module specification

SS4033 - Making Sense of Education (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Making Sense of Education
Module level Certificate (04)
Credit rating for module 30
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 290
 
72 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
200 hours Guided independent study
18 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 30%   Coursework
Coursework 70%   Coursework
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Thursday Morning

Module summary

The module introduces Education Studies.  In doing so it draw on a wide range of intellectual resources, theoretical perspectives and academic disciplines to illuminate understanding of education and the contexts within which it takes place. It also introduces potential career pathways using Education Studies experiences and qualification.

The module aims to
●    Introduce students to the subject discipline;
●    To provide an overview of some of the major issues and debates in the development of English education and encourage students to critically engage with these from social justice in education perspective;
●    Present a range of theoretical perspectives which can be used to describe and analyse the education system;
●    Provide a sound foundation for self-reflection in relation to career choice and employability
●    To offer students a context within which to develop the practices of reading, of dialogue and of reflective writing required in higher education.
 

Syllabus

The module introduces Education Studies from its roots in the ‘academic era of teacher education’ (Carr 1997) to current field as outlined by QAA. In doing so it draw on a wide range of intellectual resources, theoretical perspectives and academic disciplines to illuminate understanding of education and the contexts within which it takes place (QAA). More specifically it:
● Has focus on historical developments of the English education system with particular emphasis on ‘education for all’; and how it has led to current structures and curricular;
● Encourages students to engage with contemporary questions concerning the aims and values of education and its relationship to society;
● Explores some major psychological/ socio-psychological theories that have significantly impacted on pedagogic approaches.
Additionally, the module has focus on employability in that it:
● Outlines possible career pathways using experience and qualifications gained on BA Education Studies;
● Provides a framework for critical reflection on skills and knowledge gained or to be developed that will be of use throughout the course.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The module is taught in 3 hour weekly blocks with each session normally divided into lecture, seminar and tutorials. Writing workshops to support academic literacy are also built into the module

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1.    Debate educational policies and practices in the wider social and cultural context
2.    Demonstrate an informed knowledge of some theoretical perspectives in education
3.    Communicate their views effectively in dialogue with other students and with tutors
4.    Evaluate personal strengths and areas for development in relation to employability

Bibliography