First Year
Courses

Community Education Methods and Approaches
(CEMA1)

This course is concerned with teaching and learning in a range of community education settings. Consideration will be given to basic processes of working and learning in groups including experiential learning, small group techniques and anti-discriminatory practice.  Investigating needs and issues in communities will be considered in relation to a number of practice contexts.  Investigation as a means of developing the informal educational curriculum will be emphasised.

The course is taught in the first semester and has a rating of 20 credit points. On completion of this course participants will be able to: Account for and demonstrate the basic tenets of effective communication Explain basic approaches to working with people in groups   Explain the significance for learning of the relationship between the individual and their wider social context. Illustrate a range of methods for investigating needs and issues in communities State how investigations provide the basis for an informal educational curriculum Articulate how community based research might address the community planning agenda

John Bamber is the Course Organiser for Community Education Methods and Approaches 1 (CEMA1)   John says: "CEMA1 gives a good basic introduction to working with people in groups. It's a very interactive class, using structured exercises to get people talking and sharing experiences and ideas. Students find the presentation exercise challenging - it is a lot of work outside class time - but they generally gain a great deal from doing it." You can find out more about John's work and publications at the departmental webpage.

Learning and Teaching Strategies

Problem based learning, lectures and shorter theoretical inputs will employ a variety of methods including audio-visual materials.  Students will engage in reflection upon own and others’ experience.  There will be opportunities for skill development through roleplay, simulation exercises and other structured experiences.  Interactive material will support self-study including course readings.  Student led presentations will be used as a basis for group discussion. Students will be expected to complete 22 hours of class contact time, approximately 20 hours work on structured study tasks including assessment and approximately 50 hours of self-directed study.

Assessment

Assignment:

Students will work in small groups to prepare a 15 minute presentation in which they are to demonstrate their understanding of basic processes of working with people in groups (groups will receive immediate, formative feedback on the delivery aspects). Each group will submit a document containing their work for the presentation (including, for example copies of overheads or powerpoint slides, background research and notes) with all theoretical ideas and sources appropriately referenced.

Length: 2500 words

CUE has been developed at the University of Edinburgh by John Bamber and Clara O'Shea as part of the Student Recruitment and Admissions 'Transitions' Project in 2006/7. For further information on CUE and on CUE: Community Education contact: John Bamber, Department of HIgher and Community Education, Moray House School of Education, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ, Tel.: +44 - (0)131 - 651 6116, E-mail: john.bamber@ed.ac.uk

Website updated: June 19, 2008