Right from the Start: A Rationale for Embedding Academic Literacy Skills in University Courses

Abstract

This paper summarizes relevant research concepts, and then describes a case where online tutorials were used to integrate one generic academic skill - information literacy - into first year business courses. Tutorials covering the skills and information required to complete course assignments were designed so the content can be easily modified for different subjects and assessment tasks. Feedback from trials suggests that significant gains can be made using this embedded approach. Theoretical grounding of design concepts, integration into course activities and collaboration between course lecturers and academic support staff are all key success factors. The authors propose that this integrated approach is the most effective way to promote academic literacy skills development in large university classes, and that the learning design principles used in this case for Information Literacy could work equally well in other academic skill areas. Further research will be conducted to test this assumption.