FDY3001 Preparing for University Success Assessment Brief 2026 | Arden University

FDY3001 Assessment Brief

Task Summary

You are required to respond to both parts of the task, Part 1 and Part 2.
For this task:

• In Part 1 – Create a weekly diary of your first semester at Arden University.
• In Part 2 – Develop a mini research project that demonstrates your ability to locate and evaluate sources from the suggested topics.

Assignment Instructions:

Part 1: Reflective Diary (1000 words) (LO1, LO3)

Reflect on your transition to Arden University. Discuss your first semester, including your StartSmart orientation week and 9 weeks of classes and online activities on iLearn.

You may wish to include:

• Your background and motivations for study
• Your experience of StartSmart Day 1 and 2
• Your modules and what you have found enjoyable so far
• Reflecting on your strengths and also challenges you have faced
• Skills you wish to improve and develop

Include images:

Include memorable photos and/or images of your first semester with a description of each picture and/or image as part of your diary (maximum 3 photos and/or images).

Conclusion and next steps:

Conclude your reflection by discussing your next steps. You may consider setting a goal and identifying how you will continue to develop your skills in your Foundation Year.

Part 2: Mini- Research Project (1000 words) (LO2, LO4)

Choose ONE of the following topics to investigate:

• student belonging
• growth mindset and academic success
• self-efficacy and academic motivation

Step 1: Locate sources (300 words)

Demonstrate that you can find sources related to your chosen topic. Provide FOUR screenshots of you using the Arden Library Portal with a description of each screenshot.

1. Demonstrate you can access the Arden University Library Portal: Describe how you navigated there and what you clicked on to get to the page.
2. Evidence the database you searched: Explain how you navigated there and why you chose that database.
3. Provide the keywords and filters you used to refine your search: What keywords and filters did you use and why?
4. Show the search results: Identify the TWO sources shown in the search results list that you think would be suitable to help you answer your chosen research topic.

Step 2: Evaluate sources (700 words)

• Reference two relevant sources: Provide the reference for each of the two sources. Note: Please follow the referencing guidelines that are appropriate for your degree programme (see page 5)
• Evaluate the sources using the 4 W’S (Who? What? When? Why?). Assess if the sources are good quality or poor quality for academic purposes.
• WHEN: When was the text written and is it up to date?
• WHAT: Describe what the text is about – does it match your chosen topic?
• WHO: Explain briefly who the author(s) are and their academic or professional position. Has it been peer reviewed and are there references?
• WHY: Decide on the purpose for the text – finally consider how helpful the text is for Foundation Year Student?

Learning outcomes (LO)

By completing this assessment, you will have shown and be assessed on all four of the learning outcomes:

1. Reflect upon the transition to university and the strengths that they bring to university study.
2. Demonstrate an increased ability to locate, evaluate and read academic sources required for university study and assessment.
3. Present information to demonstrate increased confidence in communicating in a range of scenarios for the university context (including academic and personal preparedness).
4. Graduate Attribute: Digitally Literate. Identify appropriate digital resources/tools required for a restricted range of given purposes and tasks, with guidance.