Course summary

The course deploys a range of teaching and learning methods which embrace formal class room sessions, student lead seminars, study visits, small group work, tutorials and debates.

Teaching is interactive and is designed to draw upon the worklife experience of students as a means of generating a body of shared practical knowledge aginst which more theoretical and research based material can be evaluated.

The choice of teaching mode takes into account the different levels of student ability and differing levels of experience and development.

Study skills are dealt with at each stage in the programme covering:

• The planning and execution of written work
• Note taking
• Effective reading
• Active listening
• Group working
• Library and information research
• Presentational skills
• Problem solving techniques
• Revision techniques
• Examination skills

For each module you will meet as a whole group with a tutor for five hours a week to explore key topics and to consolidate learning. These sessions are normally split into a two hour class and a three hour workshop and seminar. In addition to these group-based activities, you will be expected to put in around ten hours of guided study working independently and sometimes in small groups depending upon the nature of the topic covered.

You will receive a weekly tutorial of one hour to discuss and review the set work for the particular module you are studying. Tutorials are normally conducted in pairs and are used to develop and review formative assessments, e.g. data exercises and written outlines of assignments. The College attaches considerable importance to the tutorial since it offers the opportunity for detailed interaction with the student in order to check academic progress, consolidate and deepen understanding and work on any areas of weakness that may arise.

Within the class and workshop sessions, students with experience of trade union activity or with practical knowledge of the workplace are actively encouraged to use their experience and previous learning in discussions, group exercises, case study analyses, presentations and other activities to enrich and enhance the learning process. Study skills are integrated into each module appropriate to the level of study and the needs of the students.