Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are acquired in the programme through published distance-learning materials, including specially written teaching texts, other texts, audio-visual and computer-based resources. Understanding of interdisciplinary work and its contribution to Environmental Studies is acquired largely through the three compulsory modules and through the inclusion in the programme of modules from three distinct faculties. Student learning is supported by self-assessment activities and questions within the main texts and in formative assignments. This gives you the opportunity to tailor the degree to your own requirements.
Study guides, assignment and project guides and specimen examination papers are provided for all modules. You will work independently with the teaching materials, but will also be encouraged to form self-help groups with other students, communicating face-to-face, by telephone, email and online forums. Tutors, usually locally based, will support your learning in tutorials and day schools organised regionally.
Knowledge and understanding are assessed via tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and multiple-choice computer-marked assignments (CMAs) within modules, and by written examination or equivalent examinable component, such as a report on an independent project or end-of-module assessment (EMA). Tutors will mark your continuous assessment work guided by marking schemes produced centrally by the relevant module teams, and provide written feedback to you on your performance.
Cognitive skills are promoted through written study materials, including in-text questions, through audio- and videocassettes, CD-ROMs and DVDs, through carefully monitored feedback on your work from tutors, and through group work in tutorials and residential school (if appropriate).
Learning to apply these cognitive skills to environmental issues is practised in written tutor-marked assignments, independent student projects and some group work. Increasingly, online forums provide you with an environment for interaction with other students, tutors and module-team members and provide an opportunity for critical discussion and guidance.
These skills are assessed using self-assessment questions in text, through tutor- and computer-marked summative assignments, through independent but guided project work and through unseen examinations.
Key skills are developed using published materials, peer-group feedback in tutorials or online, detailed tutor feedback on your assignments and at residential schools (where appropriate). Learning skills are developed explicitly at Level 1 and in some Level 2 modules. At higher levels, skills are developed implicitly in context.
Key skills of effective communication and problem framing are developed within the teaching materials and supported by tutor feedback and guidance on assignments. Presentation skills are promoted at tutorials and at day, or residential, schools.
IT and application of number/mathematical skills are taught, developed and assessed as part of relevant modules, supported by on campus and regional computing services.
You will practise and develop skills throughout the programme, although there is more emphasis on skills associated with project work at Level 3. In-text questions and activities encourage you to take a self-evaluative approach to the practice of all skills.
Assessment of skills is by continuous assessment, formal examination and through project work in the three compulsory modules.
Development of practical skills is encouraged throughout the programme. You will be encouraged to make use of your own situation to provide exemplars with support from your local tutor. Development of these skills is associated with project work in the three compulsory and other modules.