Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are acquired in a variety of ways: through printed items such as specially written module texts, study guides, methodology handbooks, and assignment and project guides; through a range of multimedia material; through work on original texts; and through feedback on assignments. Tutors support your learning in tutorials and day schools and through their detailed comments on assignments.
Knowledge and understanding are assessed by means of tutor-marked assignments (TMAs), interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) and unseen written examinations. In addition, you are encouraged to assess yourself informally by means of activities and exercises contained in the module manuals, and through reflection on the comments received on TMAs and in the feedback forms which accompany these.
Cognitive skills are taught and assessed through TMAs based on essays, research reports and short exercises evaluating psychological and legal methods and questions. Skills progress from exposition, through an ability to compare and contrast, to critical evaluation and application.
These skills are assessed by the formal and informal means identified above. Particular emphasis is placed in the modules on enabling you to assess your own progress by means of structured activities and exercises, and through self-assessment of progress at the end-of-module units.
Practical skills are developed through the learning and teaching methods and resources identified in relation to knowledge and understanding. Throughout each module emphasis is placed on developing a reflective and coherent approach to contentious doctrinal issues, through the use of both ’problem-type’ and ’essay-type’ questions. Research skills are addressed and developed at both OU level 2 and OU level 3. As a student, you are required, through directed research tasks, to access information both in hard copy and electronic formats, and to use that information.
These practical skills are assessed by the formal and informal means identified in relation to knowledge and understanding. Research skills are also assessed in TMAs.
Communication
The open nature of entry to the OU means that at OU level 1 there is considerable emphasis on reading and writing skills. These are integrated into the study material and specifically taught and developed in separate texts, via student notes for the tutor-marked assignments, and through tutor feedback. At OU levels 2 and 3 you are assumed to have developed abilities in these areas, although tutor feedback on writing and reporting skills continues to be important. However, the material from which you work becomes increasingly complex and diverse and more sophisticated skills of interpretation, selection and synthesis are required. These skills are central to the presentation of written assignments and, consequently, throughout the award receive continuous assessment and examination.
Numeracy and IT
Numerical information is presented in a number of units in the modules which make up the degree, and in some of these you are given the opportunity to undertake basic comprehension and analytical exercises. You are provided with access to online databases, and to a selection of specialist online law databases. A number of TMAs require you to access information via the internet as part of the development of your research skills.
You have the opportunity to work with information technology on each of the modules. You will be expected to use word processing packages to prepare and present your tutor-marked assignments.
Learning how to learn
As you will be studying at a distance and part time, a strong emphasis is placed on helping you to develop as an independent learner. At OU level 1 this means developing basic skills (e.g. time planning, using support). It also means laying the foundation for increasing emphasis on reflection at OU levels 2 and 3. This is not assessed directly but is demonstrated by your ability to study autonomously. Self-assessed activities are also built into the teaching texts. Your tutors’ written responses on your assignments are intended, in part, to help you learn from feedback and enable you to improve subsequent submissions.
Practical and professional skills are taught and assessed throughout the programme of study, including essay-based TMAs and exam questions that require the application of theory to legal and psychological issues. Research reports and questions focusing on methods support the development of design and analytical skills as well an understanding of ethical issues.