PMMWBL-Work Based Learning

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Healthcare professional working at an approved practice site
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Miss Kat Hall
Email: k.a.hall@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to support practitioners to document their learning during their day-to-day work.  Work-based learning (WBL) has been promoted as particularly useful for professionals in full time employment because they are enabled to address issues arising during practice by investigating pertinent literature, devising potential learning solutions and implementing and evaluating them in practice.  This module is aimed at working healthcare professionals who can underpin their workplace-based learning with a professional portfolio of evidence.  The portfolio will support practitioners to reflect on their experiences and, as such, can be mapped to a competency framework of their choice.

The module can be studied stand-alone or as part of the MSc in Advancing Healthcare Practice.  A significant proportion of the module is workplace-based learning and practitioners are required to be working at an approved workplace which allows them the opportunities to document their progress. Note that work that has been submitted as part of another formal credit-bearing qualification may not be used towards this module, except in accordance with the University’s Policy and Procedure for the Recognition of Prior Learning.

Aims:

To support practitioners to critically reflect on their experiences and learning in their workplace.  Each practitioner will be assigned an academic tutor who will agree the focus and approach to assessment, in order to meet individual learning needs.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

1. Demonstrate knowledge in the agreed field of practice


2. Use the literature influencing the agreed field of practice


3. Analyse and explain the practitioner’s role in the agreed field of practice


4. Develop learning objectives, learning contracts and assessment plans to meet defined outcomes


5. Where applicable, demonstrate the application of relevant professional frameworks

Skills

1. Critically analyse the literature within the agreed field of practice


2. Present reflective accounts/case studies in a clear and appropriate style, including analysing the scenario and the practitioner’s role within it


3. Critically reflect on knowledge, skills and behaviours in relation to practice


4. Identify and prioritise current and future learning needs

Behaviours

1. Continually advance own knowledge, skills and behaviours through continuing professional development and life-long learning


2. Demonstrate professional learning activities against an agreed learning contract with defined outcomes


3. Demonstrate the required competencies in the chosen field

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Each practitioner will be assigned an academic tutor who will agree the field of practice and approach to assessment to meet individual learning needs.  Practitioners will be encouraged to identify appropriate training to meet their own professional needs, identified in their learning contract.  Students will have tutorials at set intervals with their academic tutor to determine the focus, agree the learning contract and monitor progress prior to submission.

Examples of appropriate training that could be included:

• Non-credit bearing CPD courses


• CPD study days and/or conferences


• Work based training


• Workplace-based assessments


• Structured reading applied to the field of practice

Key documents which may be used as the basis for assessment are:

• The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF)


• Relevant Professional Competency Frameworks


• Workplace-based assessments


• Written assignments

Global context:

This module is offered to UK practising healthcare professionals and is focused on the UK healthcare system.  The portfolio can be mapped to a professional framework for the field of practice, or a generic professional framework, such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Advanced Pharmacy Framework.  Where practitioners choose a framework, it can be UK based or international.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module is largely self-directed by the practitioner to meet the learning objectives.  Practitioners will have tutorials at set intervals with their academic tutor to determine the focus, agree the learning contract and monitor progress prior to submission.  The module should be focused on work place experiences and learning; the specific content of the work-based learning component may therefore vary between practitioners and the table below shows approximate hours for guidance .

As this module is an individualised learning experience and may be studied over two to six months, the distinction of hours by term is not possible.  The hours shown for autumn term below are spread over the entire module.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	4
Work-based learning	181
Guided independent study:
Preparation for tutorials	4
Essay preparation	7
Reflection	4
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Portfolio	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1. Professional portfolio of learning
   
   
   
   • 20 minute portfolio viva
   
   
   
   

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Professional portfolio of learning
   
   
   
   • Portfolio contents review
   
   
   
   


2. Reflective account
   
   
   
   • Written report of approximately 2,500 words
   
   
   
   

Formative assessment methods:

1. Feedback from academic supervisor


2. Feedback from peers in the work place


3. Feedback from workplace-based assessors


4. Optional formative feedback on draft reflective account

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

1. The professional portfolio of learning must be passed at 50% and contain all mandatory content


2. The reflective account must be passed at 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will usually be arranged within a three-month period.  Where required, and determined to be achievable, it will be arranged promptly so as not to delay any further study.  Individualised timings may be required depending on the specific requirements for reassessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Printing and binding: Students can submit most of their portfolio online.  Currently library costs for printing are 5p a sheet for black and white. A simple ring binder can be purchased from stationers for around £3.

Last updated: 22 September 2022