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Department of Education, Unit Catalogue 2007/08


ED30219 Subject didactics: English (SD H - Sec)

Credits: 12
Level: Honours
Academic Year
Assessment: CW 100%
Requisites:
Aims: Students will acquire:
* An in-depth understanding of requirements of the various curricula relevant to teaching 11-18 pupils and the various initiatives from government and elsewhere which are intended to improve the teaching and learning of their subject in this age range; this includes an appreciation of the KS2 curriculum for their subject; implications for secondary teachers of transfer from primary to secondary schools
* A practical and relevant understanding of how pupils learn the subject and how this understanding can improve the quality of teaching
* An understanding of the role of assessment particularly in improving teaching and in identifying achievement together with an understanding of how it is enacted
* An understanding of the need to accommodate the learning of all pupils in an inclusive fashion and the implications of that understanding for teaching and learning
* An understanding of the broader role of their subject in relation to cross curricular aspects and wider school themes
* An awareness of ethical issues in current areas of study and the ability to discuss these in relation to personal beliefs and values.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to:
* Demonstrate that they are familiar with relevant syllabuses, curricular and initiatives in the teaching of their subject to 11-18 year old learners
* Show that they area aware of the learning of their subject which takes place in KS2 and the issues for transfer from KS2 to KS3
* Demonstrate that they are able to ground their teaching on a clear understanding of current relevant theories of learning
* Show that they understand how and why pupils are assessed
* Appreciate the need to be sensitive to needs of all learners and be aware of a range of strategies to meet these needs
* Be aware of the need to enhance pupils key skills (Qualification and Curriculum Authority) and the implications of key skills in the learning of their own subject
* Be able to reflect upon their own learning as they develop as teachers and to be self critical and critical of the ideas and theories of others
* Be aware of the place their subject in the secondary school curriculum and how this is achieved through the work of a range of professionals in the school.
Skills:
Students will develop their skills in the following areas:
* They will improve their language and communication skills, particularly in relation to communicating their subject to young learners with interest and enthusiasm
* They will develop the necessary number and ICT skills required to teach ICT effectively
* They will develop their personal skills and qualities which enable them to work with others, relate to colleagues and to pupils.
* They will develop their understanding of how they learn and improve their own professional practice
* They will develop as autonomous learners, being able to identify and resolve personal and professional challenges themselves and through the support of other professional.
In addition, ICT Skills sessions are offered to all students, based on an initial audit.
Content:
During Semester 1 and 2 Students will have the opportunity to:
* Study in depth relevant syllabuses and curricula and also learn about initiatives in the teaching of the subject, including OFSTED and research evidence
* Visit a primary school for typically three days where they will have the opportunity to observe and discuss the teaching of their subject in Key Stage 2, observe the styles of teaching and learning adopted in primary schools and to reflect upon the issues concerning transfer of pupils from KS2 to KS3
* Consider the role of assessment for improving learning and also as a means of identifying achievement. They will relate assessment theory to current practice in the subject including assessment of practical work
* Evaluate the individual needs of pupils and how these can be met. This will include identification and support for learners with particular language and learrning difficulties.
* Consider opportunities in which they can enhance learners' key skills through their own subject and how such skills are important for the learning of their subject
* Review the ways in which cross curricular themes and wider school concerns have implications for the learning of their subject and also how their subject can make an effective contribution to the learning involved in such themes and concerns
* Reflect upon their own learning as teachers both from a practical and theoretical perspective and understand how these two are important in improving the quality of teaching.