Course Resources Archive

This module provides an opportunity to explore theoretical perspectives on the practice of teaching and learning.  In engaging with this fascinating subject area students will hone a range of skills relating to professional practice, research and professional development.

Subject content

• Theories of learning and teaching: Constructivist, socio-cultural and post-structural theories of learning.
• International perspectives on pedagogy and pedagogical theory.
• Learning to learn: metacognitive processes and abilities.
• Progression and continuity in learning and teaching.
• Learning with new technologies.

Professional practice:

• Evaluation and critique of policy and academic texts and discourses.
• Professional learning in collaborative communities (on-line and face to face).
• Assessment for learning and personalised learning. 
• Using research to inform and develop practice.

Research skills:

• Learning to read critically.
• Using observation as a pedagogical and research tool.
• Ethical approaches to researching in classrooms and professional contexts.

Professional development:

• Working collaboratively in communities of enquiry.
• Extending repertoires of professional practice.
• Developing critical, reflexive approaches to professional development.

On completion of this module successful participants will have:

• a critical understanding of current research on pedagogy, learning and development;
• a systematic understanding of how to investigate teaching and learning in professional contexts;
• the ability to critique and reflect upon professional practice to improve teaching and learning.
• the ability to engage critically with current issues in teaching and learning, drawing on theory, policy and practice;
• the ability to understand learners’ attitudes and dispositions to learning, and use this information to manage and structure teaching and learning;
• the ability to study independently and collaboratively, to participate in group discussions, and to present research and information to peers in face to face and on-line formats;
• the ability to use research, personal knowledge and professional experience of teaching and learning to develop and improve professional practice;

Staff / student contact: 5% (lectures, workshops and tutorials)
Student directed learning and professional practice: 95%

Total study time is 200 hours. 

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