The document discusses a pre-sessional programme for week 5 on academic problem solving. It introduces problem solving skills and models like Gibbs' and Kolb's. Students will discuss problems they have encountered and work in pairs/groups to role-play or present solutions to typical problems. Homework involves bringing feedback to advising sessions, and extra support is available through one-on-one sessions, support groups, and conversation cafes.

1. 2015 Pre-sessional Programme
Independent Learning
Week 5: Academic
Problem Solving

2. Problem-solving skills
Example Problem: You need to read a
particular resource related to your course,
but the university doesn’t have access to it.
What will you do to solve this problem?

3. Gibbs’ Model

4. Kolb’s Model

5. Discussion
What types of problems have you
encountered so far in the pre-sessional?
§ Language problems?
§ Academic problems?
§ Integrating into British culture?

6. Activity
§ You will be given a typical problem faced by
students
§ In pairs/small groups, plan either a role-
play or a short presentation to solve the
problem

7. Homework
§ You may wish to bring your feedback to
your advising session or to a one-to-one
academic guidance session if you have a
particular weakness that needs addressing

8. Any Questions?

9. Extra Support
• Extra one-to-one support sessions are
available. Sign up in the LRC on Avenue
Campus
• Support groups are running on a number of
useful topics. Sign up with me!
• Conversation cafes are taking place in the
Avenue courtyard at lunchtimes. Just go
along!