DFLResourceFormat for Samoa
Introduction
The purpose of this resource is to provide a single format which will be used in the print based learning materials provided by the National University of Samoa through the Oloamanu Centre for all courses offered through the open and distance flexible learning mode. By studying this format, course designers and DFL students will be familiar with and expect that all learning materials will be formatted and offered in the same way.
Course materials will consist of a single course book. The course book however is made up of two parts.
Part One provides an overview and description of the course and of the units that wil be covered. There are also suggestions to help you plan your time so that you will know when readings should be completed and activities done so that you are able to plan, begin and complete assignments in a timely manner. There are also details to enable you to contact the Oloamanu Centre so that we can provide the additional help that you need.
Part One will typically look as follows in any course book
- Course Introduction
- Course Overview
- Aims and objectives
- Study Guide
- Guide to writing assignments
- Contact Us
Part Two provides the UNITS in detail. Each unit will have the following format
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Provides all prior knowledge that this unit expects you to have. Often this will be a summary of knowledge covered in a previous unit of which the current unit is in sequence or if it is the first unit of the course, a general statement of expected general knowledge and skills is provided. |
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The objectives of each unit are stated in behavioural terms to enable you, the student, to know what you should be able to do as a result of learning and to also enable you to note your progress as you read through and process the information and carry out the activities to aid your learning. |
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The outcomes of any unit provide precise statements for all learning achieved in terms of knowledge, skills and attitude. |
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Key Points to a unit may be stated as single words, key phrases or short points. These should help you to focus your reading as well as your reflections on your learning so that you can achieve a sense of progress as you continously reflect on what you have learned and what you have been able to do. |
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Readings are provided in the course book to provide information, insights and knowledge about the unit of study. Please ensure that you read and reflect carefully. Additional reading maybe suggested from time to time for you to seek at your own time. You are encouraged to read as widely as posible. |
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For all key terms and concepts that are specific to the unit, definitions are given. However also seek out other definitions to aid understanding. There are words in the English language that are used in a variety of contexts. The definitions given in the context of the unit provide the meaning with which you should use the word in the context of the unit |
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Activities are organised in the units to aid your learning. They are frequently sequential and are designed to help you learn in small increments. Try and carry out these activities in the sequence they are given
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After every activity, it is a natural response to want to know how you have done almost immediately. Reflection is a process that occurs as you go through the process of learning and after the process of learning. This is when you begin to have a sense of when you are learning well or not. It is the act of self evaluation of learning |
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Assignments designated in each unit should be completed and sent in to the Oloamanu Centre at the dates specified.Procedures for requesting for an extension are included. Try not to fall behind schedule. Plan your schedules wisely |
