Integration what it means

The aim of an integrated approach is to ensure that the various elements of learning, teaching and assessment build upon one another to produce a unified whole in order to enhance the student's overall learning experience. Thus, the elements of the learning, teaching and assessment approach adopted in this module are mutually supportive and each element forms an integral part of the whole system (Biggs, 2003).

The module was developed in line with the principles of constructive alignment which means that the learning outcomes are met by ensuring alignment of the learning, teaching and assessment strategies. In an aligned approach to learning, teaching and assessment, there is consistency throughout the system. Thus, the curriculum is stated in the form of clear objectives which specify the level of understanding required; teaching methods are selected that are likely to realize the objectives and the assessment addresses the objectives. All elements of this system address the same agenda and support each other (Biggs, 2003).

Shuell (1986) believes that it is important to bear in mind that what the student does is actually more significant in determining what is learned than what the teacher does. This highlights the importance of getting students to engage in learning activities in order to promote their own learning. According to Biggs (2003), constructivism places the emphasis on learners constructing their own knowledge, as opposed to being passive recipients of knowledge created by others. Constructive alignment thus makes the students do the real work, the lecturer acts as a facilitator between the student and a learning environment that supports the appropriate learning activities (Biggs, 2003). This philosophical approach underpinned the development of the module, Ethics in Healthcare (EIHC).

The various elements of EIHC will now be examined in order to demonstrate how integration is achieved and to illustrate the potential it has to enhance the student learning experience. The model in Figure 1 demonstrates how each element of the learning, teaching and assessment strategy builds upon the other. Each stage of this model will be considered in detail and the integrated nature of the learning, teaching and assessment approach will be examined. Firstly, the influence of the nursing curriculum guidelines on modular development will be considered.

مواضيع ذات صلة

An Integrated Approach to Learning, Teaching and Assessment in a Healthcare Ethics Module Conclusions

Module evaluation

Peer learning

Assessment strategy

Lecturer as facilitator

Learning and teaching strategies

The module Ethics in Healthcare

Curricula requirements

An Integrated Approach to Learning, Teaching and Assessment in a Healthcare Ethics Module

Perspectives of Teachers and Students towards Assessment Conclusions

Norm-referenced assessment (NRA) in teaching staff grading

Grading descriptors