-This module supports you in the initial stages of your Master by Negotiated Study.

-At the beginning of the module you will be introduced to the concepts of flexible and self-directed learning, and we will use the module to explore the demands of undertaking research by negotiated study.

-You will be encouraged to discuss your ideas with others in your cohort, in order that we can work in a collaborative way to assist you with the development of your proposed Masters.

-This module will also require you to reflect critically upon the process of developing ideas for negotiated study, understand strategies for managing your postgraduate studies and prepare you for the first step on the masters, which is the formalisation of your ideas in a formal Learning Contract.

-To support your individual progress, early in the term, you will also be provided with a one-to-one tutorial with the module/course leader, where the details of your Learning Contract will be established.

The Learning Contract is required so that you can map your postgraduate course on Negotiated modules. Your course leader and subject supervisor will assist you to develop your learning contract within the first 3-weeks of commencing the module and you will outline the indicative content of your negotiated modules.

Learning outcomes 1-3 are assessed via the written, Reflective Report, which is a strategy document relating to how you will manage your Negotiated Study. You will be expected to provide definitions of negotiated learning; consider how you will manage the transition to PG study and think through how you will manage practical elements, such as time management and working with the supervisory process.

Formative Assessment: Midway formative feedback will be embedded within tutorial sessions and the use of a draft system, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support your development and progression.

The module will combine one-to-one tutorials with class-based work-shops in order to provide you with both the opportunity to develop your own research programme and meet with fellow learners to share experiences of self-managed study.

Independent, self-directed study is also required.

1. Demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of the key themes and issues involved in flexible learning approaches and the ability to make informed judgements regarding the application of these approaches.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and select the most appropriate solution to the management of negotiated learning, giving a clear rationale for the choices made.

Application & Problem-solving
Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

3. Demonstrate the ability to reflect in writing on the experience of flexible learning and to critically evaluate progress in this area.

Reflection
Communication

Student Life https://www.youtube.com/@uniofstaffsstudentlife/videos

University Careers https://staffs.careercentre.me/Members

University Library https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

BOUD, D. (2006). Aren’t we all learner-centred now?

BASSOT, B. (2016) The reflective practice guide: an interdisciplinary approach to critical reflection (Routledge).

BEARD, C. & WILSON, JP. (2013) Experiential learning: a handbook for education, training and coaching (Kogan Page)

BELL, J. & WATERS, S. (2018) Doing Your Research Project. 7th Edition. (McGraw-Hill).

BIGGAM, J (2011). Succeeding With Your Masters Dissertation: a step-by-step guide. 2nd Ed.(Open University Press).

BOLTON, G (2010). Reflective Practice. 3rd Ed. London: Sage Publications. Available as a book in the library; Dewey: 808.066

COTTRELL, S. (2017) Critical thinking skills: effective analysis, argument and reflection. 3rd Edition. (Palgrave Macmillan).

DREW, S. & BINGHAM, R (2016) The guide to learning and study skills: for higher education and at work (Routledge).

KNOWLES, M. et al. (2015) Guidelines for using learning contracts (Routledge)

KOLB, A (1984) Experiential Learning: Experience as the source of Learning and development. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

McMILLAN, K. & WEYERS, J. (2013) How to improve your critical thinking and reflective skills .(Prentice Hall)

MOON, J. (2004) A handbook of reflective and experiential learning: theory and practice (Routledge Falmer.)

NAIDU, S (2017) How flexible is flexible learning, who is to decide and what are its implications? Distance Education, Vol. 38(3), pp. 269-272.

PRITCHARD, A. (2014) Ways of Learning : Learning Theories and Learning Styles in the Classroom. 3rd edition. (Routledge).

Hyper-personalised learning starts here! This module will kick-start your Negotiated Masters journey by showing you the requirements for negotiated study; you will have the opportunity to develop you’re unique learning contract and think through strategies you can use to manage yourself during your self-directed study.