Berkhamsted Branch How the British Isles formed

Course aim

This course aims to provide an introduction to geology and an understanding of how the British Isles formed through geological time. Exploration of geological processes that have shaped Britain will provide an understanding of the science of geology.

Do I need any particular skills or experience?

• You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
• You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
• This course is for a group of around 15 students studying in a live video-learning platform conference and an online digital learning environment platform from the comfort of your own home.
• This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
• This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
• Students need a level 2 qualification in English to join this course
• No prior geological knowledge is required but a basic understanding of science and maths would be beneficial.

By the end of the course I should be able to:

• Identify the three main rock types and locate them on a geological map.
• Explain the concept of stratigraphy and discuss the rock record.
• Use maths and basic science to understand Earth processes that shaped Britain.
• Construct a geological map that reflects how Britain formed.
• Examine how plate tectonics plays its role in building Britain.

How will I be taught?

• The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
• The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
• You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning

What kind of feedback can I expect?

• Your tutor will provide written, text and audio feedback recorded in WEA Canvas, WEA’s digital learning platform.
• A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
• You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
• You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
• You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions

What else do I need to know?

• What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
• You will also need access to the internet outside of your sessions. You could do this using a smart phone, tablet, laptop or a desktop computer (at home or through a library etc.).
• You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
• You will be required to print out a worksheet to use throughout the course and access to a selection of colouring pens/pencils.

Pre-course work, reading and information sources

• Pre-course reading is required: resources will be made available to you using the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
• You will have access to course resources and links to wider learning through the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas: http://bit.ly/WEAonline

What can I do next?

• Progress to another WEA course
• Progress to a course with another provider
• Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
• Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next