Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

UNIT 47: ACADEMIC LITERACY IN THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SECTORSUnit 47:Academic Literacy in the Healthand Social Care SectorsNQF Level 4:Guided learning hours: 60BTEC NationalUnit abstractThis unit aims to extend the study skills of learners in preparation for theexpectations of higher education. Whilst there are generic elements to the skillsrequired to succeed academically, there are also elements that are particular todifferent subject areas. It can therefore be argued that understanding of how toread, write, understand and plan one’s own learning should be contextualised withina programme of learning in order for it to be relevant to learners.The health and social care sectors are at the forefront of public scrutiny, whichprovokes debates from both within the sectors, and outside the sectors, on keyissues. This unit looks at reading from the perspective of the presentation of keydebates within the sectors. Different methods of interacting with written text areconsidered.The unit then looks at the question of literacy as a requirement of higher education,including the development and presentation of written work in a variety of styles.The health and social care sectors require learners to be conversant with a widevariety of written formats, for example those used for ethical and social debates,scientific writing and reflective writing, or time-limited writing in examinations.Learners will analyse the features of these styles.The underpinning theory of how people learn is a focus of debate and there is littleconsensus about the key features. However, by becoming participants in this debate,learners will have the opportunity to assess their own views of learning. Learners willtherefore investigate two theories associated with learning and analyse their ownlearning with reference to these theories.Finally, the unit then considers the question of planning study, with reference tolocal resources and managing time, and consolidates the unit within the context of apersonal development plan.This unit may not be combined in a programme with Unit 46: Independent Learning inHealth and Social Care.BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007573