Postgraduate in Teaching Methodology

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Programme Guide details the contents of the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Methodology programme and is accordingly structured as follows. The programme rationale, aim, objectives and target group are outlined in Sub-sections 1.1 to 1.4 respectively, while the admission criteria and programme regulations are given in Section 2.0. Section 3.0 outline the assessment criteria, while course codes and the programme structure are outlined in Section 4.0.

1.1 RATIONALE

The programme was designed in response to aspirations of Seventh National Development Plan 2017- 2021 (Section 3.2.8.2) which puts emphasis on need to improve the quality of university and technical education. The Higher Educational Authority requirement that every member of staff lecturing in the Higher education institutions should possess the qualification. Against the background of many universities and other tertiary training institutions, lecturers not being trained and wanting to pursue and meet this requirement, it was felt that ZCAS University could compliment government efforts of improving quality of lecturers without a teaching background by offering them a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Methods.   

1.2 AIM

The aim of the programme is to prepare students from lecturers, teachers, instructors, tutors, peer educators and the clergy with qualifications in various fields but have no teaching methodology qualifications. This programme introduces the trainees to the general methods of teaching and the basic concepts of teaching and equips one with ethics in education and general code of conduct by teachers.

1.3 OBJECTIVES

By the end of the programme, students should be able to:

1. produce well-trained graduates who can proficiently and knowledgeably undertake careers in teaching and lecturing in various professional fields.
2. equip students with the use of teaching strategies of the modern market standards.
3. introduce students to the theories of cognitive and behavioral learning.
4. equip students with the approaches to teaching best standards.
5. introduce the students to the teaching of psychological and sociological implications and importance in Education.
6. introduce students to general principles of teaching methods.

1.4 TARGET GROUP

The Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Methodology programme is designed to meet the growing demand for teachers and lecturers in the institutions of learning. It is intended for university graduates and other graduates from the industry with qualifications and with intention to take up lecturing and tutoring in institutions of learning.

2.0 ADMISSION, GRADING AND AWARD CRITERIA 

2.1 ADMISSION CRITERIA

Generally, admissions will be weighed on the basis of a variety of acceptance criteria related to an applicant’s academic potential and background. To qualify for admission, an applicant must have any of the following qualifications or any relevant degree from a recognised institution, at intermediate level as part of the degree or any other recognised qualification:

• Bachelor’ s degree from a recognised institution;
• Masters degree
• Doctorate degree

2.2 REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN TEACHING METHODOLOGY

• Duration of study

The programme of study for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Methodology qualification shall be completed in a period of not less than 12 months (One year with 3 months of attachment or Teaching Experience), and not more than three academic years.

2.2.2 Student progression – Distance Education, Evening and Part Time students

• Every semester, a student shall register for and take three or four courses, provided that a student may in exceptional circumstances be permitted to take one additional course.
• A student who passes all the courses taken during the semester of study shall be allowed to proceed to the next level of study.
• A student who fails in one or two or three courses in any semester may be permitted to proceed to the next level of study; provided that the student repeats the course(s) at the first available opportunity.
• No student shall be permitted to proceed to the school experience/teaching practice unless he/she has satisfied the requirements of the taught courses.

2.2.3 Deferred and supplementary examinations

Deferred Examinations

A student who is unable to attempt a scheduled assessment may be awarded a deferred assessment subject to a successful application based on extenuating circumstances. A deferred assessment shall be graded normally, i.e. the student shall be awarded the actual mark obtained in the assessment or a final grade of between D and A+ in the course.

Supplementary examinations

A student who has failed a course with a D+ grade may be awarded a supplementary examination in the failed course, provided that the student has passed the continuous assessment for that course. Supplementary examinations may be awarded in up to two courses in any semester of an academic year. A supplementary examination is marked on a pass/fail basis.

COURSE ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

3.1 COURSE ASSESSMENT

In all the courses listed, the distribution of marks shall be as follows:

Continuous assessment                                                                                 40%   

      1 test                                                                                      30%

      1 assignment                                                                          10%

Final examination                                                                                           60%

Total                                                                                                               100%

The one test and final examination shall consist of one examination paper in each of the courses listed and shall normally be of three hours duration.Various summative and formative assessments will be used on this programme depending on the nature of the course. These include assignments, group reports, individual reports, tests, final examinations, quizzes, virtual class forum discussions, essays and case studies.

To be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Methodology, a student must have:

• Passed all the eight Courses.
• Adhered to the requisite course combinations in each semester.

In the grading of final examination results, the following scale will apply:

Pass grades

A+                               Distinction (86% and above)

A                                 Distinction (76% – 85%)

B+                               Meritorious (66% – 75%)

B                                 Very Satisfactory (61% – 65%)

C+                               Definite Pass (56% – 60%)

C                                 Bare Pass (50% – 55%)

S                                  Satisfactory, pass in a practical course

P                                  Pass in a supplementary examination

Fail grades

D+                               Bare Fail (40% – 49%)

D                                 Definite Fail (39% and below)

F                                  Fail in a supplementary examination

U                                 Unsatisfactory, fail in a practical course

NE                               No examination taken

WD                             Was withdrawn from the course with unsatisfactory academic progress – recorded where a student has not completed the required level of course work after a warning from the Dean of School and/or the Deputy Vice Chancellor. The Dean of School in consultation with Deputy Vice Chancellor has withdrawn the student from the course before the examination.

LT                               Left the course during the semester without permission

DQ                              Was disqualified in a course by Senate

DR                               Was de-registered for failure to pay fees

RS                               To re-sit the course examination only – recorded where a student is allowed by Senate to re-sit the final semester examination in the course, and to carry over the previous course work assessment.

3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF THE POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA

• In calculating the grade of the diploma, the following points shall be applied to the grades obtained.
  1. A+ 6 points
  2. A                                                                    5 points
  3. B+ 4 points
  4. B 3 point
  5. C+ 2 point
  6. C 1 point
• The grading of the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Methodology is based on all grades obtained in the last 1year (i.e. 8 courses). No points are awarded where a course has been repeated.
• The points for classification of the degree shall be as follows:

Distinction                                                      34 – 48 points

Merit                                                               24 – 33 points

Credit                                                              15 – 23 points

Pass                                                                 8– 14 points

4.0 COURSE STRUCTURE

Each semester of study is divided into two semesters and students are expected to take all the courses in each semester.  The course structure is as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Year 1 Courses