This module introduces students to key concepts and issues in the history, sociology and philosophy of education. By examining historical and current issues that are of major concern within the world of education, the module seeks to provide students with the theoretical ideas that will underpin future studies at Levels 5 and 6. Themes such as equality, human rights and citizenship are addressed within the module both as current political issues and as ideas that illustrate the competing ideologies within education. The module also provides students with the opportunity to develop skills related to factual learning such as accessing, assimilating and organising information.
This module will allow participants to develop their understanding of the English curriculum and recent developments in the research and methodology of teaching reading, writing and speaking and listening in the EY and primary classroom. Links between theory and practice will be made explicit and learners will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences as language users and producers.
This module introduces students to key concepts and issues in the development of mathematical thinking. By examining attitudes towards mathematics and the processes within problem-solving, the module seeks to provide students with both theoretical and mathematical ideas that will underpin future studies. Themes such as number, pattern, questioning and assessment are all addressed within the module.
This module explores the ways in which childhood is constructed by societies and communities. It focuses on how these constructions of childhood are conveyed through literature, film and advertising, looking at ‘texts’ about childhood and those designed for children. The module considers how constructions of childhood have changed over time and how these different constructions have been shaped by political, social and economic factors. The theoretical underpinning for this module is from the fields of literary theory and cultural studies. It seeks to provide students with the theoretical ideas that will support future studies at Level 5 and Level 6.
This module introduces students to Higher Education Study Skills. Students will explore core skills including time management, core computing and maths skills, developing academic English, giving presentations and critical reading. There will be specific information on assignment planning and assignment writing. This will include an examination of the language of titles and the use of criteria. The module will be personalised with students working from their own current level of understanding.
This module explores concepts of community, family and childhood. It discusses how these notions change over time and can vary from culture to culture. The module explores students’ own position with regard to these concepts as this will impact on their work with children in educational settings. It discusses the impact of media views, dominant discourses and educational and social policy in relation to ideas of community, family and children. The module discusses notions of equality and how society seeks to meet the needs of diverse communities. It explores how communities enable children to become adults and how society works with disaffected young people.
