Happy Holidays

Just a final word before we close for the end of this academic year. I have enjoyed working with you all, and without exception, all of you (across both classes) have performed very well indeed.


It will be no mean feat (from both you and I) to have almost everybody at the stage where you have passed three of the assessments for my Unit. It takes time, dedication and skill to produce work to the requisite standard.


So, we have done three assessments: the discussion and two reading analyses (Mental Health in the workplace and Warning to mothers over risks of regular drinking). Some very good work indeed was submitted for that particular triptych!


We have five further assessments to complete in the Ne'er: an oral presentation on a subject which is of relevance to the Nursing vocation, two listening assessments (recorded presentations on a Nursing / medical theme) and two writing assessments. One will be an essay (free choice) and one will be a report (which is integrated with a new subject you will be taking in semester two).


I plan to use the weeks after Xmas as follows:


Week beginning...


9/1 - reflection of your learning so far, what you could do better, some reflective writing, discussions.


16/1 - what makes an effective / ineffective oral presentation / how NOT to use PowerPoint


23 / 1 - catch up week - I will be trying NOT to use this as most of you are completely up to date. I will speak with students individually about their progress if we need to use time in this slot.


30/1 - examples of presentations from some of my former students, look at the assessed brief


6/2 - prepare presentations in class


13/2, 20/2, 27/2 - deliver presentations in class (splitting the class up)


At this stage we will see when your report has to be submitted and update the teaching, learning and assessment schedule from there.


In the meantime though, have yourselves a Merry Little Christmas and guess what I will be doing over the Festive period? The clues are in the photos!


Have a great one, one and all,


Mark

Communication with a modern twist?

Pointers for the reading assessment next week

Hello all,


I was impressed with your input over the last few weeks, verbally and in your written analysis, so well done to all of you in attendance over those preparatory sessions.


So, some FAQ...


Q. Can I use all of the materials we have used over the last three weeks?


A. Yes


Q. Even the sample answers you gave out and all the amazing helpnotes you lovingly prepared?


A. Yes!


Q. How does the assessment work?


A. I have set aside three weeks for each reading assessment (there are two to do before the Christmas break). This is so nobody feels rushed and has ample time to give their best work in. The sessions will be done in silence and I will mark what you have done after each class. This feedback will be made available to you the following week on a one to one basis.


Q. What happens if I don't get through the two assessments by the time we break for the Christmas vacation?


A. There will be time in the catch up week (in January) for you to complete any work not already passed for me.


Q. Am I right in saying that question 1 is where I provide a summary of the main points in my own words, no quotes, but questions, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 require supporting evidence from the article, which means I need to quote?


A. Absolutely correct.

Dragons' Den rejected me but my invention is saving lives across the NHS

https://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2016/oct/12/dragons-den-rejected-invention-saving-lives-nhs-nurses


The online article from The Guardian (link above) is definitely worth a wee read.

Lifelong Learning!

http://www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/News/184/Ada%20nominated%20for%20SQA%20awards


This is a fantastic story about a student with an amazing educational story to tell. I would say she has earned her nomination, that's for sure!


They say every day is a school day and this is especially true for 72-year-old Edinburgh College student Ada Pagan, who has racked up 78 qualifications across a broad range of subjects. And now Ada's dedication to lifelong learning has led to a nomination for a Scottish Qualifications Authority Star Award.


Ada, who is currently studying Advance Criminology through open learning, has six A levels, 17 Highers, 11 O grades, 9 O levels, more than 20 credits in business subjects, four certificates in public speaking, four certificates in counselling and therapy, a HNC in Business Administration and a HNC in Languages and Tourism. She earned 55 of her qualifications at Edinburgh College and its legacy colleges in 40 years of study here.


Ada has been nominated for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Star Awards for the Lifelong Learning category. The annual awards celebrate success and commitment from individuals, schools, colleges, training providers and businesses.


Talking about her lifelong learning at Edinburgh College, Ada said: "I had a bad experience at school and left aged 14 without any qualifications. I didn't want the punishment my fellow classmates had experienced when they had asked questions in class. Fourteen years later I started working as a social worker and my employer encouraged me to pick up some part-time qualifications - my first was an O grade in English and O level in sociology in 1977.


"Being in the encouraging atmosphere of a modern college really pushed me to study more and more and, as well as pushing myself academically across a broad range of subjects, I have also made friends among the staff and students at the college."


Ada's current study is through open learning although she uses Edinburgh College's Sighthill Campus as her study base. Edinburgh College has a high number of students for whom English is a second language, and Ada has become the go-to person for them and other younger students looking for help and advice on living in Edinburgh and on their studies. Ada is also a source of wisdom and inspiration for older students returning to study after being out of education, and is able to give them the benefit of her years of experience to allay any fears and support them as they get back into the classroom, often with younger students.


Ada continued: "I thoroughly enjoy studying. It gets me moving. Many people over 70 say they can find the day drags but that's never the case for me. I get up and get myself organised and get cracking with the studies. It's an interest and a challenge for me. I get to meet new people and learn new things. I would always recommend the college for studying because the staff are really friendly and there's a lovely supportive atmosphere there."


Ada will attend the Star Awards Ceremony at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, on Friday 11 November.

Some articles you may find of interest

I have noted some articles which you may wish to read at your leisure. They are about issues concerning the field of Nursing. I have posted them so you are used to reading articles of a suitable level and they should be of interest to you all.


https://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2016/oct/26/nhs-bullying-ruined-career-healthcare-professionals - 'It's ruined my career': accounts of bullying in the NHS


https://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/views-from-the-nhs-frontline/2016/aug/01/everyone-tells-me-nhs-in-crisis-not-what-i-see - Everyone tells me the NHS is in crisis – but that's not what I see


https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/26/nurse-cutbacks-death-rates-data-staffing - Nurse cutbacks 'linked to death rates', study finds

Language is a strange and wonderful thing...

If you are a poor speller this might not help matters but it did make me laugh! Don't forget, the caffeine inside is beige! If you are ever struggling though, that's why a spellchecker should be your new best friend this term. Anyway, have a look at this mug...