A course for experienced and new starter students of family history; an opportunity to start, or re-start, your search or apply new sources and methods to enable you to extend and expand your research further. Particular emphasis is placed on historical context. A visit to Matlock Record Office may being arranged.
Course aim
The course seeks to go deeper and wider into sources and methods to enable students with some experience of family history research to extend and expand their research; but will still cater for beginners and enable them to begin their search.
Who is the course for?
What topics will this course cover
Using Ancestry and other websites to the optimum Applying strategic thinking to methods of research Finding and using new online records Planning your research further Project approach via Action planning Presenting your research Using the local archives
What will it be like?
WEA classes are friendly and supportive. You will be encouraged to work together with your fellow students and tutor. You will be asked to share your ideas and views in the class and work with the group to give and accept feedback in a supportive environment. The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you to be actively involved in your learning. You may be asked to undertake work to support your course outside of your class.
By the end of the course I should be able to:
Locate and use with some confidence a variety of written and online resources, relating information to a tree. Construct a family history and present the findings to others. Use of local archives and other resources for researching family and local history. Contribute to a class as part of a family tree network in encouraging and helpful ways. Demonstrate an understanding of the wider historical contexts behind a family history.
How will I know I'm making progress?
Assessment will not include examinations. Assessment will be done by observations of individual progress particularly relating to: • Participation in pairs and group work • Confidence in sharing stories and learning experiences • Confidence in using ICT The tutor will seek opportunities to support individuals and groups and there will be a regular sharing time in each session
What else do I need to know, do or bring?
Access to an major subscription website is helpful.
Reading and information sources
Magazines and books and online sources will be recommended throughout the course.
What could the course lead to?
Transferable skills include: speaking & listening; numeracy; historical knowledge & understanding; basic ITC skills including internet searching; ability to record facts and detail; ability to read articles to inform & inspire understanding. Students will be informed about local WEA courses in IT, history and wider. Attention will be drawn to local events and societies relevant to the subject.
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