How does a module education work?
CFBA prefixed Modules
The Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training have modules which make up approximate
two thirds of a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree (BA), a foundation degree (FBA) or
a Higher Education (HE) qualification. These are specialised canine knowledge based
distance learning combined with practical workshops where you learn hands on skills
in dog behaviour and psychology.
WBS prefixed Modules
All qualifications contain approximately one third of distance learning Middlesex
University modules in the format of project work or research which are undertaken
once the CFBA modules have been completed. Thereafter you will be supplied, by the
CIDBT, relevant information to facilitate your student transfer from the CIDBT to
Middlesex University where you register for the final modules for the BA, FBA or
HE qualification to complete your study and success.
Other routes
Occasionally students with certain quantifiable vocational or academic experience
may have fewer modules to complete, however each case is assessed individually on
merit.
Getting started
Once you have enrolled on a CIDBT course, the assigned tutor will send you, via email,
a welcome pack along with the first phase of your chosen module. This is you opportunity
to form a relationship with your tutor for future work development.
Although each course is individual, they all carry the same structure, that is distance
learning and if a workshop is included then the workshop with more distance learning
or reflection to complete.
The distance learning element will include self-study, evaluation of information
and ideas as well as preparation for workshops if appropriate.
All modules are split between phase which can be undertaken at any time and over
any reasonable period within a time frame of six months from the date of registration.
The modules that contain workshops however are more structured to allow for workshop
preparation.
Study Activities
Your activities for your course will consist of completion of required reading /
DVD watching, research, completing assignments and activity logs as well as keeping
learning journals up to date. If your course includes a workshop then attendance
will be one your activities.
Assignments
Each phase within a module will have its own set of assignments for you to carry
out. Sometimes that will involve answering from personal experience and sometimes
it will require reading and research or watching a DVD.
The assignments generally take the format of essays although you should expect to
be set tasks relevant to the course you are enrolled upon, for example observing
and recording dog behaviour or interaction between a couple of dogs or creating a
session plan for a six week course. The assignments are set to allow you to gain
experience and to prepare you for working with dogs in the real world.
Books and Specialised film learning
Contrary to popular belief, there is a genuine shortage of good quality, informative
canine behaviour books in the UK and the world market that explain behaviour from
a front-line expert’s view. The books that we recommend are written by front-line
experts or writers who we know are qualified and who write from quantitative experience.
Educational Film is the most successful way of teaching
Our course research spanning over 25 years has demonstrated that people improve their
examination scores by double when gaining information via film compared to lectures
(slides) or through writing. Humans are simply wired for visual stimulus making learning
through films the most effective medium other than hands-on experience.
Research and objectivity
Being able to research topics is critical when participating in distance learning.
That doesn’t mean however, that the information is copied verbatim without thought
from your favourite author, rather we prefer you to broaden your research to include
authors that you may not necessarily choose to read so that you can be objective
and open minded in your approach.
Approaching research open mindedly and objectively will stand you in good stead for
when you venture into the canine behaviour arena as you will come across many points
of view and will need to be aware of the pros and cons of all; expanding your research,
and therefore your mind, will help you do that.
Theory and practice
The majority of our courses have a workshop element to them, whether that is for
one day or a whole weekend. There will generally be some theoretical preparation
for the course that you will be putting into practice on the workshop, for example
observation of behaviour and session planning to name but two.
Theory isn’t just confined to the distance learning element of your module as it
will be discussed during the workshop attendances; not only with your tutor but with
your colleagues also, which is one of the many elements that make the workshops so
valuable.
Examination and practical tests
Examinations are all informal and tend to take the format of multiple choice questionnaires
based on required reading books, DVDs or educational films that have been included
within the workshop. During workshop attendances you will be evaluated during practical
sessions, question and answer exchanges as well as during hands on work either handling
the dogs or teaching classes.
How do the workshops operate?
If a course has a workshop element then the workshop will generally be near the end
of the module once you have completed most of the course work. The workshop can be
from one to three days in duration depending on the module type. Workshops can be
viewed in action on this website via a film button.
Any preparation required for the workshop will be included within the assignment
of the phase immediately before it so the pressure is off in relation to remembering
to take things with you. For workshops of more than one day duration, accommodation
is included as are any course materials.
The day will always start with tea and coffee as well as informal banter; the formal
introductions take place at the start of the course closely followed by the agenda
that that everyone can relax about what to expect and can concentrate on learning
and having a good time.
All workshops will contain lectures, educational films, multiple choice questionnaires
and informal assessments, and, depending upon the module you’ve enrolled on, handling
and working with well trained dogs.
Essential resources
As part of enrolling and in addition to the module handbook you will need facilities
to play a DVD, a learning outcomes journal, A4 ring binder, access to a computer
with Internet connection and e-mail, access to a printer and to a telephone.
Mandatory and recommended reading and DVD viewing lists will be included within the
handbook and you will also need to obtain copies of those listed in order to complete
your studies. Whether you visit your local library or purchase copies of your own
is your choice.
Learning outcomes
Every module has its own learning outcomes which will be made available either in
the welcome pack or the first phase and it is the learning outcomes that are incorporated
within the assessment strategy to ensure all that we’ve said you’ll learn, you’ll
learn.
Portfolio
Your completed portfolio, which is made up of a workbook, learning outcomes journal,
activity logs and assignments, will not only be a record of your studies but also
a valuable reference file for the future. A sample document will be provided by your
tutor.
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is same regardless of which module you complete. At the end
of a phase, you will submit work to your tutor in the form of one word document (a
sample is provided). Your tutor will review you work and add comments throughout.
If they’re happy that you have covered all of the points raised and questions asked,
then your work will be returned along with any multiple choices relevant to the course
and the phase that you have just submitted.
The process is repeated until the module is completed when you receive your CIDBT
certificate.
