Course Resources Archive

The purpose of the module is to provide a framework of support for students whose professional needs centre on the teaching of their own subject. Students begin with an analysis of their own needs in relation to these and agree a plan for addressing them within the framework of the module. Strong support is provided for this process. The programme of development includes teaching and other forms of guidance which encourage the student to develop knowledge, understanding and practical capability in the design and implementation of small scale research and development projects in education. The evaluation of impact is also an important element in the work. The implementation of the action plan and its evaluation generates the evidence base for inclusion in a portfolio and/or one or more written assignments as appropriate.

It is envisaged that this module will follow one of these patterns:

• It will provide a framework for study and assessment of existing courses within the PMS scheme.
• The module content will be designed for a specific group of specialist teachers (e.g. English, art, history, science or mathematics teachers).
• Individual students may elect to study the module as a framework for independent study supported by an appropriate disciplinary tutor.

Please note that this module is offered in two modes:

1. University campus based
2. As work based learning. This means that the vehicle for the development of pedagogy is current activities, projects and other initiatives led by the participant or in which they have a key role. These must relate to the school improvement plan and to the participant’s own performance review objectives. The WBL route is an innovative approach that enables participants to demonstrate current competence and develop future capability. The WBL route is open only to groups of staff in the same school or college, or to staff groups from more than one school or college. It is taught entirely within the contracting institution(s). Work for this module is intended to result in impact at institutional and classroom level.

• Updating on recent research in the relevant academic field and within the subject domain particularly as this relates to children's learning and the development of pedagogy.
• Academic engagement focused on the development of capabilities relating to critical reading of educational research, academic, policy and practitioner literature, including that produced by the relevant subject association (e.g. The Association for Science Education; the Mathematical Association, the National Association for the Teaching of English etc.)
• Research methods appropriate for small scale-enquiry.
• Ethical issues related to teacher research and development.
• The evaluation of small-scale innovations in educational settings.

On successful completion of this module participants should have:

1. A critical understanding of current and recent developments within their own subject field as these have been identified by academic researchers and leading practitioners.
2. The ability to identify development issues in relation to their own professional work, to plan, implement and evaluate improvements in the teaching, learning and assessment of their subject.
3. A critical awareness of research methods appropriate for small-scale investigation and development work within their own subject and the academic discipline to which it relates.
4. Developed the ability to identify, analyse and critique literature relevant to the subject area and to the pedagogic issues that arise within it.

This module comprises 300 student learning hours which include professional practice, independent study, use of the VLE and up to  20  hours of teaching and/or mentor support.

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