This was an important consideration because the new pattern allowed for a higher level of student activity during class contact time. In the first year of operation staff were aware that there was a danger of asking students to do too much studying in their own time and that this could have implications on the amount of work undertaken on other aspects of the course. A typical student week on the HND comprises three lectures, one workshop and nine seminars. In addition, staff expect students to do a minimum of 13 hours of preparation and reading. In practice, student feedback suggests that there is no such thing as a typical week and that students' time management skills need attention.
Staff try to encourage a culture where students use each other for support.
Consequently there is some evidence of students' sharing responsibility and informally dividing their labour in their preparation for lectures and seminars. There's a lot of structure, but you can still work within the structure and still be you. Comment from one of the team teaching the marketing course This successful use of RBL resulted in very positive feedback from students who felt that they were learning something relevant and also acquiring skills Student feedback on the marketing option has been very positive. They find the course challenging and welcome the opportunities it gives them to be imaginative and creative. In particular, they seem to appreciate the way the course has been structured and delivered, and the care taken over their induction to new ways of learning.