‘Top Trumps’ – A method for developing critical analysis skills

University of Chester 

The term ‘reading for a degree’, encapsulating the skills of critical analysis and debate, was for many years used as a phrase to summarise successful undergraduate study. unsecured loans However, the ability to move from reading to using material to inform arguments, debates and discussion is a skill which needs to be developed and does not now seem to form one of the core attributes which students bring with them to degree study.
The aim of this workshop is to show and discuss how critical skills can be developed using an active learning approach termed ‘top trumps’. The technique uses a pyramid approach moving from individual reading to group discussion and finally between-group debate using rules bad credit loans akin to the Top Trumps card game. The technique and game rules will be introduced and examples from both exercise psychology and research methods will be presented to show how the technique can be used with large student numbers and across different levels of study.
The final portion of the workshop will explore student’s views of the activity and discuss other techniques which promote active learning in the lecture environment.

Consultant effectiveness in sport psychology
A. Niven, Heriot Watt University;
D. Tod, University of Aberystwyth
Purpose: The purpose of the current workshop will be to share current knowledge regarding characteristics of effective practitioners and to help participants identify strategies that may facilitate their professional development.
Background: In recent years, issues regarding  accountability, evidence-based practice, and suitable training and supervision models have received increased attention in the applied sport psychology literature. One theme emerging from this increased attention has been the recognition that practitioners are the instruments of service delivery. Given that consultants are one central component of effective, ethical, and safe practice, then identifying the characteristics of effective practitioners may guide educators, supervisors, trainees, and practitioners in their attempts to develop their own and others’ capacities to assist athletes with their issues and performance preparation. To date applied sport psychology researchers have examined characteristics of effective practitioners, and findings share some similarities with the results from mainstream counselling investigations, for example, the development of relationship building skills and the judicious application of psychological theory and interventions.
Method/Key Points: The interactive activities participants will undertake during the workshop are designed to help participants
(a) define the boundaries of effective practice;
(b) identify the characteristics of effective practitioners and service delivery;
(c) reflect on their own service delivery competencies and attributes; and
(d) begin implementing strategies that allow them to develop themselves as applied sport psychologists (e.g. self-reflection, supervision). Conclusions: On completing the workshop, participants will have expanded their theoretical and personal knowledge of effective practitioner characteristics and will have identified ways they can continue developing as consultants.