Module: EDU7127-30 Investigating and Developing Practice

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Róisín Ní Mhocháin

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.nimhochain@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module

This module is designed for teachers and other professionals working with children and young people in education. It is primarily designed to be done alongside a Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT) or Recently Qualified Teachers (RQT) period, but can also be used to support further Continuing Professional Development. This is an online module which encourages personalisation of study while being sensitive to the workload commitments of those in education.

The aims of the module are to:

• Advance personal teaching and professional understanding in relation to specific areas of current educational theory, policy and practice in line with government objectives
• Recognise the range of diversity within the educational environment and develop skills to embed best practice

Enhance critical reflective skills to augment professional knowledge of the teaching and learning environment.

2. Outline syllabus

The module is broken into a selection of learning ‘pods’. Each pod focuses on one particular aspect of the teaching and learning environment. They will include required engagement with readings, video input, blog tasks and reflection on practice. These pods are designed to align closely with the needs of NQT and RQT professionals as well as educational policy developments. Students will choose three pods to submit for assessment, however you are welcome to engage with as many pods as you feel are useful for your own professional development. One final overarching assessment requires you to critically reflect on how your pod choices effectively combine to enhance your professional skills and embed best practice.

Topics include:

• Leadership and managing (oneself and others)
• Dealing with stakeholders (parents/governing bodies etc)
• Managing assessment and progress
• Assessment for Learning (AfL) and Barriers to learning (managing and responding)
• Effective behaviour for learning and engagement (exclusions)
• Managing time and priorities
• Learning and teaching theory
• Vulnerable groups (SEND and disadvantaged)
• Curriculum design and intent
• Understanding and applying policy / engaging with policy

3. Teaching and learning activities

As this is an online module teaching activities will be conducted via our Virtual Learning Environment. You will be expected to engage with the online tasks and readings set, collaborate with others on formative tasks as well as manage your independent learning. You will be assigned a tutor who will guide your study at master’s level and help to advise you on what learning pods might best suit your needs. This guidance can be group and individual, face-to-face, via telephone/Skype or email.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW
• Description: Portfolio of pod tasks (1,500 words per pod)
• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW
• Description: Reflective critical overview of module learning (3000 words)
• % Weighting: 40%