module specification

SS4030 - Becoming an Educationist: Reading, Writing and Enquiry (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24
Module title Becoming an Educationist: Reading, Writing and Enquiry
Module level Certificate (04)
Credit rating for module 30
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 300
 
18 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
210 hours Guided independent study
72 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   Research report (1500 words)
Coursework 50%   E-Portfolio (1500 words)
Running in 2023/24

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Tuesday Morning
Year (Spring and Summer) North Tuesday Afternoon

Module summary

The module provides orientation to study in HE with reference to Education Studies. It focuses on transferable skills including those of reading, writing and oral communication as well as those of digital literacy while also providing an introduction to the theoretical underpinnings and methods of qualitative educational research.

This module aims to:
• Introduce students the conventions of academia and academic study;
• Support students with a range of transferable skills including writing, reading and oral communication as well as digital literacy;
• Encourage students to use academic discourse with confidence and familiarise themselves with academic literature;
• Introduce students to educational research and support them with conducting a small-scale qualitative research project.

Syllabus

Reflection on personal learning biography to raise awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses and to develop their learning/learning outcomes. LO1

Through theoretical inputs and practical activities the module develops students’ transferable skills and their confidence in conducting literature searches, evaluating and producing academic writing, and presenting academic arguments. LO2,LO3

Introduction to the ideas and the practices of educational research through the use of current examples. LO4

Engagement with a small-scale qualitative research project and allowing students to critically reflect on the findings as well as the study design in regards to professional and ethical guidance. LO1,LO5

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The module is taught through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Guest talks introduce students to relevant services offered by the University as well as other resources available to them in the HE context. Students are actively guided and supported with the development of their study skills and they are encouraged to engage with their learning in a reflective manner by keeping an e-portfolio. They are also undertaking a small-scale educational research to reflect on professional ethical practice.

Opportunities for individual and collective feedback are offered throughout the course of the module.

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) contains additional materials and resources, which students are asked to explore independently.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Develop their reflective practice to enhance their learning and learning outcomes;
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of academic reading, writing and oral presentation;
3. Show competence in referring to the work of others in precise and appropriate ways, and employ a systematic mode of referencing;
4. Show awareness of a range of educational research modes and methods;
5. Conduct a small-scale qualitative research project and critically reflect on their experiences in regards to professional and ethical practice.

Assessment strategy

Two items of coursework:
1. A research report (1500 words) outlining the findings of a small-scale qualitative research project.
2. An e-portfolio presenting at least three specific learning projects, incl. a brief outline of key learning points (1500 words).

Bibliography