Standard for entry onto Foundation Degree

Participants will present a report of approximately 6000 words.
Assessment criteria will include demonstration of the learning outcomes and the criteria in the QAA Educational Studies Benchmark document.

Abbott, P. and Sapsford, R. (1997) Research Practice, Buckingham, Open University Press
Bell, J. Doing Your Research Project, 3rd edition, Buckingham, Open University Press
Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (1996) How to Research, Buckingham, Open University Press
Cottrell, S. (1999) The Study Skills Handbook, London, Macmillan
Crena, P. and Lea, M. R. (1997) Writing at University, Buckingham, Open University Press
Fairbairn, G. J. and Winch, C. (1998) Reading, Writing and Reasoning, 2nd edition, Buckingham, Open University Press
Hague, P. and Roberts, K. (1994) Presentations and Report Writing, London, Kogan Page
Hat, C. (1998) Doing a Literature Review, London, Sage
Marshall, L. and Rouland, F. (1998) A Guide to Writing Independently, 3rd edition,
Buckingham, Open University Press
Nawnes, W. and M. J. (1999) The Art and Craft of Report Writing, London, Kogan Page
Peck, J. and Coyle, M. (1999) The Student's Guide to Writing, London, Macmillan
Stringer, E. T. (1999) Action Research, 2nd edition, London, Sage

Tutor sessions
Mentor support
Work based experience
Library
IT

Group sessions, as required, will assist participants with defining a line of enquiry and in writing the report. For independent study, participants, with the support of school-based mentors, will observe practice and focus on specific activities in their workplace. They will document this, to share in group sessions and to help them to prepare for their assessment task.

Group tutorials will focus on the processes of undertaking an individual study and writing a report. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences in the small group tutorials in relation to:
1. defining a topic or theme;
2. establishing a line of enquiry;
3. reviewing the literature;
4. collating, sequencing and analysing relevant material;
5. engaging in critical reflection;
6. problems involved in the process of draft and redraft;
7. appropriate referencing and bibliographies.