Learning and Teaching in Practice/Course guide/Teaching approach

The learning and teaching philosophy of the programme incorporates adult learning principles, experiential learning approaches and evidence-based reflective practice within a work-based context.

It is based on the tenets of:
 * collaboration – learning with and from others;
 * conversation – using reflective dialogue based learning activities that respect cultural and personal diversity;
 * context – emphasising workplace and lifelong learning, together with the wider institutional culture and requirements; and
 * construction of knowledge – based on active, reflective, deep learning approaches.

Principles of learning

The approaches used in this course are based on the following principles:
 * Applied theory - exploring educational theories in an applied manner, so that you can integrate them into your practice.
 * Experiential - learning is actively experienced both in the classroom and in the workplace using critical thinking, problem solving and decision making in contexts that are relevant and authentic.
 * Expert learner - guiding you to actively engage, take responsibility and practice self-regulated learning - plan, monitor and evaluate your learning.
 * Using mix of directed and self-directed learning activities.


 * Flexibility - enabling you to study in a blended (online and on-campus) or distance (online and off-campus) mode at a pace that suits you and in ways which suit your learning preferences.
 * Open educational resources and practices - enabling readily accessible and shareable resources and co-operative ways of interacting and learning where possible.
 * Work-based learning - your work context is the springboard for developing your knowledge through exploration (inquiry), practice, collaboration and conversation.

Tools for interaction and communication A range of tools and approaches is used for interaction with the facilitators and other participants in the course. Use of other tools will be negotiated with you as the course progresses.
 * Online discussion forums (e.g., on Moodle) are used for asynchronous interactions;
 * Real-time sessions will be held synchronously using web-conferencing via Adobe Connect.
 * You will need a personal computer or device (e.g., tablet, ipad, eepad or smartphone) with audio features to take part. (Visual is optional.)
 * Detail specifications are available at the Adobe help page.
 * You will be provided with full details on how to access the sessions.


 * A course blog will be used for announcements and items of interest.
 * You will use an individual blog (and other tools) to share your knowledge as it develops, and to build your digital portfolio for assessment.

Learning strategies

If you appear to be falling behind the progress expected, the course coordinator will contact you to see how we can help you to progress. We want to see you succeed!