Tutorials are often scheduled for complex modules (such as
Accounting and Economics). Here you will get an opportunity
to apply principles learnt and practice through activities which
will deepen understanding of topics.
Booster session Booster sessions are scheduled when there is a need to
support students in preparing for assessments (tests and
exams).
Master class Master classes by an expert on a topic related to your
studies are held to provide deeper insights, and share
innovative thinking or offer different angles to reinforce
learning on a topic.
support Workshops Each campus offers a range of workshops on different topics.
These may include workshops to help you build general
learning skills or workshops that are focused on a topic related
to a module on your programme. Students are notified of these
workshops via email or posters on the notice boards. These
workshops could also take place online using VCLearn.
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Fully engage in the activities set by your lecturer, especially the ones that challenge you.
Don’t shy away from “group work”. Interaction with your peers will expose you to different viewpoints
and broaden your understanding. It will also test and develop your ability to formulate and defend
your opinions. A skill that is critical to survival in the workplace.
Learn from mistakes! Use the feedback from your lecturers to understand where you went wrong, and
how you can improve going forward.
Most importantly, when the learning gets tough, ask for help and persist! The section below will
inform you on the various supports available to you.
Student support interventions
Support to get you ready for the first day of lectures.
Your lecturers challenge you from day 1.
The following orientation workshops will gear you for the start of lectures:
• VCLearn training
• Academic writing skills, including how to avoid plagiarism
• Training on the Teaching and Learning approach used at Varsity College
Support to stop you from falling behind
If you fall behind for any reason, speak to any member of your academic support team. Depending on
the support you need, either one (or more) of the following support services will be made available:
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School of Psychology
& communication
School of
EDUCATION
School of
FINANCE & ACCOUNTING
Please note: The Programme Managers of your School may select between these support services.
Therefore, you would need to enquire which of the above is available for your qualification.
Your entire learning experience as a student is dependent on your ability to think smartly. Most students
can easily memorise facts, however your ability to formulate an informed opinion based on existing
knowledge, will set you apart from “ordinary thinkers”. To develop thinking skills, you are encouraged to
do the following:
Learning Support: Library Services
Speak to your Librarian about the following library services:
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Information literacy training
Referencing and plagiarism workshops
Book loan facilities: open collection and short loan/prescribed books section
Assistance with research and referencing
Printing and photocopying services
Inter library loan system
Online databases training and research
Reference collection
Downloading of eBooks and articles from electronic databases
Downloading of past tests and exams papers from the library website
Access to the IIESpace Repository
Use of Library Connect (OPAC, online databases and catalogue)
Internet facilities
Study areas
Monthly theme displays aligned with social awareness themes
Computers with relevant software to be used for research and typing of assignments and
other educational activities
School of INFORMATION &
COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
School of
LAW
School of
MANAGEMENT
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“Smart thinking demands that we do more than just think vaguely about things” (Mathew Allen).
Developing thinking and learning skills
The platform used to enable your learning outside the classroom, is called VCLearn. Essentially VCLearn is
an online learning environment that contains activities developed to drive learning. It also has a number of
tools which include discussion boards, online journals and blogs that your lecturer will request you to use
at different stages of the semester to support your learning. Your lecturer’s feedback on the activities that
you complete on VCLearn will be an indication of how well you have grasped the key concepts. This will
ensure that you are not only better prepared for assessments, but that you will, in the process, develop
critical thinking and learning skills required for the workplace.
The IIE’s Varsity College has moved away from ‘traditional lecturing’ methods where you would learn
by passively listening to the lecturer. We believe that this approach to teaching has lost its relevance for
students entering today’s world of work. Our teaching approach is anchored in Active Learning principles
with the support of technology to extend learning outside the classroom.
Tutorial
Active Learning and VClearn
If you need in depth explanation on specific topics you may
request a formal session with your lecturer. This can take place
one on one or with a small group of students with similar
queries/challenges.
Subject consultation If you have ad-hoc (quick questions), approach your lecturers
directly and where possible, they will provide immediate
assistance.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Student consultation
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