Course Resources Archive

The module will introduce students’ to pedagogical issues relating to learning and teaching science in the primary school. These issues will be explored through (but not tied to) a variety of contexts relevant to statutory curriculum guidance for primary science. The module also aims to develop personal subject knowledge and understanding in science.

The taught module and the school placements will enable the students to develop insight into the way science is learnt and experienced by children as well as an understanding of inclusive values and the ability to interpret Programmes of Study appropriately for a diversity of learning needs in order to allow children access to learning in primary science.

The course will consist of lectures / workshops plus group work, presentations and work on formative assessment tasks. The students will undertake a group discussion activity in the first workshop to help to identify individual targets and specific strategies for development of subject knowledge necessary for effective teaching. Students will then track their progress through an individual audit record. The module will introduce the student to theories that underpin the learning and teaching of primary science concepts and skills as well as values, attitudes and behaviours which underpin Science. This will involve, amongst others, specific foci on raising questions, observation, exploration and communication of findings.  Students will be introduced to key statutory documentation and non-statutory guidance related to key areas of science, including processes of life, the human body, materials and forces. Study groups will be generated to develop and enhance communication and reasoning skills, support one another with subject knowledge targets and allow group formative assessment tasks. Links will be made between subject knowledge and pedagogy and students will be guided on effective practice in the teaching of primary science in their school placements.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate developing knowledge and understanding of statutory curriculum documentation and non-statutory curriculum guidance in relation to primary science;

2. Use research from current and established sources to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and principles of learning and pedagogy in primary science to underpin effective planning, teaching and assessment on school placement;

3. Engage appropriately with experiential, investigative and problem-solving activities in workshops and through formative group and individual tasks to identify and explore key issues in learning primary science;

4. Use a variety of strategies to promote and demonstrate progression in their own knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts to underpin effective teaching in primary science;

5. Demonstrate awareness of the importance of values, attitudes and behaviours which underpin scientific thinking

6. Develop an understanding of inclusive values and learn how to interpret Programmes of Study appropriately for a diversity of learning needs, in order to access all children to learning in the subject

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.