"The extent to which part-time Master's courses improve the professional practice of students: An action research inquiry"

An action research approach has been taken to explore the impact of learning on individuals in the assessment of group work. The research experiment, undertaken as part of my Education Doctorate, was carried out with a group of part-time postgraduate students studying a Marketing Management module in Semester One, September 2003, at Anglia Polytechnic University, Essex, UK.

It is my wish to examine my personal values and beliefs about teaching and learning, and to improve and develop my own professional practice as a result of this current and ongoing research.

The experiment used a new conceptual learning and teaching model entitled 'Being Professional' as the basis for the investigation. In addition, students used a Personal Journal to log individual reflections on their learning over the course of the module, together with a critical reflective narrative as an appendix to the final piece of assessed work.

Preliminary findings from applying the new conceptual model in the context of this research indicate that students firstly needs time to absorb new ideas, concepts, facts and working examples, followed by time to consolidate thoughts and verify their personal views, and to contextualise the subject material.

In the early stages of teaching, the evidence suggests that formal taught sessions were best kept short and focused on specific topic areas, and with a particular emphasis on understanding, explaining and showing, rather than telling and 'giving out.' The role of tutor was depended upon to show the way, to illustrate, to expand from earlier provocation, rather than to impart specific knowledge.

Gradually, as the student's confidence grows, questions become more searching and informed, and they wish to explore techniques, through application and example, rather than share facts and information. Commentaries of students mention group work and case study activities as being of greatest value.

The experimental use of Personal Journals and reflective reports as a means of recording the student experience has indicated positive benefits to date, and contributed to the value of the part-time postgraduate course experience overall.

Research continues by the Author.

Anthony R Bennett

Principle Lecturer in Marketing

Ashcroft International Business School