module specification

This module permits some negotiated study in an area of the participant’s (or identified group’s) choice, and is an opportunity for it to be largely self-directed.  The focus of the module is negotiated between module tutor and participant(s).  It may be used as an opportunity to further develop expertise in teaching and learning in the participant’s own academic discipline, or any other aspect of teaching and learning in Higher Education which the participant(s) would like to investigate in more depth.

NSM may be used, for example, to explore theory/literature related to a key topic; to develop an aspect of practice/L&T resource; or to pilot a research/evaluation method.

Achievement of this module demonstrates that the learner has the equivalent conceptual understanding and, where appropriate, practical expertise, in the negotiated field, as would be required in any other module. In doing so, an appropriate NSM would normally contain:
· an identification of the project;
· a literature review related to the topic in question;
· critical discussion of the topic within a specific context;
· evaluation of the outcomes of the project and implications for future practice.

ED7137

These are negotiated between the tutor and the participant and are stipulated in the Learning Agreement.  Indicative learning outcomes may include any of those listed below.
1 Demonstrate current knowledge and understanding of the focus of the study and in relation to their own academic discipline.
2 Integrate current knowledge of educational issues and developments relating to teaching in the area under study.
3 Critically evaluate knowledge and understanding of ways of organising teaching and learning in the subject, for example: structuring of information, selection of tasks, relating to current practice in industry and commerce, where appropriate.
4 Incorporate appropriate research practice within an agreed academic discipline or focus of enquiry.
5 Critically engage with teaching/learning that is informed by recent research, whether the candidate’s own or that of others.
6 Demonstrate the ability to propose, plan and, where appropriate, implement and evaluate a development particularly relevant to own academic discipline.
7 Identify clear and justified targets and strategies for current or possible future research activity or enquiry.

Participants study independently, under the guidance of a designated tutor/supervisor, and with the support of regular tutorials, offering opportunities for reflective learning.  A Learning Agreement is negotiated and forms the basis of the support and assessment processes. The final assessment should also include reflection on the learning achieved through undertaking the NSM project.

These are negotiated between the tutor and the participant and are stipulated in the Learning Agreement.  Indicative learning outcomes may include any of those listed below.
1 Demonstrate current knowledge and understanding of the focus of the study and in relation to their own academic discipline.
2 Integrate current knowledge of educational issues and developments relating to teaching in the area under study.
3 Critically evaluate knowledge and understanding of ways of organising teaching and learning in the subject, for example: structuring of information, selection of tasks, relating to current practice in industry and commerce, where appropriate.
4 Incorporate appropriate research practice within an agreed academic discipline or focus of enquiry.
5 Critically engage with teaching/learning that is informed by recent research, whether the candidate’s own or that of others.
6 Demonstrate the ability to propose, plan and, where appropriate, implement and evaluate a development particularly relevant to own academic discipline.
7 Identify clear and justified targets and strategies for current or possible future research activity or enquiry.

Assessment format determined as part of the negotiation process and should be suitable for demonstrating all the agreed learning outcomes. Options include essay, report, journal article, L&T resource or website, wikipage, animation or other digital artefact with critical commentary.
Formative feedback is provided on the draft Learning Agreement, and summative feedback on the final report or paper.

This is principally negotiated between the tutor/supervisor and the participant.  However, the module will include an introduction and supervision sessions which addresses:
• negotiating and agreeing a suitable focus
• understanding the supervisor support available
• use of the Learning Agreement to monitor progress
• supervisor advice and guidance on the implementation of the assignment

LOs negotiated to fit chosen topic/project