The IR Model in Pastures New – redeploying a successful model

of on-line learning. 

Dr J Simon Rofe, Global Diplomacy Programme Director

SOAS, University of London

Scope: Context & background 3D’s of the IR

Model Design Development Delivery

New Challenges explored in 4 Roles

Outcomes

Quantitative comparison of averages of

student’s overall module marks for

2009

Module Title Campus Based Students

Distance Learning Students

Art of Negotiation

59.57 69.37

Intelligence and Security

63.66 69.20

International Security

65.66 68.71

Post Cold War World Order

61.33 68.15

Positive Student Experience 90% retention from module to module98% pass rate

Flexibility for Institutions to facilitate “Research” & Financial benefits.

Outcomes

Context & Background

Context & Background: The IR Model

The ‘IR Model’ is a schema of pedagogic design and development, where IR is a reference to the discipline of International Relations and ‘Intellectual Reflection’ on course design, development and delivery: the 3-D’s necessary for high quality and sustainable educational provision. Rofe, European Political Science, 2011

Gilly Salmon’s 5-Stage Model

E-tivity 3

E-tivity 3 Purpose: To analyse this well-known article and identify its

major attributes:Robert Kagan, 'Power and Weakness', Policy Review, 13/2, June/July 2002 [Leicester E-link]

Task: Please follow the link above and read the article. Then provide a brief analysis of it (maximum 400 words) to the E-tivity 3 forum by Monday of Week 4.

Respond:

In the E-tivity 3 forum please post comments on your peer’s assessments by way of sharing your own articulation on the article, between Monday of Week 4 and Sunday of Week 4.

Outcome:

You will be able to analyse the content of a scholarly article and share your thoughts on it.

E-tivity 5

E-tivity 5

Purpose: To analyse a well-known article and identify its major attributes.Your source will be identified in the feedback to your essay plan for E-tivity 4.

Task: This e-tivity has two parts.First, please read the suggested source, then post its full bibliographic reference and a brief analysis of it (maximum 400 words) in the E-tivity 5 forum as soon as you are able.

Respond:

Second, please post comments on how you think your reading of this article informs your essay. Of course your wider reading will also be relevant here, especially if the source that has been recommended represented a different school of thought from your initial reading.

Outcome:

You will be able to analyse the content of a scholarly article in relation to your own essay and share your thoughts on it.

3Ds To Prevent This:

3Ds to 4 roles

Alexandra Mihai, Institute for European Studies Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

1. The knowledge provider

The knowledge provider Same concept as in traditional teaching Educator as knowledge provider

BUT: a few notable differences for the 3Ds not a face-to-face setup; no body language Need to focus more on keeping students engaged Need for very clear pedagogical goals More emphasis on HOW we teach Information vs. knowledge (constructing meaning)

Teacher as a curator For theoretical/ conceptual content: use of visuals

Digitalisation vs. virtualisation of content

2. The facilitator

The facilitator Similar role exists in traditional classroom

Educator as facilitator of dialogue and exchange

BUT again with some 3D differences: This role is more important in online education; teacher

needs to learn how to take a step back Social role: creating a learning community Need to create a safe space for debate and “trial & error”

Virtual management techniques Teacher as coach & co-learner

Individuality:

3. The Course Designer

The Course Designer

» Designing the course, building the curriculum, organinsing & managing content & students’ activity» Focus on:

» Communication strategy: managing expectations» Communication style: clear & precise» Assessment- needs to be reassessed» Feedback: regular; requires self-discipline

4. The technical mediator

New Tech

The technical mediator New role in online education Educator as mediator between students, colleague

teachers and the technical staff

This is a very specific role Teachers need to be aware of it + need training Vital for the smooth working of the online courses Linked to building students’ and teachers’ trust in the

online platform

3Ds to 4 roles

Conclusions:

What have I learnt… 3Ds: “Bake in don’t bolt on” Guide by the side; not sage on the

stage.

“Times the are a changing”.