The teaching and learning strategies have been carefully designed to maximise the opportunity for you to use and reflect upon your employment in the education/early years sector. Learning and teaching strategies will include; whole and small group discussion via Teams/Zoom, problem-based learning, case studies, individual research, verbal questioning, experiential practical learning for example, facilitated learning observation, one-to-one tutorials, critical reflective practice, observation of other professionals and guest speakers.
The teaching approach will often be activity based and participatory and students are expected to take a full and responsible part. You will also be required to complete work related tasks in all modules. This will give you the opportunity to link theoretical perspectives to your setting, and enable you to reflect on values, practices, assumptions and policies, nationally, and locally.
Through our Virtual Learning Environment ‘Blackboard’ you’ll have access to course materials, lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations and reading lists, so you can manage your time effectively.
Assessment
The assessment tasks set over the duration of the programme have been designed to develop and build upon a wide range of personal professional skills, whilst strongly reinforcing links between theory and practical application. Some modules have more than one assessment task and will be linked to the teaching and learning methods of the modules.
Formative assessment will underpin all teaching and learning, and enable the tutors to identify problems, offer feedback and feed forward to maximise the effectiveness of the learning process. Engagement with vocational learning is also formatively assessed through presentations of work-related learning, developing practical resources and producing reviews of policy and practice. Most of the formative assessment and self-assessment will be conducted through professional dialogue with tutors and with peers through structured online learning conversations.
Learning support
In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:
- study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
- written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
- academic writing and how to reference
- research skills
- critical thinking and understanding arguments
- revision, assessment and examination skills
- time management
Additional support
Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
Feedback
You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.