Understanding Learning and Teaching
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| EDUC4320 | Education | 4 | 20 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- EDUC4320
- School
- Education
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
This module focuses on the relationship between theories of learning and models of teaching and enables students to translate their developing understanding into their practice through critical reflection. The module offers the opportunity to apply key theoretical perspectives to the analysis of practical learning situations. Critical approaches are encouraged as well as a grasp of the practical importance for teachers of understanding how children learn.
Study will include activities based on research evidence from the field of educational psychology, journal articles, book chapters, educational artefacts, audio files, digitalised video and website links. Students will be encouraged to relate learning theory to their own educational practices. The face-to-face programme will involve small group, pair and individual work, seminar presentations and whole group interaction. Students are entitled to individual tutorials.
Target Students
Available to students on the Post Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies.
Classes
Delivered through a mix of seminars and tutorials.
Assessment
- 70% Assignment: 4000 word written assignment or equivalent presentation plus 5 minutes Q and A
- 30% Assignment: Appendices
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
• Consider how a range of learning theories and pedagogical approaches shed light on teaching and learning• Become conversant with the basic assumptions, concepts, and principles of a range of learning theories and pedagogical approaches• Develop a deeper understanding of a range of teaching strategies• Develop professional knowledge, skills, and understanding for teaching• Understand the practical implications of theories and pedagogical approaches• Be able to compare and contrast theories and pedagogical approaches and their relative usefulness in specific educational settings• Review and develop existing personal theories of learning and models of teaching• Improve the quality of reflective practice.Learning Outcomes
By the end of the Understanding Learning module, students should have gained:
Knowledge and understanding:
• An awareness of a range of theoretical frameworks for the understanding of children’s learning
• Critical understanding of several theories of learning and their practical implications for teaching and learning
• Critical understanding of current issues in teaching and learning.
Intellectual skills:
• Critical reading of academic and professional literature
• Critical appreciation of pedagogical practices
• The ability to critically evaluate ideas and texts within a range of theoretical frameworks
• The ability to apply key theoretical perspectives to the analysis of practical learning situations.
Professional practical skills:
• An ability to critically reflect on professional practice
• An ability to evaluate teaching and learning approaches adapted to individual learners
• An ability to relate professional understanding to theories of learning
• An ability to identify the pedagogical implications of learning theories
• Capacity to apply research evidence to professional practice.
Transferable (key) skills:
• An ability to critically analyse learning theory and research
• An ability to critically reflect on personal pedagogical beliefs, values and practices
• An ability to read, analyse and synthesise academic and professional literature
• An ability to relate theory to practice.