MN6W55 - Learning through Work 2 (2021/22)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2021/22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Module title | Learning through Work 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2021/22(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This Work Based Learning module enables students to undertake a short period of professional activity either: part-time/vacation employment; work placement; not-for-profit sector volunteering or a professional/employer led project.
Work Based Learning modules are designed to enhance students’ personal and professional development and assist in preparing students for their future careers. The module aims to facilitate application and progression of knowledge and skills gained via the learner’s studies and wider life experience. Students will be introduced to a range of professional skills and techniques, including: reflective self-assessment; preparation for employment; being a critical employee and developing approaches for co-operative and collaborative working.
• Students will be contacted prior to the semester to provide support in securing work based activity in good time.
• It is a student's responsibility to apply for opportunities and to engage with the Work Based Learning team to assist them.
• The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Team and all roles must meet the Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements.
• Learners may be able to utilise existing employment, providing they can demonstrate it is personally developmental and involves a relevant level of responsibility.
• In addition students may be able to complete the Work Based Learning hours during the summer prior to the academic year a student is taking the module.
Tier 4 International students will be required to submit weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken for the work based learning activity to meet the requirements of their visa. These will need to be signed by their line manager/supervisor.
The module aims to enable students to:
• Effectively express and understand their current skills and abilities in relation to their career values and goals.
• Practically apply the knowledge gained through their course programme to a work environment.
• Gain an in-depth insight of a work environment
Make a positive contribution to the employing organisation and demonstrate inclusive workplace practice.Recognise their personal and professional development learning and apply to their future goals.
Syllabus
The syllabus will focus on preparing students for the module requirements and their future career via: providing professional guidance for those learners seeking suitable work based learning activity/employment; reflection and analysis of their personal gains from the activity; and post experience planning.
Consideration of suitable work based learning activities as appropriate for the individual and the module, including guidance on job application and selection processes and appropriate articulation of their abilities (via pre-semester workshops/appointments). LO1
Professionalism, work place ethics, being a critical employee, Health and Safety in the workplace, setting personal goals. LO1
Critical self-reflection on their personal and professional development, application of their academic learning to the work based learning environment. LO2
Problem solving in the work based environment; investigation and analysis of the immediate environment; personal contribution to the work situation and analysis of the wider goals, aims and functions of the project/organisation. LO3
Future career action planning following the work based experience, reflecting and preparing for the next steps of their development to achieve career goals through study and additional experience. LO4
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Introductory workshops and guidance applying for suitable work relatedbased learning roles - (Up to 3 hours in total: workshop 2 hours, one to one guidance minimum 30 mins)
• Pre-semester preparatory workshops will outline module requirements; assist students in diagnosing their abilities and making decisions about suitable work areas; guide on applying to both advertised jobs and speculative posts and ensure they are able to produce appropriately targeted applications.
• Those seeking work-relatedbased learning opportunities will be required to take up additional support on job search and application strategies. Suitable opportunities will be advertised to students via the University Careers and Employability online vacancy portals.
• Learners will be given access to WebLearn in advance of the semester to access module information including: how to register secured work relatedbased learning opportunities; access links to additional external resources and suitable placement/job sites to assist in developing labour market knowledge; obtain guidance on recruitment processes and view external websites advertising suitable opportunities.
Timetabled workshops during the semester or prior to the summer placement (7.55 hours)
• 1 hour workshops will run for Weeks 1-54 and will cover the syllabus outlined.
• Those undertaking the work relatedbased learning activity in the summer prior to the academic year the module is registered will be invited to condensed workshops prior to the work relatedbased activity commencing.
• Relevant learning and assessment materials will be uploaded to the WebLearn module including slides, exercises, examples of previous student assessment submissions and tutor contact information.
• Those undertaking Client Projects based within the University will be required to attend weekly scheduled supervised sessions to meet the requirements of the client briefs.
Research and independent study (29.58 hours)
• Work relatedbased activity research and opportunity search, with face to face and online Careers guidance including accessing the University's virtual careers guidance Careers Portal
• Independent study following the workshops
• During the experience, students are required to keep a regular record of the activities they have carried out to contribute to the module assessment.
• Post work relatedbased learning development: students will be encouraged to further progress their employability in consideration of their graduate careers goals. This can be through for example: progressive employment experience and/or extra-curricular activities which will be supported by the Careers and Placement teams and online resources such as the University Careers Portal.
Work relatedbased learning activity - (10570 hours)
• Learners will be supported via WebLearn, one-to-one support from the Placements team (face to face and remotely). Supporting materials and detailed assessment criteria will be uploaded to WebLearn.
• Each student will be assigned a placement tutor who will provide guidance and assessment support during the module.
Assessed portfolio - (preparation time 10 hours)
• The student is required to submit a reflective learning portfolio commencing with a work relatedbased learning agreement early in their work experience and reflective videos summarising their development throughout the term of the experience. This will include evaluating their learning and employability development and action planning for the future.
• Timely feedback/feedforward from the Placement team and tutors will allow students to progress their reflective and reflexive capabilities.
• The employer/client will be requested to complete an evaluation on the knowledge, skills and attitude demonstrated by the student, which will not contribute to the summative assessment, but provide developmental feedback.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes are formulated in accordance with the Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Chapter B10, 2012, "Managing higher education provision with others" which covers work placement modules.
1. Analyse the requirements of the work based learning activity through articulation of professional abilities, personal goal setting and consideration of the work environment.
2. Explain their approach to problem solving and personal progress within the workplace and relate to appropriate literature.
3. Appraise the work environment operations and determine personal contribution to the work relatedbased learning activity.
4. Critically reflect how the experience relates to their future career and academic goals and plan for further progression.
Assessment strategy
The module is assessed via formative and summative elements and includes the following:
Work Based Learning Contract (summative and formative assessment)
This component meets Learning Outcome 1:
• Students will be first be required to complete a brief, preparatory online task via the University Careers Portal (formative assessment).
• The Contract template will be provided which will enable demonstration of pre-planning for the achievement of the work based activities via setting personal learning goals and indicating awareness of appropriate professional practice (summative assessment)
Video reflective portfolio (summative assessment) and CV (formative assessment)
This component meets Learning Outcomes 2 and 3:
• Students are required to submit two six minute video files, midway and at the end of the work based learning or other formats if reasonable adjustment is required (summative assessment).
• This assessment will require critical, self-reflection to recognise personal development during the role, contribution to the work based activity and future personal planning.
• Both videos must reflect on the learning goals developed in Assessment 1.
• Video One will require a critical analysis of the work based environment and the students’ contribution to the objectives of the organisation/project, with application of relevant literature. The final video two will be a reflective summary of their skill and knowledge application and development, analysis of how well they met their set goals and planning for the future.
• Formative feedback will be provided on any video plans and following the first video submission.
• Students are additionally required to submit a copy of their CV with the final submission for formative feedback, which includes the work based experience.
• A formative deadline is set for Video 1 of no later than Week 8
Feedback from the line manager / client / supervisor (formative - not assessed)
The student’s employer / line manager will be asked to provide feedback to evaluate the knowledge, skills and attitudes demonstrated by the student and their performance and attendance.
Assessment Marking and Moderation
• All items of assessment will be first marked by the assigned placement tutor and a sample of the module cohort will be moderated through second marking and external examiner approval.
• Due to the nature of the assessments, marking will not be undertaken anonymously.