The panel will deliver an overview of good teaching practice within a third level core Communication module at Napier University, Edinburgh. The live project module was set up to provide students with real issues, situations and problems within a communication context. These group projects are provided by local organisations, ranging from large multi-national organisations to small independent charities.

The core objective of the module lies in making connections between academic issues and practical concerns set within a real context. The live project module draws on prior learning from all aspects of the degree programme and bridges the perceived gap between academia and industry.

Because the degree programme aims not just to teach students about communication, but to make them effective professional communicators, we lay great emphasis on their developing the ability to tackle real communication issues. Within small groups, they are able to:

a) analyse communication situations
b) propose cost effective strategies
c) implement agreed solutions to schedule and to budget
d) evaluate the success of planned communication programmes.
 

Paper focus
The main areas of focus will be broken down into four sub categories.

Peer Assessment a central issue within the philosophy of this module is to assist the students to focus on the many issues surrounding peer review and assessment within their group. The panel will outline the practical structures set in place and the benefits of such a marking scheme for student development.

Learning Contracts the students are asked to develop a tripartite learning contract agreement within this module. They are encouraged to consider the following outcomes -course related, job related and personal development. As individuals and within their groups, they must reflect as an ongoing process, on the progress and outcomes of the project.

Linking Theory to Practice the theoretical strand, which is a central issue within the programme's philosophy, is reflected and reinforced within this module. Students develop their understanding of advanced communication theory and its application to practice, honing their ability to analyse "1' ' t. " practical concerns and develop effective communication strategies.