This study investigated the implications that the scheduling of a block module for a
computer competency course over two weeks, has had on the curriculum. The block
module was presented at the start of the first semester, 2001 at the Vaal Triangle
Technikon. The objectives were to:
develop a flexible, outcomes-based curriculum in which the learners had to
demonstrate capability and employability by integrating computer competencies
in other modules;
design and implement an effective learning and teaching strategy in order to
ensure that learners will achieve the learning outcomes within two weeks; and to . implement continuous, integrative assessment methods in order to foster the
learning of hands-on skills that can be integrated in the learners' academic
programmes.
The researcher followed an action research approach, in order to assess the
improvement of current educational practices. A target group of first-year learners
was divided into a block module-group and a semester-group. The researcher made
use of data triangulation, by collecting qualitative and quantitative data comprising
structured interviews and open-ended and structured questionnaires completed at
different stages of the project.
This research report comprises three articles. The first article reports on the high
success rate of the block module-group and reveal that these learners could retain.
and utilise the computer competencies that they had to utilise for completing
assignments, to a larger degree than the semester-group.
The second article reports that experiential learning, as an outcomes-based strategy,
fosters learning in accelerated learning contexts.
The third article concludes that the continuous integrative approach to assessment
fosters w-operation, feedback through self-assessment and the ability of learners to
apply computer competencies in new situations.
It is recommended that lecturers in all the associated departments should
collaboratively assign and assess tasks in progressive advanced modules. It
concludes that, in order to utilise resources optimally when scheduling block
modules, ail associated departments would have to be fully modularised. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2003.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/516 |
| Date | January 2003 |
| Creators | Van Rensburg, Gail Janse |
| Publisher | Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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