Reed Learning Reviews

I have been in Further Education for 20-years and along with my own teaching delivering to thousands of candidates I also have experience of the asynchronous teaching provided by the Open University. I was disappointed by the lack of ability for WM to offer a blended, asynchronous learning experience. I understand that you are restricted by the CIPD in the course content. However, the provision, for each module, was inconsistent in content, links did not work, there were materials uploaded onto the platform that did not conform to copyright regulations for education. The lack of a lectures (recorded would have been sufficient) to provide an overview of the module was unacceptable. Therefore, you do not have a ‘VLE’ you merely have an online depository of (in some instances) outdated material and static materials. Your platform lacks development and is void of activities that encourage engagement, there is no ability to interact with other candidates on the course. In addition, there is a lack of credible formative assessment activities designed to provide feedback. Learning platforms, even of the most basic subscription, can allow for excellent teaching and learning tools that work well for adult learners. It allows for staff and candidates to monitor progress, understanding and allow interaction with others on the course. This is especially useful to encourage critical thinking and support research on key topics such as those in our assignments. My tutor was valuable and would encourage me to proceed with completing my assignments but did not signpost materials and activities on the platform - when I checked this was due, in my opinion, to the material being irrelevant. The only workshops were the two pre-exam sessions per exam. (The only webinar was that provided by CIPD on exam expectations). Therefore, the only time we were encouraged to meet fellow students was prior to the exams.

Fun and engaging course. Lots of opportunity to ask questions

a really good study day - despite the insane temperature, Lorraine did a brilliant job getting us through. we had more breaks than normal, and i actually think that is something that should be considered/implemented more. the use of jam boards is great - changes the energy flow and gets the discussion going. I'd be minded to make the days 30 mins longer but not increase the content/go slower - we were visibly flagging by the end, but to have had another 30 would have meant not rushing the last bit

I enjoyed the course and i really benefitted from the delivery workshops. The units without workshops i found more difficult to learn from the self directed elements. It was very relaxed in terms of structure which I knew when signing up so need to be very organised and self -motivated to undertake. The trainers were brilliant, had great knowledge of the subject areas and were very responsive when asking for help.

What I liked: The CIPD assignments. These were well structured and forced a good appreciation of the subjects covered. My Tutor. I was very happy with my Tutor Amanda Harris as she was friendly, encouraging, and had very good expert knowledge. I was also impressed that she responded to enquiries and submissions very promptly. Choice of topics. I liked the ability to choose between a full range of optional modules, in fact this was the reason for choosing Watson Martin ahead of other providers.

Dianne was excellent. She was enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable.

The course itself met the objectives as intended. An area of improvement would be ensuring that tutors and facilitators are aligned in their understanding the requirements of the assessments. Several pieces of feedback I received from my tutor was at odds with what the facilitator described when discussion the assessment. I was also disappointed that there was not a L5 workbook for every module and I was provided with the L3 workbook. However, this is likely a result of WM going above and beyond with content for other modules

Course content really interesting, particularly enjoyed change management theories, wellbeing discussions. Really clearly explained how each element relates to Q1 through 6, wordcount clearly explained- first trainer reassured all participants not to worry if hadn't completed all the preliminary tasks. JAM board worked great- gave everyone a chance to input/get involved with their ideas.

Very good. Pretty intense, but I learnt a lot.

Evelyn and Lorraine were both super engaging and clearly highly informed about this subject. It is, however, a lot of content to cover in one day - I'd much rather we had it as 2 half days to allow some time to absorb and reflect .