Module: EDU5108-20 Understanding Classrooms

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Chris Collier

Module Tutor Contact Details: C.Collier@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module will ask you to explore a number ways of understanding schools and classrooms by examining the research about how teachers manage their classrooms and support learning and what influences them in making these choices. The module will introduce you to a range of topics that teachers need to understand: learning environment, curriculum, pupil voice and identity, pedagogy and interaction, and assessment. The acquisition of this knowledge will be set within wider educational and political debates surrounding control and power. The module will involve you in considering theory and practice relationships by active participation. We will examine the ways classrooms and schools have changed over time as well as how our understanding of them has developed through research. The module will enable you to understand how classroom life is constructed through teacher and pupil interaction. You will learn about some key examples of research on classrooms and critically examine how educational research can influence classroom practice. You will be encouraged to reflect critically on your own learning and experience of education.

2.Outline syllabus

The module will explore:

• Theoretical influences on classroom practice

• What constitutes effective teaching in school environments

• Historical development of classroom teaching in key themes and topics

• How values, beliefs, principles and dominant discourses impact on teachers’ practices

• Current initiatives and policy with respect to classroom teaching

• Research on classroom teaching in key topics and themes

• How classroom practices can be analysed

• The contested nature of education and learning

• What is meant by person-centred learning?

The module will explore:

• Theoretical influences on classroom practice

• What constitutes effective teaching in school environments

The module is organised into a series of cycles, each covering a topic that will enable you to

• fully understand classrooms.

• Historical development of classroom teaching in key themes and topics

• How values, beliefs, principles and dominant discourses impact on teachers’ practices

3.Teaching and learning activities

Learning is facilitated by lectures and seminars which allow for tutor input, student-led presentations and opportunities for group learning. Students are encouraged to develop approaches to reflective practice and to reflect on their own development as learners in classroom settings by drawing on the core theoretical and conceptual module content. The role and responsibilities of professionals is part of the programme content and links between practice and theory are made explicit. Transferrable skills such as working with others, analysing and problem-solving will be emphasised through participation and engagement.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Seminar Report (3000 words)

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Group presentation (2000 word-equivalence)

• % Weighting: 40%