module specification

The module is designed to aid the students’ professional development with a particular emphasis on Youth/community work Industry. Students will explore identified key skills underpinned by key theories concepts and ideas, in order to be an effective practitioner thus increasing their employability in the sector. There will be opportunities for students to enhance their current skill set and critically reflect in order to enhance their development.

The module aims are to:

• Analyse how key sociological/psychological concepts and theories  of youth and community work interact with employment skills
• Provide insight into theoretical learning while linking to previous or potential practical experiences.
• Incorporate experiential learning techniques to critically examine learning theory and promoting self-reflection to aid students’ understanding of knowledge and skills needed in employability. 
• Introduce students to the sector’s professional occupational standards and theoretical frameworks for critical reflective practice
• develop students’ self-confidence as effective practitioners through the understanding of relevant theoretical knowledge  and how they relate to the development of  identified key skills such as project management, communication and presentation skills

A review of youth/community work policy and practice related to ethics and values
Exploring the key skills required to perform effectively as a practitioner in a variety of roles
Discuss a theoretical and practical applications of a range of key skills:

• Critical thinking & analytical
• Problem solving
• Communication
• Presentations
• Project management
• Culture Awareness + emotional intelligence
• Reflective practice

As ‘practitioners’, examine case studies and provide effective solutions underpinned a theory  demonstrating a understanding  of  ethics and values in relation to professional sector.
Use key skills explored during the course in order to plan, design and present a programme that can be integrated into a work based setting.

Students' learning will be structured around the weekly contact time based on the guidance supplied in lectures, group work, and interactive workshops. Enquiry based learning and problem based learning will be used to help students to comprehend theoretical concepts.
Through the use of case studies, DVD, professional guest visits and field trips, and examination of how these key skills are applicable in real life youth/ Community settings
Students will be expected to participate in all classes by presenting material for discussion and debate. The module is supported by an electronic learning management system where students will be expected to access learning materials and information via WebLearn. In addition to class contact time, independent study/preparation time will include directed reading, independent research, project work and class preparation. Formative feedback will be given to students in these lectures to help them understand how well they have applied concepts and ideas, suggest how they can do this more effectively in the future.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Identify  areas of personal strengths and weaknesses for personal development planning
2.  Apply management tools and demonstrate skills and theoretical knowledge to a given situation.
3. Critically reflect on area of professional practice  and further  development of relevant  skills and knowledge  to  increase  employability
4. Practice a range of self-management and inter-personal skills in relation to critical thinking & analytical skills, problem solving, communication, presentations, project management, cultural awareness + emotional intelligence, reflective practic

The module will be assessed through both summative and formative assessments in order to continually reinforce learning and allow students to demonstrate their own learning and development.

Formative –  tutorials and case study analysis
Summative   Project Proposal (LO2 & LO4) – 1900 words
                        Presentation (LO4) – 15mins (10 mins presenting and 5 mins for questions)
                        Reflective report (LO1 & LO3) – 3000 words

Bennett, N et al (2000). Skills development in higher education and employment. USA: Open University Press.

Bradbury, H et al. (2010). Beyond Reflective Practice: New approaches to professional lifelong learning. USA & Canada: Routledge.

Brockbank, A & McGill, I (2003). Facilitating reflective learning in higher education. 3rd ed. USA: SRHE & Open University Press

Evans, N (2000). Experiential learning around the world: Employability and the global economy. UK: Jessica Kingsley.

National Youth Agency (2000) National Occupational Standards for Youth/Community Work
Thompson, N. (2002) People Skills (2nd edn), Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan