We are always very keen to hear what students have to say about their courses,
and, as is usual when a new course is launched, we sent out questionaires to a random
selection of students at the beginning of 2007. The responses were very positive
and the various comments and suggestions have been taken on board. This means that
some study books have been replaced or integrated with others and additional material
has been included.
The course takes a seasonal approach to work, problems and enjoyment
of the garden during the winter, spring, summer and autumn together with sections
on important all year round topics.
There are ten study books and one answer book provided which, except for number 11,
all begin with a list of learning objectives, key words and a glossary together with
a general introduction, overview and learning advice specific to the contents.
Study
book 1 begins with short introductions to the correct naming of plants and hardiness,
a full glossary, a course log, a study guide and a general introduction to the course.
Each study book ends with a series of self assessment review questions (the answers
are provided in book twelve) which will enable you to check and assess your understanding
of the material studied via guide scores relating to the questions. At the end of
Study book 3 ~ The Spring Garden ~ for example, a score of 80% is considered to be
a good pass. If you get more than 20% of the answers wrong you are advised to go
back and review the material before moving on to study book 4.
You will have access
to tutorial help and support throughout the course but, unlike most other IHRS courses,
there are only three written assignments that have to be submitted for marking. These
assignments provide for the course evaluation and result and are weighted as:
Tutor
Marked Assignment 1 30%
Tutor Marked assignment 2 30%
Tutor Marked assignment 3 40%
An
overall score of 60% gains a pass certificate, 75% a credit and 90% a distinction.
The Home Gardener
A new distance learning course introduced in 2006 for the gardening enthusiast, this
is a straightforward 'How to, when and why ?' course which provides information,
explanations and answers in easy to understand, non-
We are delighted that the course has proved to be
so popular and successful but, for several reasons, have now revised the course content
in the light of feedback.
