Learning & Teaching in Higher Education

One of the first things you will notice when studying Higher Education at the College, is that you will have a more mature relationship with your lecturers than you experienced at the lower levels of education. You will be expected to take ownership of your studies and actively contribute in class.

Your lecturer is more of a guide to the subject than a teacher, and their role is to stimulate your interest to encourage you to undertake further independent study. The question is often not how much we can teach you, but rather, how much do you wish to learn?

The methods of teaching and learning will largely be the same as you have experienced before, although you will find there is often a little more tutor input, and class discussions will be at a higher level. It is unlikely that you will have much time in class to complete assessed work, although more so in practical subjects. Hence, we stress the importance of personal responsibility, self-motivation and independent study.

You will be expected to read widely, and be able to quote from, or cite, sources in a proper academic style. Most courses asked for the Harvard style of referencing. As well, you will need to move beyond merely describing or comparing things, to analysing and constructively criticising them.

If you are on a full-time course, you should be in class or studying independently for a minimum of 21 hours per week in total (or equivalent, if part-time).

In return, we have a responsibility to encourage you to gain new knowledge and skills and to prepare you by providing a framework for your learning. We do this by introducing and directing you within the subjects of study and recommending further work and reading which might help you. We will also give you prompt feedback on your work, so you can keep developing throughout your course.