ED1PS1-Professional Studies 1

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Miss Cara Broadhurst
Email: c.broadhurst@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module is concerned with the development of trainees as members of a profession as they work towards the standards for QTS. The stages of child development are explored and trainees relate this to teaching pedagogy. Trainees are introduced to curricular requirements and develop confidence at planning for progression and accounting for differing developmental needs. Learning theory is also taught and researched. Trainees develop strategies for managing behaviour and facilitating learning. The concept of 􀀑being a professional􀀒 is discussed as trainees consider the responsibility of schools today toward the Whole Child and other stakeholders. The role of the trainee as a reflective practitioner underpins the whole module as trainees are required to critically review their own and others􀀒 practice.

Aims:

• To develop trainees’ understanding of the stages of Child Development.


• To give trainees an insight into how children develop knowledge and understanding through effective teaching and learning strategies.


• To support trainees in understanding the National Curriculum and other related requirements


• To provide trainees with the tools and confidence to plan effective lessons.


• To develop their teaching and learning skills through evaluation and reflection.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, trainees will be able to:

• Recognise their responsibility for their professional development through willingness to reflect on their own and others’ practice.


• Observe children closely and relate to the stages of child development.


• Explain key theories of learning and how they affect classroom practice.


• Formulate lesson plans based on National Curriculum requirements.
  
• Demonstrate awareness of different teaching methods and factors that influence these.


• Begin to differentiate for multiple needs.


• Develop a repertoire of whole class management strategies.


• Identify the role parents have as co-educators and consider ways to enhance this.

Additional outcomes:
Trainees will gain insight and confidence in the planning, organisation and carrying out of effective teaching in a Primary classroom. They will also work effectively to national requirements demonstrating achievement of the required QTS Standards.

Outline content:

Main areas addressed include:

• Professionalism


• Curriculum Requirements


• Child Development


• Observation Skills


• Effective Lesson Planning


• Theories of Learning


• Basic Behaviour Management


• The Whole Child


• Working with Parents

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This module is taught through large group sessions which include some lecture style presentations and also small group tasks and discussion. There is an expectation that some small preparation or background reading tasks will be completed outside of sessions. Serial visits in school alongside the module allow observation and reflection to take place; a block School Experience in the Spring Term is well placed for trainees to put theory into practice.