Top 10 things HE need to know about...Applied and Specialist Learning

This is article number 6 of the ’10 more things’ series about the Diploma in Hospitality. Articles two and three  focused on more general Diploma issues, eg, the three components or types of learning, that make up the Diploma in Hospitality. The 4th article focused on the main component, ie, Principal Learning and the topics at each level of Principal Learning. The last article focused on the themes that run through all levels of Principal Learning and the topics that relate to each theme. This article focuses on the Additional Specialist Learning (ASL) associated with the Diploma in Hospitality. So, in an attempt to impart even more understanding, here are some more facts that higher education academics should know:

1) ASL enables students to further specialise, eg, by completing specialist hospitality qualifications.
2) ASL is intended to allow students some flexibility to develop their own learning programmes.
3) ASL is intended to promote breadth of study choice for students that may also reinforce the topics covered in the Principal Learning.
4) ASL is meant to complement the Principal Learning.
5) ASL units or courses are being designed in conjunction with hospitality educators and employers. These units or courses are continuously being added to.
6) There are ASL themes that have been identified by hospitality educators and employers as being particularly important.
7) The three ASL themes at Foundation Level are:
 - Food preparation and cooking
 - Food and drink service
 - Guest services
8) The four ASL themes at Higher and Advanced Level are:
 - Food preparation and cooking
 - Food and drink service
 - Guest services
 - Business and administration (including IT)
9) The above themes are not exclusive and will be added to, eg, ‘Events’ based. 
10) Level 4 units or courses can be considered for ASL (for students working at Advanced Level).

If you are a higher education academic and you want to know even more about the detail of the Diploma in Hospitality take a look at the Diploma in Hospitality Companion Document on the Diploma in Hospitality website. You can also e-mail me at J.Fenby@mmu.ac.uk.

26.11.2009