WHICH WILL BE ASSESSED BY

1. A 1000 word assignment 50%
(learning outcome 1)
2. A 1000 word analysis of a live interview 50%
(learning outcomes 1 & 2)

* Students are reminded that permission to use live interview material must be secured from service users and that confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained.

This module provides a theoretical and practice-based introduction to core interviewing skills, which are essential to advice work. Particular topics will include:
- Aims, purposes and structure of an interview;
- Questioning and information gathering skills;
- Advising Skills;
- Telephone answering skills;
- Non verbal communication skills;
- Making effective contact with individuals and organisations for a range of objectives.
- Listening actively to others, engaging appropriately with the life experiences of enquirers, understanding accurately their viewpoint, and overcoming personal prejudices to respond appropriately to a range of situations.

- Keats, D. (2000) Interviewing - a practical guide for students and professionals, Buckingham, Open University
- Thompson, N. (2009) People Skills (3rd Edition), London, Macmillan
- Trevithick, P. (2012) Social Work Skills a practice handbook (3rd Edition), Buckingham, Open University

Nil

- Computer with Internet capacity
- Key Texts

The focus of this module is on a mix of independent as well as directed study.

Contact Hours (30) on this module means your on-screen hours engaging with the online study materials contained within the `Course Information', `Course Documents' `Communication' and `Assignments' sections of the module virtual learning environment (VLE).

Independent Study (120) means on-line and off-line activity including working on tasks/exercises/activities and within the discussion forums, relevant background/supplementary reading, and assessment preparation and completion.

This module will be delivered by the use of a VLE

The VLE will provide a structured environment for progressing through this module. The `Course Information' section contains essential module information, the award handbook, the module descriptor and a section, which contains the aims and objectives of the module. The `Course Documents' section contains all the study material necessary to complete the module, together with activities associated with this material. Within the `Communications' section there are a number of forums, which will enable interactive, asynchronous discussion, which supports student learning and allows for formative assessment of individual progress.

Participants are encouraged to communicate with the tutor and their fellow students using email, telephone and the discussion forums and to do so if there are matters needing assistance and support.

Web-based material will be utilised to support all aspects of the module, providing links to latest Government information and latest case law and legislation.

As this is a distance learning award, participants will need to adopt a disciplined approach to study and work for example by ensuring that activities, tasks and assignments are completed within specified time limits and that discussion with others takes place