Teaching & learning
Teaching and Learning Methods (applicable to all Programme
Learning Outcomes):
Knowledge and skills are acquired through lectures,
tutorials, guest speakers, directed and independent study, case studies and
experiential learning. Learning is developed through problem solving, coursework
assignments, in-class assessments (role plays, presentations and poster
construction), workshops and computer assisted learning (Moodle).
Teaching and Learning Methods used on the teacher training
programme
The Teacher Training team adopt a variety of methods of teaching
to accommodate different styles of learning and subject matter. The
emphasis is on supporting students to develop the knowledge, understanding and
skills associated with improving learning and performance. The learning
and teaching strategies employed on the programme aim to develop intellectual
and vocational, transferable, knowledge and skills, which will underpin career
development and education progression. The team consists of staff with a variety
of specialist, educational, professional and industrial experiences. All members
of the team keep up-to-date in their subject area and prepare relevant and
topical resource materials to use during their teaching.
• The teaching
and learning methods used by the programme team are balanced between tutor-led
and student-centred activity. At every opportunity prior knowledge and
experience is used in the learning process and students are provided with
appropriate levels of support throughout their studies to enable them to become
autonomous learners.
• It is the programme team’s view that an effective
educational experience relies on a combination of structured and personal
learning. The programme encourages students to take responsibility for their own
learning, as a reflection of current practice. This requires a high level
of commitment and organisation on their part including attendance at taught
classes, as well as the motivation to conduct independent study in addition to
carrying out their professional teaching role.
• Strategies for facilitating student learning and
progression
A variety of teaching and learning methods are to be used
throughout the programme as appropriate to the intended learning outcomes:
• Tutor-led Presentations are typically used for short
formal inputs; including the use of multi- media presentations, and, where
appropriate, guest speakers. Students should keep notes from all lectures -
these may also be developed through personal research.
• Case Studies
can be used to reinforce knowledge and understanding, through analysis and
discussion of trainees’ own practice. Case studies aid an exploration of
issues; encourage analysis, problem-solving and the application of theoretical
principles.
• Role play provides opportunities for students to practise
a specific skill (1:1 tutorial), to interact with a scenario in a supportive
learning environment.
• Small group activities encourage collaborative
learning and the development of verbal communication
skills.
• Individual Tutorials with an allocated personal tutor
encourage a continuous dialogue with the student on their academic progress,
development and any personal circumstances that will affect their
performance.
• Group storming: enables an exploration of students’
current levels of knowledge and understanding.
• E-Learning using
Moodle, provides support, information and activities with links to relevant
websites for further reading and allows trainees to interact with each other
through student forums.
• Team Working forms an essential part of the
curriculum; enabling students to interact with colleagues and to develop key
employability skills.
• Independent Study is an essential and
significant element of the course with self-managed research a key to effective
teaching. Students are guided, encouraged and supported to act and think
autonomously through a variety of pedagogical methods for example, self-directed
reading/information retrieval, presentation preparation and formative and
summative assessment. In addition, each of the module outlines contains
indicative book lists, sub-divided into essential and
recommended.
• Student Reflection is embedded in the curriculum,
assessment strategy and Personal Development Planning, which is also supported
through the tutorial system.
