Unit 1: Theory, Practices and Policies

Dates: January - April 2023
Credit rating: 20

Level of Study: 7

Contact Hours: 30

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate critical, open engagement with policy, practices and scholarship relating to teaching and learning. [subject knowledge; analysis]

2. Critically evaluate your professional practice and plan for further development with reference to the dimensions of the UK Professional Standards Framework. [personal and professional development]

3. Communicate effectively with peers to support professional development. [collaborative and/or independent professional working; communication and presentation]

Indicative Content

Through this unit you will encounter a range of theoretical, political and practical perspectives and apply them in your particular context. Themes will include inclusive approaches to learning and teaching, internationalisation and the changing higher education landscape, models of learning design, assessment and feedback, and the history and context of arts education.

Your own experience of learning and teaching will be of interest and value to other participants, and you will share this and receive feedback through presentation, discussion, micro-teaching and peer observation. You will also reflect on your own practice, values and development with relation to the UK Professional Standards Framework, taking into account circles of influence and control and how these affect the decisions you make as an educator both now and in the future.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching and learning methods used on this unit include:

• Seminars

• Group tutorials

• Journalling

• Micro-teaching

• Presentation

• Observations of teaching

• Independent study

Assessment Requirements

The unit is assessed holistically through the following:

Evaluation of professional practice against Descriptor 1 of the UK Professional Standards Framework, with reference to:

• An online reading journal documenting responses to literature and other sources.

• Reports and reflections on observations of teaching practice.

• Opportunities for future development.

Essential Reading

Biggs, J. and Tang, C. (2011) Teaching for Quality Learning at University. 4th edition. Maidenhead: Society for Research into Higher Education and Open University Press.

Collini, S. (2012) What are Universities For? Penguin.

Fry, H., Ketteridge, S. and Marshall, S. (Eds.) (2015) A Handbook for Teaching & Learning in Higher Education: Enhancing academic practice. 4th edition. Routledge.

James, A. and Brookfield, S. (2014) Engaging Imagination: Helping Students Become Creative and Reflective Thinkers. Jossey-Bass.

Ramsden, P. (2003) Learning to Teach in Higher Education. Routledge.