Course+structure+and+participation+guidelines

The MyCOOP on-line learning methodology:

The MY-COOP TOT training is divided in 6 different sections:

0. Pre-course activities 1. Introduction on how to become a MyCOOP trainer 2. Facilitating Module 1: Basics of agricultural cooperatives 3. Facilitating Module 2: Cooperative service provision 4. Facilitating Module 3: Supply of farm inputs 5. Facilitating Module 4: Collective marketing 6. Course wrap up and evaluation

A key outcome of this training is that you will be equipped to facilitate a MyCOOP training in your own context. This training will give you additional pedagogical guidelines on how to structure and how to facilitate the MyCOOP contents. After successful completion of this course you will become an official MyCOOP trainer. Apart from the introduction and the wrap up module all the modules have a fixed structure.

- You will be asked to review the specific content of a MyCOOP module. This self-guided e-learning material  will include interactive quizzes to assess your understanding of the material, and reflection questions which will give you an opportunity review and assess how far you master the content of each module. - You will get additional background material on the training methods that are used in the specific module - You will be asked to participate in MyCOOP discussion fora to reflect on some of the learning methodologies. - You will be asked to complete several assignments in order to practice your MyCOOP facilitation and moderation skills.

About interaction and communication:


 * About Interaction and Communication.**

Much of the interaction in this course will take place through parallel discussion boards (forum/fora). The structure of these discussions will be as following:

We have one general discussion forum and four discussion fora linked to the specific content modules. The general discussion forum is open for any course-related questions, and will be used to respond to open questions. The more specific thematic discussion fora will be centred upon concrete exercises to be introduced module by module.

Participation in the discussion fora (at least 3 postings per week) is compulsory and will be part of the evaluation.


 * Quantitative assessment criteria:**

The minimal criteria of posting one message and replying to at least two other messages must be respected by all participants. Keep this minimum of three contributions in mind each week when you participate in the course.


 * Qualitative assessment criteria:**


 * Contributions must focus on the given task;
 * Contributions must be clear and unambiguous;
 * Contributions must be carefully considered and underpinned by evidence;
 * Contributions should provoke a response;
 * Contributions should demonstrate that relevant course content and/or background literature has been read, for example by applying an idea from a given resource.


 * About assignments:**

In the scope of this course you will need to complete assignments which may consist of several tasks. Based on these assignments, you will get additional feedback from your tutor. The deadlines for the assignments will be integrated into the course agenda. The assignments are closely related to your own professional context which means the material you develop can be actively used in your organization.

These assignments are very important because they will accelerate your learning and understanding MyCOOP learning and training components. Therefore we would like you to read the following instructions:

- Participants will submit all assignments electronically via the course site - If there are any technical problems with the course site, the assignment can be sent to your online facilitator by mail. - All assignment due dates refer to midnight standard time on the listed due date - The course software standards for submissions of assignments are Microsoft Office or Open Office or PDF-documents. - When technical problems occur and you cannot submit your assignment electronically contact as soon as possible your online facilitator by mail, by skype or by phone to explain the difficulty. - Your on-line facilitator will review your assignment within the week of the due date and will send you feedback electronically, either by email or by leaving comments on the course site. - The successful completion of each assignment is necessary. Criteria for evaluation will be indicated prior to every assignment.

We hope that this is clear for you. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.