Teaching, learning and assessment methods
You are encouraged to progress from one level to the next logically, demonstrating the increasing complexity and difficulty of learning while moving from OU level 1 through to OU level 3.
Learning is not simply about factual knowledge and understanding. Nursing is a practice-based profession therefore your learning will need to be undertaken and applied in practice, as well as through theoretical studies. You will be assessed at increasing levels of competency and complexity, as you progress through the qualification through the use of a Portfolio and written assignments.
You will learn directly from your experiences in practice and through knowledge and understanding acquired from specially prepared teaching materials that use a variety of learning approaches such as:
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service user and carer accounts
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expert practitioner facilitated discussion and debate
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self-assessment questions
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DVD and audio materials
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reference texts
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computer-aided learning packages
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directed reading
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interactive computer-marked assessments (iCMAs)
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online discussion forums
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tutorials
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printed and web-based resources.
To successfully progress through the qualification you will be required to integrate this theoretical learning with practice-based learning in order to underpin your delivery of safe, effective, compassionate, person- and family-centred care.
As you progress through the qualification you will increasingly work independently with the study materials and will be encouraged to form ‘communities of learning’ with other students on this qualification as well as students studying the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing. This will be promoted through face-to-face meetings, online forum activities, telephone and email.
In practice, you will be supported and aided in your learning by a practice tutor and practice-based mentor in each setting where you learn and gain experience.
Skills are developed throughout the qualification in parallel with knowledge and understanding. At each level half of your qualification is delivered through a practice-based module. This module is elongated and runs over at least a calendar year. It accounts for your practice hours and provides supported opportunities for you to enhance and develop practice skills. These skills culminate in you demonstrating a graduate profile, enabling delivery of highly skilled, evidence-based care and exercising leadership to individuals and communities.
Assessment is through a combination of tutor-marked assignments (TMAs), end-of-module assessments (EMAs) and a portfolio of practice-based experience, learning and achievements. These assessments might require answers ranging from essay type questions, interactive computer-marked assessments (iCMAs), project-based work and examinations. Throughout the qualification, assessment in practice will be undertaken by a qualified and recognised mentor who will assess your increasing competence in practice through the Practice Portfolio. The mentor will be supported by a tutor.
You will need to pass all components of assessment in order to progress through the qualification.
The development of practice and professional skills is an essential feature of this qualification.
Across all levels, you will be working to incrementally develop your knowledge and understanding of increasingly complex concepts that underpin nursing practice. You will do so in a variety of practice situations in order to demonstrate your increasing competence in practice skills across a range of client groups and contexts of service delivery.
In order to complete the qualification you will be required to demonstrate your fitness to practise as a graduate by meeting all NMC competencies.