Business School Introduction to your Course Wednesday 27 th January, 2010 Belinda Platt

Business School Aim of the session… To introduce you to University level study transition, expectations, and Business School requirements Help you make sense of the Modular System key facts, and planning your programme

Business School What is teaching and learning like at University? Perception (and reality) that teaching and learning at University is different to University pre-entry education Key features and issues: Larger class sizes from name to number? Greater emphasis on Independent Learning Does that equal less support? What do you do in the gaps?

Business School Typical classroom activities Lectures Introduction to topics/concepts etc requires additional reading (so thats what I do with the gaps!) Can be in (very) large groups Pace Clarity Mixed groups Familiarity; cohort identity? Lecturer distance Accessibility/support Virtual Learning Environments (Brookes Virtual) Relationship with the module Can be comfortable space

Business School Typical classroom activities Seminars/workshops Smaller groups (clarity; relationship with seminar leader; group identity; comfortable environment) A chance to prepare (and contribute) Activities: directed questions (and volunteering answers) reinforcement activities chat with your neighbour moving around the group case studies informal group presentations discussions/debates reflection psychometric tests/self evaluation activities active exercises experiential learning Participation and engagement!

Business School What is assessment and feedback like? Range of assessment methods: Essays Report writing Dissertations Exams (different types) Case study analysis Individual and Group presentations Role plays Portfolios Reflective statements Assessment Centres/Practical activities Videos Virtual tasks/VLE assessment Active research Dragons Den style pitches

Business School Progression through undergraduate study Are there any differences between years 1-4? word counts Semester 1 in your first year, versus a dissertation weightings Multiple (low risk) points of assessment versus finals Blooms taxonomy Moving from describe to analyse and synthesise The one constant: The importance of reading.... Without reading you will not graduate!

Business School 3 Steps to Academic Success Reading …absolutely loads! more is more……its not rocket-science! books vs journals Writing Present a logical argument (based on what youve read) Theres not always a right or wrong answer Substantiate and evidence your assertions Critical Thinking module – its there to help you! Referencing Shows where you got your information from Harvard Referencing Technique (youll be given a guide) Plagiarism

Business School Wake up! Hows your Maths? A = 1 B = 2 C = 3 D = 4 E = 5 F = 6 G = 7 H = 8 I = 9 J = 10 K = 11 L = 12 M = 13 N = 14 O = 15 P = 16 Q = 17 R = 18 S = 19 T = 20 U = 21 V = 22 W = 23 X = 24 Y = 25 Z = 26 Task: Using your full name (including middle names), add together the values of each letter. For example: Belinda Platt = 116 (B=2, E=5, L=12, I=9, N=14, D=4, A=1…. etc) Theres a prize!!

Business School A quick recap You are part of a larger learning environment Contact hours are different The concept of Independent Learning There are big differences in the way you are taught, and assessed Its your responsibility – get organised! Dont forget the importance of reading…..and critical thinking

Business School So, basically its a time of change! Other things that might be different: No multiple hand-ins/hand-backs (a deadline IS a deadline) No teacher micro-management (its your responsibility) But… Its a chance to be autonomous and have an inquisitive mind! You will have lots of support Youre not expected to know it all from day 1…

Business School Expectations We know its a learning curve (Stage II counts towards your degree) But dont aim low Grade equivalents - but Im a 97% student! We cant reward effort… We expect you to prepare for lectures/seminars, and Academic Adviser meetings (orange pages in your diaries) We expect you to read your Brookes s (its no defence!)

Business School Parting comments… You have joined a supportive learning community at Brookes Our students graduate with excellent grades and transferable skills (and end up with great jobs) Please ask for help when you need it – its our job Your Academic Advisers and Field Chairs are your champions – make sure you build a relationship with us! Speaking of Field Chairs…

Business School The Modular System Key facts for new students

Business School What this presentation will cover How many modules you need to take What kind of modules you need to take Degree Classification How to plan your programme Combined Honours Rules Deadlines for adding and deleting modules Possible problems Key points Other rules to be aware of DONT PANIC!

Business School What do you need to do? Stage 1 (Year 1) 8 basic modules – Including compulsory modules (Plus U95002 non-credit module for International Students and U95000 for Admission with Credit Students) Stage 2 (Year 2 & 3 or 2 & 4 for placement students) 16 acceptable modules for your Field including compulsory modules and 4 honours components

Business School Types of Modules Stage 1 Basic Modules Must take all Compulsory Modules Plus Recommended or Free Choice of modules to make total of 8 Stage 2 Can only take modules that are Acceptable for your Field Including Compulsory Modules and 4 Honours Components to make total of 16 (minimum)

Business School Your Final Degree Classification Is based on the average of your best 14 acceptable modules (including all 4 honours components) Note – you must pass minimum of 16 acceptable modules

Business School Classifications 70%+ First (A) 60-69% Upper Second (B+) 50-59% Lower Second (B) 40-49% Third (C)

Business School Planning Your Programme Only need to plan First Year at this stage - Semester 1 Check for Prerequisites or Restrictions Some modules count as two credits (in one semester or over the whole year) Use your PIP – it gives full details of Field requirements, prerequisites etc. Plan for 4 credits per semester (but can take 9 in a year)

Business School Combined Honours - Rules Stage 1 – must take compulsory modules from both fields and recommended or free choice modules to total 8 modules. Stage 2 Minimum 7 credits from each field including all compulsories from both fields (but can also elect for major/minor) Must include 4 honours components

Business School Deadlines Make any changes by Wednesday Week 0 latest – TODAY! Can Delete Modules by Friday week 2 latest (but this can cause problems) Do not leave yourself short of modules!

Business School Possible Problems Failing a module Resit available if your mark is between 30% and 39% Less than 30% = Retake Generally Less than 6 passes per year Less than 3 passes per year Illness etc Act promptly Act correctly Year 2 is harder than year 1

Business School Key Points Understand the rules Plan Ahead to take advantage of the flexibility Check your PIP regularly Look out for error messages – Act promptly It is your responsibility to ensure that your programme is correct Make sure that you save any changes that you make. If you have any doubts or queries about your programme– talk to your Field Chair

Business School Other rules Check your Field Guides and Module Guides for rules that apply at Field or Module Level You will receive these at the Field Meeting on Thursday

Business School Dont panic Over load of information during Induction Week! PIP is your friend and will let you know exactly what you need to do! Do not ignore errors and warnings! Any problems – speak up!

Business School Any Questions?....