Teaching
A blended learning approach to teaching is adopted and uses a range of strategies including interactive workshops, lectures, seminars, virtual learning environment, flipped classroom and e-learning packages. Scenario-based approaches promote personalised engagement with learning and facilitate group activities, discussions, shared and individual problem-solving and decision-making.
Class contact time may be on campus or delivered virtually.
You will meet with your personal academic tutor 4 times in year one and 3 times in year 2.
The University places emphasis on enabling students to develop the independent learning capabilities that will equip you for lifelong learning and future employment, as well as academic achievement. A mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support from Student Services and Library Services, and also the personal academic tutoring system enables you to reflect on progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that will help you to flourish and be successful. Study skills embedded into the early stages of the course to help promote student achievement and confidence with learning and assessment.
At the core of the Nursing Associate programme is learning in a range of clinical settings, learning in the real world which facilitates work-readiness, personal and professional development. Mandatory practice learning equates to 50% of the programme credit for each year. Nursing Associate placements will be arranged by the Placement Support Team: Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health (PLAST) and will run throughout each semester across the year, with experiences normally in a minimum of two practice placements each year. The use of ‘spokes’ will also maximise the learning opportunities offered by diverse and non-traditional settings, offering exposure to opportunities to care for people across the lifespan, with mental and physical health needs and learning disabilities. Enhanced learning days rooted in clinical practice, provide opportunities to consolidate learning, provide an opportunity for reflection, complete project activities and inter-professional learning opportunities and seek additional support as necessary to promote inclusive learning in the practice setting
While on placement you are supernumerary and are supported by a practice supervisor and assessed by a practice assessor, both having undergone appropriate preparation for their roles. You are also supported within the clinical environment by your academic assessor (who is usually your personal academic tutor) and a nominated person from the practice education team. You will have access to the internet and library resources whilst on placement.
You will be provided with the opportunity to complete skills and simulated learning activities. All skills and simulation activities involve a range of people including students, peers, service users/carers, practitioners, technicians, academics and includes role-play, hands-on practical skills sessions using a range of simulation manikins, video recording and playback. Formative feedback on performance is provided to facilitate safe and effective support for essential skills development, in state-of-the-art simulation suites, replicating hospital and community practice learning environments. You will be allocated 2 weeks (37 hours per week) each year for skills and simulation teaching.