Stand Alone Module

Managing Learning Environments

30 Credits

Duration:: 15 Weeks
Start Dates:: September and February
Attendance:: One study day per week
Venue:: Uxbridge Campus
Cost:: Available on request

Key Contact:: Mike Mousley
Tel:: 01494 522 141
Email:: mike.mousley@bucks.ac.uk

Is this course suitable for me?

This short 30 credit module will be of interest to a wide community of teachers, trainers, health professionals, social workers, supervisors, and community development workers.

Overview

Through the lenses supplied by critical reflection, case- study, and theory, you will develop a broadened notion of what constitutes a ‘learning environment’ and will explore the ways in which a congenial environment can be created and sustained in which learners develop their skills and competences.

The module aims to support and encourage the teacher/professional practitioner to provide a learning environment that caters for the learning needs and preferences of a diverse student body; to enable the teacher/professional practitioner to support learners to maximise their engagement with the learning process in order to develop their skills and competences in their chosen profession; and to encourage the teacher/professional practitioner to use the reflective process as lens through which to examine their own professional practice and plan for future development.

Content

The module will include exploration of:

Types of learning environment:
Consideration of what is meant by the term learning environment; Examination of the function and role of: classrooms; lecture theatres; workshops; laboratories; work-based placement; field work; syndicate groups; action sets; independent study; learning resource centres; computers; virtual learning environments.

Managing the environment:
Creating a positive environment which is culturally responsive and identifies student needs. Setting of ground rules; motivation strategies; styles and types of learning; group dynamics; challenging and unresponsive behaviour; special educational needs including hindrances and obstacles to learning. Physical arrangements including health and safety issues such as fire, accident, lighting, ventilation, use of computers.

Core competences for the learning environment:
Listening and communication skills including paralinguistics; intellectual skills; academic skills; management skills; technical skills, emotional intelligence.

Auditing instructional skills:
Evaluation of skills, responsibilities, strengths and areas for development in: designing and planning teaching; managing learning; assessment and feedback activities; support for own professional needs including action planning for future development.

Planning for teaching:
Identification of student needs and their capacity to learn; domains of learning; learning style theory; planning for different types of learner; individual and group learning. Consideration of varied teaching and learning strategies; the importance of setting appropriate aims, objectives and learning outcomes. Promotion of learner autonomy. The concept of the reflective practitioner in theory and practice.

What will I learn?

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

Communicate a theorised and developed understanding of the factors which constitute a ‘learning environment’.
Communicate the importance of creating a well managed and harmonious environment where the inclusive needs of learners are met.
Apply principles of evaluation and quality assurance to their own teaching
Evaluate own professional practice for future development and to meet the needs of their learners
Identify and review the impact of key issues and legislation which relate to their own specialist area.

The 30 credits gained from this module can also be used towards a ‘Top Up’ Degree by enrolling on the BA (Hons) Practice Development (Award). In order to complete this degree you can automatically transfer these credits on enrolment within a two year period, otherwise application through the CATs Committee will apply.

Teaching and learning

You will be introduced to a range of theoretical and practical perspectives which will help you apply your teaching skills in a changing environment. The module will encourage you to locate your role within the wider community. You be able to draw upon appropriate examples from the local and national debate to further your own understanding of your teaching and non-teaching role including the challenges of widening participation. You will be encouraged to be reflective and offer challenging responses to change management. You will have the opportunity to learn individually and from your peers in a group setting, enjoying the advantage of learning from a diverse body of practice-based students.

The overall assessment strategy permits you to evidence practical as well as higher level cognitive skills informed by your own practice and feedback from your own students. In preparation, you will consider a range of materials including: theoretical models, case studies, government legislation, professional requirements and regulations, and, e-based learning

Entry requirements

Working in a practice area with minimum 6 months experience in an appropriate setting where management skills are required

120 level 5 credits (or equivalent)
Support of the manager
Opportunity to work outside usual practice area, if necessary, to gain specific clinical competence

How to make an application

Please contact the Enquiries Team on 01494 603 171 or email ask@bucks.ac.uk

We hope to have a fully on-line application system shortly, but in the meantime, to apply for a course, please download and print these forms, completing them fully and posting back to the address below.

Mike Thomson

Student Recruitment Officer

Bucks New University

106 Oxford Road

Uxbridge

UB8 1NA

If you are unable to view the forms, please click here to download a free version of adobe reader.

Alternatively, if you call us on 01494 603 171 or email ask@bucks.ac.uk we can post you a hard copy application pack.

Students funded by the NHS or other employer

If the cost of your course is being funded by your employer, please contact your education lead or manager for guidance as to how they would prefer you to make an application.