Teaching and learning
Teaching and learning at UEL take 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.
The amount of time spent in formal teaching sessions varies according to which programme you are following, and whether you are full or part-time.
Main teaching and learning methods:
Lectures
Lectures are usually delivered by a member of UEL's academic staff. However, we also regularly host visits from specially invited guest lecturers who are experts in their particular field.
Lectures are formal sessions, and provide an invaluable way to gain information as a basis for further study and research. There are usually opportunities to ask questions, and supporting notes can often be downloaded from our website. In addition, lectures provide a basis for further study.
Seminars
Seminars are held in small groups, guided by a tutor. They provide an opportunity for the group to discuss or debate a topic, usually following an introductory talk by the tutor or by one or more students. Because of their open style, seminars encourage a free flow of ideas and thoughts, providing a stimulating learning environment.
Tutorials
Tutorials are 1-1 meetings with your course tutor, enabling you to discuss your work and related issues, and receive feedback on how your studies are progressing. They also allow you to discuss with your tutor any difficulties you may be experiencing.
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 while studying, your own workplace may provide suitable material for your project).
Group work
Working within a small team or group is a valuable component of many programmes, enabling you to develop valuable teamworking skills. Group work can include activities within class, field trips away from UEL, or projects outside of formal teaching sessions.
Practical work
Most of our programmes are highly practical, and include work carried out in laboratories, workshops, studios or 'in the field'. This enables you to carry out tests or experiments, develop practical skills using relevant equipment, analyse case studies, test theoretical propositions, or create original work.
Practical work can also be included in end-of-year exhibitions, especially in areas such as art, and fashion & design.
Placements
Some programmes, and all sandwich degrees, include work placements. These enable you to gain practical, real-world experience in a relevant organisation, and to apply in practice the skills you learn here.
Placements vary in length, and can be paid or unpaid. Assistance is provided in helping you find suitable placements.
Informal learning
It is also important to remember that much of your learning takes place away from the lecture theatre, lab or seminar room, perhaps without you even realising it! Just by talking to your friends and colleagues, discussing issues raised in class and exploring new ideas over a coffee or a drink in the Union Bar, or even at home, you will continue to develop your knowledge and shape your thoughts and ideas.
Assistance offered
Perhaps you have not been studying formally for some while; perhaps English is not your first language; or maybe you would just like to brush up some of your learning skills. At UEL, 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 groupwork.
How you will be assessed
Just as teaching is conducted in a range of styles, so too is assessment. This approach has a number of benefits for you and offers the fairest possible means of assessing your work and progress.
Assessment methods vary according to the purpose of the assessment and the nature of the individual programme. On most programmes you will usually be required to sit for some timed examinations, but you may also find different forms of written examinations such as open-book exams (where you can use reference books in the examination), objective tests, and papers that you can write outside the examination hall, again with access to reference materials.
Many programmes include a substantial proportion of continuous assessment, which means that some or all of the work you do during the programme (eg, essays, seminar papers, reports on practical and project work) counts towards your final marks. Informal assessment of your progress can occur at any time, but formal assessment normally takes place twice a year at the end of each semester.
