Course for international guest/part time students

Faculty

Faculty of Education and Psychology

Organization

PPK Institute of Psychology

Code

PSYB19-202

Title

Study and Communication Skills

Usual semester

Spring

Published semester

2025/26/2

ECTS

3

Language

en

Learning outcomes

The course acquaints students with the requirements of and the competencies needed to achieve in a higher-education setting. The practical course is based on individual and small-group activities in the field of learning and communication, emphasizing learning skills. Linking theory, practice, and self-reflection is encouraged.

Course content

Learning Skills and Strategies - (motivation and reasons for pursuing further studies; fundamental competencies and skills; personal learning preferences; learning strategies and information processing; time management and self-organization; use of artificial intelligence applications to support learning) Communication (fundamental elements and processes of communication; gender-based communication; non-verbal communication; cultural differences in communication; mass communication and media; scientific communication) Conflicts and Conflict Resolution (core components of conflicts: criteria for typical classifications and the stages of conflict; conflict resolution styles; assertive communication; basics of transactional analysis)

Assessment method

In accordance with the regulations, a maximum of 3 absences is allowed. One pair presentation (maximum 20 minutes) – 20 points To receive a grade, submission of all required assignments via the e-learning platform is mandatory. From each of the following three groups, one assignment must be selected and completed (each max. 20 points, total max. 3 x 20 points): Group A – max. 20 points each: Create a mind map (20 points) Reflection on personal learning strategies (20 points) Write a development goal using SMART principles (20 points) Group B – max. 20 points each: Digital footprint and internet safety (20 points) Article search (20 points) Improving academic references (20 points) Group C – max. 20 points each: Write assertive statements (20 points) Conflict analysis (20 points) Illustrate presentation mistakes (20 points) Grading Scale (5-point system): 1 (fail): 0–45 points, 2 (pass): 46–52 points, 3 (satisfactory): 53–62 points, 4 (good): 63–69 points, 5 (excellent): 70–80 points Evaluation Criteria: • Presentation (20 points) Task and evaluation: Pairs must choose a less-discussed or missing subtopic within the general themes covered in class and present it in detail. Max. 20 minutes. Each student must upload the PowerPoint separately to the e-learning platform. Checklist: Names of all presenters must appear on the first slide. A complete reference list (including image sources) must be on the last slide. Points: 5 points – Complete and correct reference list 15 points – Average of peer evaluations (evaluation criteria discussed in class) • Mind Map (20 points) Choose a topic you’re already studying for an exam and create a mind map following Tony Buzan’s principles. Submit as JPEG or PDF. You may draw it by hand, but digital is preferred. Indicate the software used. Points: 12 points – Core Buzan principles applied 5 points – Match between topic size and depth of map 3 points – Effective use of software capabilities • Reflection on Personal Learning Strategies (20 points) Reflect on your learning strategies using class content. Identify which strategies you’ve used, their outcomes, which you haven’t used, and what you would try. Include at least five learning tips for high school students. Points: 5 points – Uses different frameworks to identify strategies 5 points – Detailed identification of pros/cons of used strategies 3 points – Reflects on strategy effectiveness across different content types 4 points – Justifies choice of new strategy to try 3 points – Five learning tips with justifications • Writing a Development Goal Using SMART Principles (20 points) Review completed questionnaires and reflect with examples that support or question the results. Identify strengths and areas for development. Choose one area and write a development goal using SMART principles. Points: 4 points – Includes all relevant questionnaires 4 points – Real-life examples supporting/questioning results 6 points – Evidence-based identification of strengths and weaknesses 6 points – SMART goal fully formulated following all principles • Digital Footprint and Internet Safety (20 points) Identify your own digital footprint. Summarize the process and results. Find and recommend at least 3 websites with basic principles of safe internet use, and reflect on your own practices. Points: 6 points – Proper identification method 9 points – Appropriate website selection and detailed recommendations (3x3 points) 5 points – Reflection based on recommended practices • Article Search (20 points) Select a specific psychological topic of interest. Identify 3 relevant articles from different journals. Provide: a) Search keywords b) Screenshots c) Half-page summary of article relevance and interrelation Points: 3 points – Specificity of topic 3 points – Specificity of keywords 6 points – Screenshots 8 points – Justification of article selection • Improving Academic References (20 points) Correct a one-page reference list from an article according to APA 6th edition. You start with 20 points, and lose 1 point per mistake added or not corrected. • Assertive Statements (20 points) Identify three situations where your needs are unmet and this causes tension. Briefly describe each, then write an assertive statement and a request for change. Points: 0.5 points – Each situation clearly described 6 points – Non-judgmental description of others' behavior (3x2 points) 6 points – Negative impacts on speaker identified (3x2 points) 6 points – Emotional response accurately expressed (3x2 points) 1.5 points – Request for change is specific and non-judgmental (3x0.5 points) • Conflict Analysis (20 points) Find a conflict video on YouTube. Provide a link and timecode (max. 5 minutes). Summarize the conflict. Analyze which phase it illustrates, classify it using the typologies from class, and identify where and how a win-win outcome could have been reached. Points: 3 points – Correct identification of conflict phase 7 points – Accurate classification using typologies 3 points – Correctly identifies a turning point (or justifies absence) 7 points – Correct identification of what the actors could have said/done differently • Demonstrating Presentation Mistakes (20 points) Create a PowerPoint with at least 10 slides on effective presentation structure, visuals, and delivery. Include examples of common mistakes. Points: 3 points – At least 10 slides 4 points – Tips on content structure 5 points – Examples of effective opening/closing 5 points – Common mistakes and how to avoid them 3 points – Poor design examples (e.g. color, font, layout)

Programmes of the course