Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are acquired in a number of different ways. Through its range of modules the qualification provides published distance learning materials, study guides and module companions, assignment and project guides. Learning is also organised via a range of multimedia material (through DVD and interactive online activities such as self-assessment questions and interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)), directed readings (especially at Level 1 and Level 2), substantial original texts (Level 2 and Level 3), and through feedback on assignments. Assessment is, in the majority of cases, via tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and end-of-module assessment (EMA) or examination.
Structured online discussion forums moderated by tutors and module team members will support your learning and reflection upon your learning.
Cognitive skills are built up through the levels of the qualification and are taught and assessed through TMAs and end-of-module assessment. Assessment tasks include essays, reports, policy analysis, newspaper and other artefactual analysis, web-based exercises, research and literature evaluation. Cognitive skills progress from developing a critical understanding and an understanding of academic procedures and methods at Level 1, through to an ability to compare and contrast at Level 2, and at Level 3 to fully synthesise a diversity of complex and multi-sourced materials.
Key skills are developed and demonstrated at the different levels of the qualification.
At Level 1 there is considerable emphasis on reading, writing and note-taking skills and this is reflected in the study materials, assessment strategies and tutor feedback on assignments. Reflective learning is built into Level 1 modules in order to support your awareness of how you are learning and how you can improve your attainment of key academic skills by best use of the resources around you. At Level 1, you are also introduced to a range of ICT skills.
At Levels 2 and 3 skills become more advanced. More complex skills of interpretation, critical judgement, selection and synthesis are required. At Level 2, independent learning is firmly embedded: you will be encouraged and rewarded to search for and deploy information, within contexts defined by the module team. Understanding and working with a range of sources and different kinds of evidence at Level 2 will develop key analytic and evaluative skills.
At Level 3, assessment is designed to develop and demonstrate full independent learning though a range of more challenging and self-directed assessment tasks, which might include a project, policy analysis, reports and an extended essay/double TMA. At this level, you are expected to research and select your own materials and information using online and web-based materials to answer a particular problem.
Practical and professional skills are taught and assessed throughout the qualification and employability and transferrable skills are delivered through reflective learning, which is a key part of Level 1 modules. But it is at Level 2 and Level 3 that these skills are developed more explicitly in relation to your journey towards your personal and work/career goals. Tools such as personal development planning and tailored careers service input will be an essential part of your studies, and will be built into the compulsory Level 2 module. Assessment formats will be diverse and apart from those listed above, you can expect to learn from assessments using collaborative and peer team work, wikis, blogs, Powerpoint presentations – all of which are designed to deliver particular transferable skills.
At Levels 2 and 3 practical and professional skills are emphasised in a number of ways depending on your choice of modules. For example, some modules and subjects will place an emphasis on the application of theory to policy and practice, or will develop your ability to critically evaluate the use of research methodologies in policy or research documents. Skills of independent study, identifying and retrieving sources that are not pre-selected in the module are a key aspect of the skills acquired in the degree and the compulsory Level 2 module will develop your capacity to be an independent and creative learner in this way.
The compulsory Level 2 module will allow you to engage with the world of work and other contexts beyond academic settings, by applying your knowledge and skills to particular work or work-related or organisational problems and processes.
The modules use a range of assessment tools and you will be exposed to the idea that there are different formats for the presentation of argument and evidence depending on audience and institutional setting, such as reports, presentations and team presentations, as well as essays.
Support is provided by tutors and other OU staff, and there are also resources such as the social sciences subject website and other programme and University support that will actively used with the modules to enhance wider engagement with the subjects studied.