Practice-based learning across the curriculum Morag Harvey, Senior Project Officer, April 2008

Overview The Open University – supported open learning Learning from practice – context and background Generic approaches Quality assurance Learning support Competencies versus HE learning outcomes

The Open University Centre for Outcomes-Based Education Supported open learning –Open learning i.e. learning in own time –Student support includes tutors, student services staff –Tutorials and day schools –On-line conferences –Career planning

Learning from practice – wider context Economic pressures Widening participation UK skills – global competition Government papers and initiatives –Leitch, 2006 –Foundation Degrees, 2000

Learning from practice - evidence Successful practitioners: –recognise their self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977) –rely on their social and cultural understanding of their local contexts to apply their knowledge in the most effective ways. –have their learning enhanced through activities in the workplace (Argyris & Schon, 1974)

Generic approaches Common foundations Problem solving and enquiry-based learning Skills and knowledge Workplace roles and responsibilities Effective learning opportunities Benefits of practice-based learning

Benefits to individuals and employers Recognising the workplace as a place of learning Making the most of all learning opportunities Learning pathways Motivation and confidence Developing skills and competencies Business and individual goals

Quality assurance Recognition of past and current learning Practice based learning –valid assessment strategies –assessed against HE learning outcomes –HE levels of achievement –HE skills, knowledge and understanding

Learning support Student at the centre of learning support Role of the tutor –Encouraging positive learning relationships –Facilitation and feedback Involving the workplace and the employer –Workplace facilitator –Access and guidance

Competencies versus HE learning outcomes Types of learning being assessed Face-to-face observations On-line materials Occupational-focus Generic or specific outcomes professional and occupational standards

Summing up Flexible routes to learning achievements Recognising learning can happen through different experiences

Centre for Outcomes-Based Education The Open University Walton Hall Milton Keynes MK7 6AA