Module Descriptors
STUDY SKILLS AND RESEARCH METHODS FOR WORK-BASED LEARNING
COIS50716
Key Facts
School of Digital, Technologies and Arts
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Robin Oldham
Email: Robin.Oldham@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 3
Independent Study Hours: 147
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- COURSEWORK weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.
Module Resources
Various learning/support materials made available through the VLE, and links to Internet-based resources.
Module Texts
How to Research - 3rd Edition, Loraine Blaxter, Christina Hughes, Malcolme Tight. Open University Press, 2006. ISBN: 9780335229536. Available on Staffordshire University's Digital Library (ebrary).
Reflective Learning in Practice. Publisher: Aldershot, Hants, England. Burlington, VT: Gower, c2002 ISBN/ISSN: 0566083779. Available on Staffordshire University's Digital Library (ebrary)
Reflective Learning in Practice. Publisher: Aldershot, Hants, England. Burlington, VT: Gower, c2002 ISBN/ISSN: 0566083779. Available on Staffordshire University's Digital Library (ebrary)
Module Indicative Content
This module aims to develop your skills and knowledge as a remote/off campus student - and particularly in a work-based learning environment. There are three aspects to the module. The first aspect develops your appreciation and understanding of academic research and how this underpins your programme of learning and strengthens your professional role at work. Typical areas within this include; defining what is meant by research; research methodology; scoping and setting a research question; developing aims and objectives; ethics; undertaking an outline literature review; project planning.
The second aspect of the module focuses on the applied/practical skills that are necessary to perform effectively as a remote and independent learner. Typical areas within this include: navigating and researching digital libraries; effective methods and tools for academic referencing; concept/mind mapping tools and techniques; collaborative/remote working principles and practice, and how to make the most of the student-tutor relationship.
The third aspect is about intellectual empowerment - and how this provides a platform and vehicle for strengthening your professional role at work. This will involve self-reflection, perspectives on career/professional development and how your engagement with study and research can be of real value in a work-based setting.
The second aspect of the module focuses on the applied/practical skills that are necessary to perform effectively as a remote and independent learner. Typical areas within this include: navigating and researching digital libraries; effective methods and tools for academic referencing; concept/mind mapping tools and techniques; collaborative/remote working principles and practice, and how to make the most of the student-tutor relationship.
The third aspect is about intellectual empowerment - and how this provides a platform and vehicle for strengthening your professional role at work. This will involve self-reflection, perspectives on career/professional development and how your engagement with study and research can be of real value in a work-based setting.
Module Additional Assessment Details
100% coursework consisting of:-
A Project Proposal weighted at 70%
The proposal will be based on a negotiated topic (negotiated betwee you, your tutor, and your employer) and will demonstrate the applicatio of your research and study skills (Learning Outcomes 1 and 2).
Development of a Reflective Account (equivalent to 1500 words) weighted at 30% (Learning Outcome 3) that demonstrates the value of your knowledge development in a work-based context.
A Project Proposal weighted at 70%
The proposal will be based on a negotiated topic (negotiated betwee you, your tutor, and your employer) and will demonstrate the applicatio of your research and study skills (Learning Outcomes 1 and 2).
Development of a Reflective Account (equivalent to 1500 words) weighted at 30% (Learning Outcome 3) that demonstrates the value of your knowledge development in a work-based context.
Module Learning Strategies
Students will be expected to use and regularly engage with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the delivery of this module. Typically this will be 'Blackboard' and students are expected to work through the module material provided on the VLE at the suggested pace. The material will include activities that allow students to assimilate the concpets and skills required by the module. Studetns will be encouraged to discuss relevant aspects via vehicles such as discussion forums hosted within the VLE. The forums will allow discussion with a student's peer group as well as the module tutor. Teleconferencing meetings will occur as appropriate to provide additional support.