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this page you will find information about:
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describes it.)
TUC
Teaching Methods & Principles
"I hear and
forget. I see and remember. I do and I understand" is an old Chinese
proverb, and still a good one. Courses where students just sit back
passively and listen are often unattractive, and rarely inspiring. By
contrast TUC courses are based on the principle that students learn
best by doing, which in practice means a combination of discussion,
finding information and problem solving. Subjects on the courses are
dealt with collectively -- by the whole class, with the tutor acting
more as a discussion leader than as a teacher giving out large amounts
of information in a one way process.
This way of running
courses is based on a firm belief that everyone has an equal right to
participate, and has something valuable to contribute to a course, and
that the sharing of ideas and opinions is the best way to learn and
to help solve problems. It is also much more fun to work this way!
We also believe
that everyone should be helped to learn in a supportive way. If you
have any concerns about your ability to undertake one of our courses,
please feel free to talk to us in confidence (you can contact
us in various ways).
What
We Expect from You
One of the things
most valued by union reps who attend TUC courses is the supportive and
non-competitive approach to working and learning. Courses are organised
in a friendly, informal, yet structured way which encourages everyone
to play an active role, and which values the knowledge, experience and
skills that each participant brings to the course. We therefore ask
that you respect all the other participants on your course and treat
them as equals. In practice this means things like:-
- listening to
what others have to say, and not dismissing their views when you don't
happen to agree with them
- waiting until
a speaker has finished, and not interrupting
- not using language
that will offend other course members
By doing this both
you and they will have a more enjoyable and productive experience on
the course. Thank you.
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Accreditation
The Open College
Network (OCN) accredits all TUC courses delivered in Further Education.
Accreditation through the OCN enables students to accumulate a tangible
record of achievement in the form of individual credit certificates,
which are collected in a credit record. These certificates are issued
by the OCN upon successful completion of the course, subject to assessment
by the course tutor and sometimes by the external moderator.
In accordance with
OCN requirements, our courses are 'moderated' both internally and externally
each term. The external moderator is appointed by the OCN and visits
our courses, examines the course materials and a random selection of
students' course work.
The Health &
Safety Executive approve the Health and Safety courses provided by the
TUC. They are specifically referred to in the Safety Representatives
and Safety Committees Regulations and in the accompanying Code of Practice.
Students who complete the TUC Certificate in Occupational Health &
Safety will also be awarded the IOSH Technicians Certificate.
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Who
Comes on Our Courses
Union reps from
all walks of life and types of occupation come on our courses, including:
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What
Students Say About Our Courses
The testimonials
from past students which are given below, and also included on other
pages on the site, are from both women and men from a wide variety of
industries and occupations. They are taken from the course evaluation
forms which are completed at the end of every course.
"I felt
really well supported through the whole course, both by the group and
the tutor" UNISON Rep
"I will
be able to meet management and represent members more confidently. The
course has been well run and met my needs." AMICUS Rep
"The course
has taught me how to think, look for and find information. Although
I come from a large Branch, I realised it needs more well trained activists.
I found Employment Law very useful. I sometimes find it hard to identify
what is expected of me; this stems from schooldays (being told what
to do). Working in groups is an advantage as I was able to see other
aspects of what was expected." UNISON Branch Chairperson
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