finclude template="_xhtml-a.cfm"> Module catalogue: YC5F02

module specification

YC5F02 - Approaches to Pedagogy and Curriculum in the Early Years (2023/24)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2023/24, but may be subject to modification
Module title Approaches to Pedagogy and Curriculum in the Early Years
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 30
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   Essay - 6,000 words
Running in 2023/24

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
No instances running in the year

Learning and teaching

Theoretical input will be through lectures and seminars.

Teaching and learning include a mixture of face-to-face and online engagement using a blended learning approach. The virtual learning environment platform is a core component of each module, where students access course materials, supplementary materials, links to online resources, engage in online discussions, self-assessment activities and reflective tasks.  

Reflection and discussion are key for all students which is promoted in the classroom and online through discussion forum.  For all students experiential learning promotes their growing ability to act as a reflective practitioner.

Teaching and learning strategies and methods also focus on workplace skills and professionalism. All students undertake and reflect on observations in the workplace and weekly tasks and reflective exercises support increased knowledge and understanding. Observations, action research, work-related tasks and the use of development planning tools support the growth of practitioners’ professional competence. 

The development of transferable skills in presenting evidence, arguments and points of view to a range of audiences, through a range of media, including the use of ICT also supports individual learning.

Assessment strategy

Students will be able to demonstrate they have met the learning outcomes through one summative assessment  - an essay submitted to summative assessment in week 29 of the academic year. 

       For the patchwork text, four pieces of written work form the basis of the final essay that discusses
        pedagogy and curriculum in the early years.  The students will be  encouraged to collaborate on the
        patchwork text  - working in pairs, as a group and in  smaller groups – as relevant to the topic of the
        patchwork text.  They will be encouraged to present  one of the patchwork texts to the whole   
        group   – who will be asked to offer critical feedback.   Formative feedback will be given on all 
        patchwork text. The rationale for this approach is to scaffold students capacity for analytical 
        thinking and critical reflection in preparation for the essay submission at the end of the course.

Students  will be required to work collaboratively on an ungraded presentation reflecting on an aspect of a chosen pedagogy applied in their practice or provision related to specific theories of learning, outlining the potential for supporting children’s learning and development. In this way the assessment will address both the professional and academic aspects of the module.

Students will be invited to present the essay for formative feedback which will be provided in a written form and discussed at face to face/Skype tutorial in advance of  submission deadline.

All students will receive written feedback against all learning outcomes following the publication of marks. This will be the most comprehensive in cases of failure, where this will support learning for reassessment.