The College and the workplace will be used as an example of a business intending to gain accreditation for their environmental management/sustainability procedures and processes. Learners will each select a different aspect of the business to investigate e.g. energy, water, waste, corporate and social responsibility. They will then use this evidence as a vehicle for the following information and research skills.
Using library services
The nature of evidence / research - becoming a critical thinker.
Study skills: literacy skills, academic writing, report writing, data analysis, referencing and citation and verbal communication.
Introduction to the concept of self assessment and its role in developing own learning for higher education and future careers
Becoming a reflective learner
Using information and communication technology for identifying and retrieving good quality information and search strategies. The acquisition and dissemination of information using word processing, email, PowerPoint and presentation skills
Organising and managing time to maximise learning opportunities

A PORTFOLIO weighted at 100%. (LOs 1,2,3,4,5)
The portfolio of work will be built up during, and submitted at the end of, the module. Progress on the building of the portfolio will be assessed at regular intervals during the module to ensure that students do not attempt to complete the whole assessment at the end of the module .

The portfolio will typically involve:

- An individual oral presentation.
- A PDP (personal development plan) reflective log and action plan.
- An essay about one aspect of environmental management/ sustainability they have investigated, their learning and study activities from a CD Rom and one page action plan.
- A data analysis report

Formative feedback will involve group tutorials centred on the development of a plan for their work.

Strategy A (2 year accelerated part-time route):
The module will be delivered through blended learning strategy of three 2 day and one 1 day intensive workshops (48 hours) spaced evenly over a 36 week learning period. The workshops will include lectures, group work and individual learner activities. The teaching strategies will employ a range of methods including, lectures, presentations and visits to elibrary and elearning resource resources. Peer group discussion will allow students to share ideas and experiences and will encourage reflection and evaluation. Practical examples and demonstrations of the use of referencing and presentation techniques will be used and peer observation and feedback will be encouraged. A key aspect of the learning strategy is the direct involvement of employers and work based learning in order to develop skills relevant to employers needs. This will promote the students experience and professional confidence and provide them with planning, leadership and management skills. In the weeks between workshops independent learning will involve 140 hours for portfolio building and 112 hours of directed independent learning.

Strategy B (3 year part-time route):
The module will be delivered in 2 hour weekly workshops over 24 weeks (48 hours) including lectures, group work and individual learner activities. The teaching strategies will employ a range of methods including, lectures, presentations and visits to library and learning resource centre. Peer group discussion will allow students to share ideas and experiences and will encourage reflection and evaluation. Practical examples and demonstrations of the use of referencing and presentation techniques will be used and peer observation and feedback will be encouraged. A key aspect of the learning strategy is the direct involvement of employers and work based learning in order to develop skills relevant to employers needs. This will promote the students experience and professional confidence and provide them with planning, leadership and management skills. Independent learning will involve 140 hours for portfolio building and 112 hours of directed independent learning.

Library
IT resources including Power point
VLE
Core texts
Study skills CD Rom

Cottrell, S. (2003) The Study Skills Handbook.( 2nd Ed). Palgrave Study Guides, Hampshire.
Cottrell, S. (2005) Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument. Palgrave Study Guides, Hampshire.
Creme, P. & Lea, M.R. (2006) Writing at University: A Guide for Students, (2nd Edition). Open University Press, Buckingham.
McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2006) The Smarter Student Skills and Strategies for Success at University. Pearson Prentice Hall, Harlow.