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Department of Education, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


ED50227: Subject didactics: Science (SD M - Sec)

Click here for further information Credits: 12
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Academic Year
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take ED30225 and in taking this unit you cannot take ED30226
Click here for further information Description: 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 and the implications for secondary teachers of transfer from primary to secondary schools
* A practical and relevant understanding of how pupils learn their subject and how this understanding can improve the quality of teaching and how this relates to theories of learning
* An in-depth understanding of the role of assessment particularly in improving teaching and in identifying achievement together with an understanding of how it is enacted and to encourage critical reflection on assessment practice and including their own practice
* An in-depth 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 in-depth understanding of recent debates and research, in their subject and to have engaged critically with these debates and research
* An in-depth understanding of the broader role of their subject in relation to cross curricular aspects and wider school themes
* The knowledge, understanding and cognitive/intellectual skills necessary to carry out an assignment through which they demonstrate an ability to analyse, interpret and critique findings and are both critical and evaluative of their own practice and the contribution that their work makes to their own knowledge and the wider field of their subject and educational knowledge.
* An awareness of ethical issues in current areas of study and they are able 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 in 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 and have developed critical skills for evaluating current learning theories
* Show that they understand how and why pupils are assessed and are able to make an informed selection of techniques of assessment appropriate to different purposes
* 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 (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) and the implications of key skills in the learning of their own subject
* Be able to reflect critically upon their own learning as they develop as teachers and to be self critical and critical of the ideas and theories of others including demonstrating that that they have reflected upon a wide range or relevant literature
* 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
* Be able to conduct an enquiry which is both valid and reliable and which contributes to both their own professional knowledge and the wider field of educational knowledge and theory.
* Be able to evaluate their own enquiries and reflections in relation to the wider field of educational knowledge and theory.
* Be familiar with and able to evaluate different methods of teaching and report on these to different audiences for different purposes.

Skills:
Students will develop their skills in the following areas:
* Make critical use of the literature of the field of Education
* Make critical use of professional experience in the field of Education
* Analyse, interpret and critique findings and arguments
* Demonstrate self-direction and originallity in tackling and solving problems
* Evaluate research and variety of types of information and evidence critically, also making informed judgements in the absence of complete data
* Contribute to professional debate in the field of education
* Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level
* Communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences Evaluate their own academic and professional performance
* Manage change effectively and respond to changing demands. Manage time, prioritise workloads and recognise and manage personal emotions and stress.
* 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.
* They will develop the necessary skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application to carry out an effective enquiry which will contribute towards their own knowledge and knowledge within the field of enquiry.
In addition, ICT Skills sessions are offered to all students, based on an initial audit, and there will be specific seminars on enquiry methods appropriate for level M.

Content:
Students will have the opportunity to:
* Study in depth relevant syllabuses and curricula and also learn about initiatives in the teaching of their subject, including OFSTED and engage critically with 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 critically 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 and be familiar with a range of concepts and technical issues in assessment
* Evaluate the individual needs of pupils and how these can be met through personalised learning. This will include identification and support for learners with particular language and learning 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
* Learn how to carry out enquiries which contribute to their own professional knowledge and also the wider field of educational knowledge and theory and analyse and reflect on their findings, identifying limitations and further areas for research
* Be able to evaluate educational knowledge and theory drawn from a variety of sources including literature and their own professional practice and enquiry; as a means of continuous improvement of their professional practice.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

ED50227 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Education
  • THED-AFP30 : Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Biology (Full-time)
  • THED-AFP31 : Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Chemistry (Full-time)
  • THED-AFP44 : Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Physics (Full-time)

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.