Teaching Methods and the Learning Environment
Teaching and Learning at the University of East London takes place through a wide variety of methods and styles. Programmes are lively, highly participative and interactive, encouraging you to challenge ideas, views and beliefs. This approach provides the most effective form of teaching and learning, as it caters for the many different learning styles students bring with them to university. You will meet people from a diverse range cultures, and backgrounds and you will have opportunities to learn from student colleagues through discussion, debate and collaborative study.
The amount of time spent in teaching sessions varies according to which programme you are following, and whether you are full or part time. On our programmes students are encouraged to work in study groups with critical friends.
Assistance offered
If you have not been studying formally for sometime, or English is not your first language, or if you would like to brush up some of your learning skills, the University of East London Skillzone can provide you with assistance and advice in a variety of ways, including resources to help you with skills such as essay writing, research, learning and group-work.
Group work
Working within a small team or study group is a valuable component of many programmes, enabling you to develop valuable team working skills.
Independent Learning
All undergraduate programmes have core skills modules at each level which help with academic study, independent learning, research and skills for professional development and future employment. There is also additional support for individual needs.
Lectures
Lectures are usually delivered by a member of the University of East London’s academic staff. However, we also regularly host visits from specially invited guest lecturers who are experts in their particular field.
Lectures are more formal sessions and provide an invaluable way to access information as a basis for further study and research. There are usually opportunities to ask questions and supporting notes can be downloaded from our Virtual Learning Environment.
Placements
Some undergraduate programmes include work placements. These enable you to gain practical experience in a relevant organisation and to apply the skills you learn at UEL.
Project work
Most of our programmes include a project element, which you work on either as an individual or as part of a group. Projects vary enormously, from researching a subject and preparing a detailed report to visiting outside organisations and observing real issues in the workplace. (If you are working yourself whilst studying, you own workplace may provide suitable material for your project).
Seminars
Seminars are held in small groups, typically of 6–10 students guided by a tutor. They provide an opportunity for the group to discuss or debate a topic usually following an introduction by the tutor or by one or more students. Seminars encourage a free flow of ideas and thoughts, providing a stimulating learning environment.
Tutorials
Tutorials are meetings with a tutor enabling you to discus your work and related issues, and receive feedback on how you are progressing. Tutorials may be face-to-face or on-line.
