Diploma in Primary Education
What to expect from the Distance Learning Experience...
Studying for a degree by Distance Learning is a managerial experience in itself. It is not intended to be a puzzle, but requires that students develop certain skills such as time management, collect and organize their own notes, produce a regular output of written work and assimilate lecturers' feedback on their assignments in a positive and productive manner.
The advantages of Distance Learning include the fact that you work at your own pace, the course is flexible, it breaks down the traditional barriers of location, inflexible schedules and impractical deadlines. Distance Learning gives students access to learning materials in their home or place of work.
Education Courses
All students are required to complete Education Foundations courses:
History and Philosophy of Education
Educational Psychology & Sociology of Education
Computer Technology Education
Special Needs Education & Guidance Counselling
Theory and Practice of Education & Curriculum Studies
Educational Research Methods
Education Administration
Entrepreneurship Education
Distance Learning
The Distance Learning Diploma program in Primary Education lasts a minimum of three (3) years.
The Distance Learning materials which include learning modules and online resources, cover a range of topics and provide sufficient information to enable a student to pass his or her courses. Students are encouraged during independent study to do further background research, reading and to draw on their own professional experience when working through the course.
Teaching Courses
All students are required to complete Teaching Courses :
Language and Literacy Education
Mathematics Education
Integrated Science
Expressive Arts (A/D, Music, PE)
Social Studies
Technology Studies & Home Economics
Teaching observation & Practice
All students are required to complete both teaching observation and to practice teaching at approved schools:
Year 2: Teaching Observation
Year 3: Teaching Practice
Residential School
A three-week Residential School is designed to avail ‘Distance Learning’ students the opportunity to meet their lecturers and discuss the courses, as well as to meet other students, share experiences and join community learning groups. A typical day of the residential school would consist of short lectures, question and answer sessions, and case study exercises in teams and group presentations. The Residential School assists the students to revise and prepare for sessional examinations.
Community Learning Groups
During the first Residential School students will be placed in Community Learning Groups. These groups will allow for students to collaborate and study with other students in the program between residential schooling. Students will be encouraged to meet regularly in order to facilitate proper time management, collecting and organizing course notes, and producing a regular output of written work.