appointment. There is a dedicated Success Coach per Faculty who is experienced in assisting
students from your study field. This link provides further information: https://ld.mandela.ac.za/Success-
Coaches-Faculties

4. HOW TO ACCESS MOODLE

Moodle is an integrative software package, which is used as an online learning tool. Moodle works on
any PC, laptop, tablet or cell phone with an internet connection. You will need to register on the
Moodle site of your ALM lecturer, to submit all of your typed assignments.

NO E- MAILED SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. THESE WILL NOT BE MARKED AND

YOU WILL RECEIVE ZERO.
To access the University Moodle site, go to the Student Portal and click on the Moodle/Learn link or
you can type in the address: http://learn.mandela.ac.za/login/index.php in your browser window. Only
you and your ALM lecturer will have access to assignments or other work you upload. Your access is
protected with the same username and password you use to log onto the University network. The first
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time you enrol on the Moodle site, you will be asked for an enrolment key, which your ALM lecturer will
provide. Each time you log onto Moodle, use your University username and password. There is also a
Moodle Phone App which you can download from the store.

4.1 How to upload assignments and assessments to Moodle

Follow these steps, by clicking on the links on Moodle: TITLE OF ASSIGNMENT/ASSESSMENT

ADD SUBMISSION ADD BROWSE SELECT (your file from where it is saved)
OPEN UPLOAD THIS FILE CLICK ON SAVE AND SUBMIT CHANGES.
This last step is important to ensure that your assignment is submitted for assessment.

If the link does not appear, it means you are too late and have missed the submission date/time.
Do NOT contact your lecturer, unless you have a doctor’s certificate for illness.

5. TEACHING MODE AND COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR LECTURER

• This module is offered online via MS Teams classes, according to weekly class as per the official
programme timetable. Attendance is compulsory. Please be on time.
• You will be assigned an ALM lecturer who will be your lecturer for the whole year. Under no
circumstances are you allowed to move lecturers as you will be in a specific class group.
• You will be assigned to study on a specific campus (George or Gqeberha) at registration. You
cannot change this without the permission of the Faculty Administrator. Please provide written
proof from your Faculty to your ALM lecturer if there is a change.
• The academic year is from 14 February to 28 October. No assessments may be submitted after
this end date.
• You will be given deadline dates for submission of assessments which MUST be adhered to.
• These will be clearly indicated on your relevant Moodle sites. Please consult regularly.
• University policy states that circumstances of bereavement, illness or sports leave are the ONLY
reasons for which you may receive an extension. Relevant documentation is necessary.
• When emailing your lecturer, please include your FULL module code (not just ALM), so they can
assist without confusion. Lecturers teach across various modules, so please clearly and briefly
state your query.

6. PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is a serious offence at university and has strict penalties. Plagiarism is quoting, paraphrasing
and summarizing other people’s work without referencing it. This includes copying from another student
or from an academic source such as a textbook or journal. Copying from the Internet is also not allowed.
Plagiarism is strictly forbidden at university.

All work (individual and group) such as assignments, reports and case studies submitted for this module
must be written in your own words. If you use theory from textbooks or other academic sources,
including the Internet, it must be written in your own words and correctly referenced. You may not copy
and paste from the Internet or other sources. Do not allow another student to copy your work with the
intention to submit it as their own work. This includes lending your flash discs/memory sticks to other
people or providing other people with your computer passwords and assignment formats. Do not work
on individual assignments with other students, because if your work appears the same as another
student’s, this could be considered as plagiarism.

If you copy a sentence or short paragraph from text, this must be written in quotation marks and
referenced. Remember to include a reference list which is a list of all sources you consulted at the end
of your assignment. If you are guilty of any of the above transgressions you may receive zero for your
mark and you may have a disciplinary hearing.

Student sign: Student number:

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7. MODULE OUTLINE AND ASSIGNMENT WEIGHTINGS

FIRST SEMESTER = 50% of your module and mark

Theme Topic Assessment Date of Assessment
(weighting) class (week Due dates
of)
Introduction to Success at University 14 Feb
ALM and Hard skills vs soft skills 21 Feb
Extended Higher Education expectations 28 Feb
Programme including university ethics
Reflective Reflective academic practice Reflective 7 March 28 March
practice as a ELC Assessment 14 March
learning tool (ELC) (15)
Academic The importance of being 22 March
accountability organised & where do you study
Active vs Passive student &
Learning Styles Study Process 28 March
Evaluate your study skills Reflection & 11 April
Study Skills: Getting it right Goal (20)
Essential study hacks & Case 19 April 13 May
study: Be like Andile
Grit 3 May
Academic targets (Goal Setting) 9 May
Time Management and taking Planning & 16 May 31 May
control of your studies. Scheduling
Developing a study timetable and Assignment 23 May
integrating your academic skills (15)
SECOND SEMESTER = 50% of your module and mark
Theme Topic Assessment Date of Assessment
(weighting) class (week Due dates
of)
Reflection Academic self-reflection and 25 July
presentation guidelines
Adaptability Decision-making process Online quiz 1 August to 12 August
(15) 12 August
Academic and Stress and healthy lifestyle Stress 15 August to 31 August
personal Management 19 August
anxiety Plan (15)
Expressing Presentation skills 1 September Submissions
yourself to 6 open 7 Sept
Reflective Academic and September and close 30
presentations Personal September
Refresher of presentation Growth 19
requirements Presentation September to
(20) 23
September
FINAL YEAR MARK = SEMESTER 1 + SEMESTER 2

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 SECTION B: ASSESSMENT

1. ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES

The year mark consists of reflections, assignments, quizzes and an oral presentation. As this module
focuses on development, it is a continuous assessment module and there is no examination, but you
need to work consistently throughout the year to do well.

• The final year mark is calculated as a total of semester 1 and semester 2 marks.
• Your attendance and assignments will enable you to develop the necessary skills to cope with
the demands of tertiary studies. Attendance is compulsory.
• The pass mark for this module is 50%.
• Assignments must be submitted on Moodle, at the due date and time given by your ALM
lecturer. Refer to the Moodle site for more information. It is very important that you stick to
deadlines. You will receive zero (0) for a late assignment.
PLEASE NOTE THAT NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AND NO EXCUSES
WILL BE TOLERATED. Late assignments will only be accepted with a valid medical certificate,
submitted within three (3) working days to your ALM lecturer.

SEMESTER 1: ASSIGNMENTS

1. ELC REFLECTIVE ASSESSMENT (Chapter 1)

Apply the Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC) to the experience of being an Extended Programme
student. Use the four steps of the ELC (The Experience, Reflection, Generalise and Apply),
incorporating theory and application to describe your experience of being on an Extended
Degree/Diploma course, rather than going straight into mainstream studies in your first year. Your
lecturer will guide you in class regarding the assessment requirements so that you can do the quiz on Moodle.

The quiz is structured as follows:

• There will be ten questions.
• You will have 45 minutes to sit the quiz.
• It is not an open-book assessment. You must prepare carefully beforehand.
• You will receive a random selection of questions drawn from the test bank.
• The answers are multiple-choice but are not straight-forward and involve reflection.
• You will get a choice of two separate attempts at the quiz and Moodle will record your highest
mark.
• Different questions will be asked in each quiz, so make sure you know your work well if you
choose to sit the quiz a second time.

2. STUDY PROCESS REFLECTION AND GOAL ASSIGNMENT

Complete the VARK Learning Styles Questionnaire and the GRIT Questionnaire. The links are on the
Moodle site.

Using the results of your particular learning style, write a reflection on the changes you need to make
to your study process. For this reflection, use the following guidelines:

• Short introduction explaining what the reflection is about.

• In the main part of the reflection discuss your previous way of learning:
• Discuss what you have learnt in terms of your learning style according to the VARK results.
• Discuss study changes already made (2) and future changes to be made according to the
ALM study process (2).
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 • Complete the GRIT Scale (see link on Moodle). Share your score.
• Set a SMART academic goal that will enhance your GRIT.
• Short conclusion for your reflection.
• Technical: Arial 12 font, 1.5 line spacing, fully justified text, 400 words.

Save the document in MS Word with the following file name: First name Surname Student number Study
Process Reflection and upload to the link on Moodle.

Use this Assignment Cover Page (example) as the front page of your assignment and fill in
your details before you submit:

Name and Surname:

Student Number:
Name of Qualification:
Module Code:
ALM lecturer:
Date:

Assignment Title
Sub-heading of assignment

Statement of Originality

I, (insert your name, surname here), hereby declare that I have read the rules governing plagiarism in
the module guide, and that this assignment is my own work, and that wherever resources were
consulted, they have been correctly referenced.

(sign on the line)

2.1 Marking Rubric: Study Process Reflection and Goal Assignment

NAME OF STUDENT: STUDENT NUMBER:

Possible mark Your mark
Introduction 2
Discuss previous way of learning 4
Discuss what you have learnt in terms of your learning style 4
according to the VARK results
Discuss changes already made (2) and future changes to 4
be made according to the ALM study process (2)
GRIT Score 1
Goal is specific 1
Goal is measurable 1
Goal is attainable 1

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 NAME OF STUDENT: STUDENT NUMBER:
Possible mark Your mark
Goal is realistic 1
Goal is time bound 1
Conclusion 2
Technical requirements (Type of font, line 4
spacing, font size, text justified)
Referencing 2
TOTAL MARK /28

3. PLANNING AND SCHEDULING ASSIGNMENT

Complete a weekly timetable indicating your daily activities. See page 36 of your textbook. A template
will be provided on the ALM Moodle site. Your ALM lecturer will guide you and you can consult the rubric
for further help. Indicate the following:
• Your study times, including lecture times and self-study, plus work, leisure and any other life
roles that you may have, must be shown. Use colour and indicate by means of a key.
• Your study process must be clearly shown on the timetable. Use a number key for the steps
of the study process.
• There will be a link on Moodle to the timetable you need to complete.
• Save the document in MS Word with the following file name: First name Surname Student
number Time Schedule and upload to the link on Moodle.

3.1 Marking Rubric: Planning and Scheduling Assignment

NAME OF STUDENT: STUDENT NUMBER:

Possible mark Your mark
Colour 2
Key 2
Life roles 5
Study Process 4
References 2
TOTAL MARK /15

SEMESTER 2: ASSIGNMENTS

1. DECISION MAKING PROCESS ONLINE QUIZ

Complete the Decision Making Process Quiz on the Moodle site. You ALM lecturer will guide you.

2. STRESS MANAGEMENT PLAN

Develop a personal stress management plan consisting of healthy ways (at least five ways/methods)
to overcome your stress, by explaining how you will manage your stressors. Use the ideas provided on
pages 131 – 133 in your textbook. Please reference properly, the sources you consulted for this
assignment. Explain properly and use examples where possible. Save the document with the following
file name: First name Surname Student number Stress Management Plan and upload to the link on
Moodle. Your ALM lecturer will guide you. See the rubric below for further insight.

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2.1 Marking Rubric: Stress Management Plan

NAME OF STUDENT: STUDENT NUMBER:

Possible mark Your mark
List 5 methods with full explanation and elaboration, plus /15
examples provided. (5x3)
Referencing included /2
TOTAL /17

3. ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL GROWTH ORAL PRESENTATION

You will be required to prepare a Power point presentation which should give an indication of
your Academic and Personal growth during the year. Use the opportunity to explain how you
have changed and developed in your first year at university. You must provide evidence of such
growth in any way you deem to be suitable. A two minute video must be embedded into your
presentation where you will orally explain your growth. If this is not done your will forfeit the marks
for oral presentation style. It is essential that the video should not be you reading your
presentation but rather an added explanation for example. Further in depth instructions will be
provided on Moodle.

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ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL GROWTH ORAL PRESENTATION MARKING RUBRIC

ACADEMIC AND NO LITTLE MEDIOCRE GOOD INSIGHT VERY GOOD EXCELLENT

PERSONAL GROWTH INSIGHT INSIGHT INSIGHT (25-34) INSIGHT (45-50)
PRESENTATION GRID (0-5) (6-15) (16-24) (35-44)
Content /50
WEAK FAIR GOOD EXCELLENT
PRESENTATION CHECKLIST /50 (0-1) (2) (3) (4-5)
NON VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
Voice (loud, clear, and appropriate
tone)
Voice speed appropriate
Body Language (Eye contact,
appropriate posture and
gestures, no distracting
mannerisms)
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Professional language and
vocabulary
Structured introduction
Structured body
Structured conclusion
Use available time well (5 min
maximum length)
VISUAL AIDS
Clear and relevant visual aid
Visual aid used appropriately
ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL GROWTH PRESENTATION /100

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 SECTION C: GLOSSARY

You will have a new understanding of concepts. Keep track of the meaning of those words.
WORD TRANSLATION or different DEFINITION/DESCRIPTION
word
Assessed
Self-efficacy
Mind-map
Active listening
Mnemonics
Ethics
Attitudes
Socialisation
Plagiarism
Mind-map
Time wasters
Priorities
Life roles
SWOT analysis
Long term goal
Short term goal
Eustress
Distress
Stressor

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