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TMAs whats the point?

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This is an excerpt from a thread in the café:

Hi Richard, Emma and all,

I changed the subject in the hope others may think its very controversial and join the thread!! I've also posted this into my tutor group I hope this is ok!?

I'm glad you posted this Richard, as I think it's a crucial point. I am getting more from this course on both a learning/development front and on a practical impact on my learners [front] then any other course I have done - by a long way actually.

The TMAs do feel a little out of place though. Recently, I have been wondering why research papers seem to be the only academic route? We're asking how learners receive learning, what tech's they're using and how
teachers can incorporate this technology. Yet we're still obsessed with reports, papers and empirical research!

I do admire the OU for respecting the concept of reflection, opinion and activity. Llike you say Richard I guess they have to grade something!

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html


Karl

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Why TMA

There is a need to have something but it does not have to be TMA.   It would be quite possible to increase that value given to forum contributions for example.  We could also be given marks for practical projects...exams are another possibility and clearly used in some courses.  

However it is a Masters course and there are certain things that are expected, this is about critical thinking and some degree of competence if not mastery of relevant literature.  If we are not seeking that then we should not be doing Masters...there are other alternatives.

Les