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Vudal pioneers block-modularised learning
By
Lythia Suitawa
THE University of Vudal, one of the oldest tertiary institutions in the country, has once again set another record. Beginning this year, courses at the university will be taught in block-modularised format instead of the traditional university semester format. This means students will study one subject at a time over an approximate three-week period. Examinations will be held at the end of each subject before they move on to the next module. This method of teaching and learning, however, is not new to the university. Students of the university's Fisheries and Marine Resources (FMR) program in Kavieng have been taught using this system since the program's inception in 2006 and many have said it is better because they focus on one subject at a time making it more student centred learning. Third-year FMR student Lapia Renagi said he preferred taking block-modularised courses because his study workload was clearer as he did not have to study several subjects at the same time. Jane Waungen, who is a fourth-year Fisheries degree student, said after going through the traditional university system in her first year of study, learning through the block course format was better for her. She said she is now more focused and centered in her learning. Several students at the main campus, who were interviewed last year on their preferred mode of study, chose to be taught through the block format. Third-year agriculture student Daryll Worimo said this way of learning would improve the standard of the University as it encouraged interactive participatory learning. The new system was highlighted to students of the university's main campus in East New Britain during the orientation address on Wednesday. Acting head of Agriculture, Peter Navus, told the students that there would be no time to waste because the block-modularized course method of teaching and learning would be intensive. "This way of learning will keep you on your toes," he said. "You cannot afford to miss any lectures or tutorials because it will be very intensive and every second counts. Once you sit for an exam, you put it (subject) away and move on to the next subject." While most of the 31 subjects will be taught via the block course method, six will still be delivered using the traditional university semester system. The six are Communications, Plant Production & Soils, Animal Production 2, On Farm Practise, Farm Business Project and Rural Development Case Studies. Mr Navus said this was because of the nature of learning associated with the subjects. "The six are practically based subjects and as such will run concurrently with the block courses over the semester," he said. The scheduling of courses into blocks was developed by School of Natural Resources Dean, Dr Alan Quartermain, and Mr Navus after the university's Academic Board endorsed the plan, which was developed from the FMR programme. |
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