UTech, Ja Student Handbook 2019-2020

U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E C H N O L O G Y , J A M A I C A – S T U D E N T H A N D B O O K 2 0 1 9 – 2 0 2 0 222 R E M U N E R AT I O N With the Independent Study modality there is no impact on the cost of the module to the student as the change is only in the modality of the delivery of the module. A lecturer who is supervising/directing an Independent Study will meet with the student for one hour every other week in the 15 week semester, or seven and one half hours, rounded off to 8 hours for the semester. There should be a maximum number of eight contact hours per semester per undergraduate module and a minimum of three contact hours per semester per undergraduate module. The Learning Contract is an agreement between the Independent Study student and the lecturer designated to supervise/direct the module. Below are some guidelines for a Learning Contract. Y E A R / L E V E L O F S T U D E N T S F O R I N D E P E N D E N T S T U D Y The opportunity to take a module by Independ- ent Study should be given to level three and level four students. R E Q U I R E M E N T S F O R G R A D I N G 1. Where the Independent Study is offered as a module, the assessment should be based on the requirements set out in the module outline approved by the Faculty Board. 2. The lecturer and student should discuss the guidelines before the commencement of the Independent Study engagement. 3. Ensure that clarification re the module requirements is provided, if necessary. 4. Both lecturer and student should sign a learning contract. T I M E F R A M E 1. The Independent Study is to be completed by the end of the semester in which it is taken. 2. The pace at which the student progresses with the Independent Study (date and time for the submission of each assign- ment and/or project) must be agreed by the designated lecturer and the student before the commencement of the IS. 3. If an unforeseen circumstance arises, which will affect the student’s progress, both lec- turer and student must agree on the best possible course of action in order to ensure that the academic requirements of the Independent Study module are met. 4. It is very important that the Independent Study be addressed in a manner that pro- vides students with the opportunity to pursue an area that enhances professional or personal academic development and also allows them to become actively involved in their own education which is the main focus of student-directed learning. I N D E P E N D E N T S T U D Y