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Toolkit for Course Representatives Welcome

Welcome Welcome to the Toolkit for Course Representatives . The Course Representatives Toolkit has been developed to help you in your time as a course rep. It contains materials and resources that cover the situations that you will experience as a representative over the next year. It includes everything from getting started, to engaging your fellow classmates and gathering their views on quality and curriculum, to how you can influence and improve the wider college environment. All arranged in five easy-to-use sections. The core section, ‘the basics’, covers everything you need to get started and encourages you to think about the important role you can play within your college. This section includes some useful resources as well as video clips. We suggest that you read the basics section carefully first. Then scan the remaining sections so that you know where to find help when you are facing a particular issue or want to explore a particular topic in more detail. The other sections contain documents that may be of use to you throughout your time as a representative. These provide information about confidentiality issues, how to write a presentation and even how to influence people like potential employers and local officials outside of the college. To get the most out of being a course representative, you need to be involved through meetings inside and outside the college. This is your opportunity to develop your skills of critical analysis by reflecting on your own education and training. This is an important skill if you want to carry on to higher education or further training. You will also find that you build the skills to get your point across more effectively - not just about your education but also other parts of your life such as housing and health. You do not have to sit in silence any more! When you think that something can be taught better or structured in a more learner friendly way you have a right and a responsibility to speak up. Students in colleges throughout England have already made a difference by suggesting new ways to deliver courses that are more appropriate to learners. As a course representative, you will see how change happens and learn how you can make a difference. Welcome! Enjoy your time as a Course Representative – we’re counting on you! Click below to hear a message from Bill Rammel, the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education.

Contents   Theme 1: The basics   Theme 2: What makes an effective course representative?   Theme 3: Representing effectively   Theme 4: Knowing the system   Useful tools   Credits and legal statement