The Application of Learning Skills in an Engineering Programme

In the Dublin Institute of Technology, an engineering programme in the School of Control Systems and Electrical Engineering has successfully incorporated a study skills module into the core curriculum. The purpose of having this module, Academic Development and Key Skills, in the first year of the programme is twofold. It is meant to assist the students with the transition from second level education to third level by aiding them in becoming more competent with their learning style. This is turn has helped to create a positive impact with respect to the retention of this student group within the programme. The second year of this module develops the study skills further. It has been recognised by industry that study skills in fact mirror many of the skills students require for their future careers such as time management, presentation skills, communication skills and task management. These skills are otherwise known as soft, core, key or transferable skills. This paper discusses how the implementation of study skills into the core curriculum of a third level engineering programme can be of benefit to the current and future needs of students-both academic and personal developmental as well as with their future professional requirements. By providing the environment to develop and learn these skills within an engineering programme it is taking a step towards addressing the holistic needs of its student population