Deakin University External Postgraduate Courses

Suggested learning approach and support guide for students

www.deakinexternal.com

Published by Deakin University March 2010. While the information in thisguide was accurate at the time of publication, Deakin University reserves the right to alter, amend or delete details of course offerings and other information published here. For the most up-to-date course information please view our website at <www.deakinexternal.com>.

University CriCOs PrOviDer CODe: 00113B

ContentsWhat are Deakin University external postgraduate courses? 1

Deakin University external learning approach 2

70:20:10 principle of professional learning and development 2

support for the 70:20:10 principle 3

How to get the most out of Deakin University external courses 4

Benefits of applying the 70:20:10 principle to Deakin University external courses 4

Applying the 70:20:10 principle 5

Connecting formal learning to the workplace (70%) 5

Maximising knowledge with workplace interaction and feedback (20%) 6

Learning through formal study (10%) 7

Deakin University external postgraduate courses: Maximising performance 8

The Deakin University External masters courses offer a streamlined,

self-directed program that allows you to balance study and working life

while achieving a qualification from a highly regarded Australian

learning institution.

1

What are Deakin University External postgraduate courses?

Deakin University External postgraduate courses offer international students and Australian expatriates the opportunity to complete a Deakin University accredited award from abroad.

Deakin University has developed this wholly offshore suite of seven Deakin University External postgraduate courses specifically for overseas students. This unique study option removes the need for relocation, enabling students to balance competing financial, career and family commitments.

Deakin University External postgraduate courses include:

• Master of Communication Studies (External)

• Master of Construction Management (External)

• Master of Facilities Management (External)

• Master of Insurance Management (External) (Planned for delivery in 2011)

• Master of Laws (External)

• Master of Management Studies (External)

• Master of Retail Management (External)

The Deakin University External program offers streamlined eight-credit-point master awards comprising eight units of study. Deakin University External postgraduate courses are highly affordable and offer participants the opportunity to obtain a well-regarded qualification from a world-class Australian higher-education institution. Deakin University External postgraduate courses provide a crucial knowledge base for career progression.

This flexible, self-directed learning program provides students with comprehensive learning materials that allow for work–life balance, with students able to study full- or part-time, at their own pace.

The recommended study-load for part-time students is two units per trimester and three or more for full-time students.

Deakin University External postgraduate courses allow students to advance their graduate education in valued fields such as law,

business, communication and construction.

2

Deakin University External learning approach

70:20:10 principle of professional learning and developmentDeakin University suggests that Deakin University External courses be complemented by a professional learning and development approach named the 70:20:10 principle. The principle underpins formalised learning experienced through Deakin University External courses, supporting student self-directed study, knowledge application and information retention.

The 70:20:10 principle enhances the benefits of formalised learning by providing a guide for integrating learning into the workplace. Leading global organisations such as Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Dell, Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Reuters use the 70:20:10 principle of professional learning and development.

The 70:20:10 principle suggests that professional learning and development is achieved in the following way:

• 70 per cent through on-the-job experience

• 20 per cent through peer, colleague and manager interaction and feedback

• 10 per cent through formal learning programs that provide the fundamental knowledge base that underpins professional learning and development.

Deakin University suggests that students enrolled in a Deakin University External course seek workplace support to integrate their learning into everyday workplace activities. This will give students the opportunity to gain the maximum benefit from their course by directly applying course content to real-life situations.

3

Support for the 70:20:10 principleLearning and development thought leaders agree that combining formal study with related and monitored on-the-job tasks is a highly effective professional learning and development method.

Renowned learning and development expert Charles Jennings believes that ‘training is most effective in the workplace environment, where it can be directly applied in the most relevant manner possible’.

Jennings explains that the fast-paced modern workforce is awash with information and constantly changing demands. In this environment, Jennings reasons that workplace-based and supported learning provide the best opportunity to learn, retain and apply up-to-date and relevant formalised training.

This view is supported by informal learning expert Jay Cross. Cross argues that a blend of skills-based (formal) and relevant on-the-job (informal) education offers the best approach to professional adult learning.

He maintains that as much as 80 per cent of learning in organisations is informal. With this in mind, the typical classroom style of formal learning, set to rigid agendas and timelines, is ineffective for most corporate learning situations.

Cross asserts that the traditional structured 50-minute class was: ‘created for the convenience of the institution, not the learner’. Formal learning and development is most effective and efficient when complemented by informal learning and practised continuously.

Learning and development scholar Stephen Billet, along with many others, defines learning as an experiential concept, and suggests that continued professional ‘learning and working are interdependent’.

Research indicates that practising and applying new study-based skills or knowledge in the workplace improves both learner retention and the ability of students to apply that knowledge in the longer term.

Research by learning and development theorist Josh Bersin suggests that combining direct on-the-job experience with other forms of learning and development can increase learner retention and the ability to apply newly learned knowledge. Bersin argues that by integrating formal and informal learning methods students are able to retain and apply around 75 per cent of that learnt content, compared to only 10 per cent of information absorbed by reading alone.

Jim Kirkpatrick, an evaluation thought leader, stresses the importance of management involvement, belief and investment in additional employee skills training, stating that the degree to which newly learned knowledge and skills are reinforced and supported ‘directly correlates to improved performance and positive outcomes’.

4

How to get the most out of Deakin University External courses

To gain the most from their degree, it is recommended that students integrate their studies into workplace projects and tasks. Self-directed study is most effective when complemented by learning through others and learning by doing.

In adopting the 70:20:10 principle, Deakin University recommends a blended professional-learning approach. This involves combining formal learning through Deakin University External courses with job-related assignments and continuous performance feedback from the workplace. This enables students to apply, incorporate and assess new knowledge gained through their study.

Benefits of applying the 70:20:10 principle to Deakin University External coursesAmong the many benefits of applying the experiential style of learning outlined in the 70:20:10 principle to Deakin University External courses are that it:

• maximises the relevance of course material

• improves work performance by applying newly learned knowledge and skills

• enables learning through others and learning by doing

• increases workplace productivity and engagement with business tasks and goals

• improves information retention

• facilitates potential workplace sponsorship of study.

5

Applying the 70:20:10 principleDeakin University, recommends the use of the 70:20:10 principle, to connect formal study to everyday workplace tasks to enhance professional learning and development, as outlined below.

Connecting formal learning to the workplace (70%)Self-directed learners are responsible for taking a proactive approach to their professional development. They should independently seek opportunities to integrate new skills and knowledge into the workplace.

Students can align course content with workplace tasks by:

• aligning learning and development to business goals and objectives to ensure relevance and boost work performance

• identifying and selecting workplace projects where newly learned course content can be applied; examples include:

– finding a workplace supervisor (mentor) willing to oversee their learning and development

– leading a team meeting

– creating a project plan that relates to their course content

– proposing a departmental process improvement

– planning a team or departmental skills activity

– working on or initiating new and challenging projects

– helping train new team members

– teaching something new to team members

– providing constructive informal feedback to their work colleagues

– giving a presentation at an upcoming departmental meeting

– representing their department at a cross-departmental meeting

– organising interviews with senior team members who are recognised experts in the skill area they are developing

– shadowing a relevant high performer.

6

Maximising knowledge with workplace interaction and feedback (20%)Ongoing reinforcement and application of newly learned skills is crucial, in combination with continuous monitoring and support from others, to ensure sustained improvement and change.

Involving peers, work colleagues and management in students’ formal learning can provide a useful environment to share ideas, monitor progress, and facilitate continuous discussion and feedback.

Students can get their workplace effectively involved in their formal learning by:

• seeking support for their study and its integration into the workplace from management

• partnering with an appropriately skilled supervisor (mentor); students then outline the course content to their chosen mentor and negotiate and implement an agreed support system—Individual Learning and Development Plan (ILDP)

• using ILDPs to outline how workplace tasks can be aligned with knowledge gained through formal study

• ensuring there is continuing dialogue between students and their mentor to guarantee that the agreed ILDP is adhered to and that the work–study learning process remains interconnected

• organising a timetable of regular (at least monthly) review meetings with their mentor to assess their progress

• holding themselves accountable to the goals outlined in the ILDP

• seeking assistance from departmental leaders to support their learning and development goals as outlined in the ILDP

• asking for frequent informal feedback on their performance and ability to apply new knowledge to their work from their mentor, peers and managers

• getting a partner—it can be easier to develop and apply new skills if they can share ideas with another person.

7

Learning through formal study (10%)Self-directed formal learning through Deakin University External courses provides the integral knowledge base, through comprehensive globally recognised learning materials, required for continuing professional development and career progression.

Deakin University External courses offer the foundation learning needed to initiate the professional learning and development process outlined in the 70:20:10 principle.

Self-directed formal learning through Deakin University External courses provides students with a framework for learning through reflective practice. That is, by offering students the opportunity to learn and respond to that learning in a self-questioning manner through coursework materials, assignments and exams. Deakin University External courses provide students with the insight, understanding, background and ability to:

• reflect on and improve the quality of their learning

• deepen the quality of their learning via critical thinking and the development of a questioning attitude

• understand their own learning process

• pursue active involvement in learning and take personal ownership of learning

• enhance problem-solving skills

• enhance career growth potential

• adapt to unfamiliar pressure situations by applying new critical thinking and learning skills.

Deakin’s flexible learning principle includes the provision

of extensive study materials of the highest quality.

8

Deakin University External postgraduate courses: Maximising performance

DUE qualification providesfundamental knowledge

Create an environment to support the integration of new knowledge

Integrate new knowledgeand perform at a new level

A framework for successful

professionallearning and development

ContentsWhat are Deakin University external postgraduate courses? 1

Deakin University external learning approach 2

70:20:10 principle of professional learning and development 2

support for the 70:20:10 principle 3

How to get the most out of Deakin University external courses 4

Benefits of applying the 70:20:10 principle to Deakin University external courses 4

Applying the 70:20:10 principle 5

Connecting formal learning to the workplace (70%) 5

Maximising knowledge with workplace interaction and feedback (20%) 6

Learning through formal study (10%) 7

Deakin University external postgraduate courses: Maximising performance 8

The Deakin University External masters courses offer a streamlined,

self-directed program that allows you to balance study and working life

while achieving a qualification from a highly regarded Australian

learning institution.

Deakin University External Postgraduate Courses

Suggested learning approach and support guide for students

www.deakinexternal.com

Published by Deakin University March 2010. While the information in thisguide was accurate at the time of publication, Deakin University reserves the right to alter, amend or delete details of course offerings and other information published here. For the most up-to-date course information please view our website at <www.deakinexternal.com>.

University CriCOs PrOviDer CODe: 00113B