Abstract

Learning in the 21st century requires different skills and abilities from the students in order to keep in pace with the intense information revolution. In a society that is characterized by a plethora of information, the student’s skills are becoming increasingly important (Beyth-Marom et al., 1987). The goal of the study is to examine how the teaching of academic skills influences the improvement of the learning processes of the students at the Tel-Hai Academic College and their development as independent learners. The present study is based on the examination of students’ learning processes in order to examine their ability to choose the appropriate combination of information and skills and apply it in problem solving in different situations. The current research study addresses two main aspects that are related to this course and will be the basis for the research questions. The contribution of the course to the students in developing learning and exploration skills, and the extent to which the acquired skills were implemented in research courses during the 2nd and 3rd years of college. Optimal design and planning of the “Academic Skills” course to fulfill optimally the needs of the college students and professors in disciplinary and research courses. The study population consisted of 88 students, and the method was action research. Each stage examined the following parameters: The contribution of the course “Academic skills” to the development of the learning and exploration skills of the students. The utilization of the academic skills in other courses during there study in the college. The study hypotheses were: Following the learning and experiencing processes, the students will be capable of: transferring and using learning and exploration skills acquired in the course, and apply it. The presentation will present the findings of the first stage of this action research as well as insights and changes that occurred in the course teaching plan according to the study findings.