University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised July 2001)

Code:	UTLGA7-30-1
Title:	Independent Study
Version:	3
Level:	1
UWE Credit Rating:	30
ECTS Credit Rating:	15
Module Type:	Project
Owning Faculty	Social Sciences and Humanities
Field:	Secondary Education and Lifelong Learning
Valid From:	September 2008
Discontinued From:
Contributes Towards:	Cert HE (Learning Support) Dip HE (Learning Support) Cert HE (Learning Mentors) DipHE (Learning Mentors) CertHE ( Education Welfare Studies) DipHE (Education Welfare Studies)
Pre-requisites:	None
Co-requisites:	None
Excluded Combinations:	None

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the students will have:

• identified an area of interest, relevance and value to themselves and/or their place of employment;

• identified and negotiated a study of appropriate scope and/or depth of enquiry;

• demonstrated congruence with intended programme aims and learning outcomes;

• followed a supported process of enquiry and study in pursuance of an identified goal;

• produced a final submission for assessment which shows evidence of relevant reading and an emerging understanding of the matters studied;

• taken responsibility for own learning, accommodating new principles and understandings;

• communicated effectively in a manner appropriate to the area of study and reported on procedures in a clear and concise manner.

Syllabus outline:

During the initial phase of the study the focus will be on identifying a specific area and developing a plan, strategy and study programme relevant to the chosen area. Students will embark on a search of relevant literature with tutorial support.

The module will develop into investigative activities with tutorial support.The module will culminate in the development of the submission. For example this could be:

a) a written assignment or report and/or

b) materials for use by pupils/students and/or

c) audio or visual materials including computer programmes etc

d) any other form which is relevant to the subject being studied, subject to the approval of the supporting tutor

Teaching and learning methods:

Given the varied and eclectic nature of the module the learning approaches will be negotiated between the student and the supporting tutor.

Reading Strategy

There will be a set text which students are expected to buy. Other essential reading will be provided electronically or as printed study packs.

Further reading is not essential for this module, but students will be encouraged to explore at least one of the titles held in the library on this topic. A current list of such titles will be given in the module handbook and revised annually.

One of the Level 1 modules within a programme, will provide opportunities for students to start to develop their library and information skills.

Indicative sources:

BELL, J.(1999, 3^rd Edn.) Doing your Research Project. Buckingham: OUP.

London: Centre of Information on Language Teaching and Research.

FAIRBAIRN, G.J. & WINCH, C. (1996), Reading, Writing & Reasoning: a Guide for Students, Buckingham: OUP.

SHARPE, J.A. & HOWARD, K. (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project, (3rd Ed), Aldershot: Gower.

MARSHALL, L. & ROWLAND, S. (1993) A Guide to Learning Independently, (2nd Ed), Buckingham: OUP.

WILLIAMS, K. (1999) Developing Writing Skills Oxford: Oxford Centre for Staff Development.

Additional readings and websites will be identified by the tutor, with reference to the area of study.

Assessment

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

The module will be assessed by the submission of an appropriate study which is the equivalent of 5,000 words.

Assessment criteria:

AL1: Conceptual Domain (Core)

The assignment demonstrates that the student can use and organise coherently relevant ideas and perspectives to interpret and/or explore issues under study.

together with two other level 1 criteria negotiated with the tutor, chosen from below.

B: Literature Domain

L1:The assignment demonstrates that the student has an awareness of appropriate literature and its relevance to the task.

C: Contextual Domain

L1: The assignment demonstrates that the student has an awareness of contextual factors (eg personal, locational, historical, political etc) influencing the area of study.

D: Research Domain

L1: The assignment demonstrates that the student can plan for and execute a small scale enquiry in a systematic manner, showing how their thinking was affected as the enquiry unfolded.

E: Ethical Domain

L1: The assignment demonstrates that the student has an awareness of ethical issues arising in or associated with the area of study.

F: Values Domain

L1: The assignment demonstrates that the student can clearly identify and articulate their own value position and where relevant, the value position of others in relation to the area of study.

G: Action Domain

L1: The assignment demonstrates that the student has awareness of a relationship between theory and practice in the workplace, and can use reflection to develop a personal theory and refine professional practice, with due regard to issues of equity and social justice.

H: Negotiated Domain

In addition to criteria specified under domains A-F, we accept the possibility of tutor and student negotiating an appropriate assessment criterion, to encompass specific elements of significance not addressed through the existing criteria. With tutors new to the programme it is important that such negotiated criteria are approved by the relevant Award Leader.

Students will provide a witnessed declaration of authenticity.

Documentation generated in the process of producing the assignment will be made available upon request.

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

The module will be assessed by the submission of an appropriate study which is the equivalent of 5,000 words.

Assessment criteria:

AL1: Conceptual Domain (Core)

The assignment demonstrates that the student can use and organise coherently relevant ideas and perspectives to interpret and/or explore issues under study.

together with two other level 1 criteria negotiated with the tutor.

Students will provide a witnessed declaration of authenticity.

Documentation generated in the process of producing the assignment will be made available upon request.

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is not required.

Specification confirmed by ……………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)