MA Education

Title:

Investigating Education

Code:

EDM007

Convenor:

DR Nasreen Majid

Summary:

This is an introductory module to research in education. Several tutors contribute to the module, and present a range of approaches to research. Students are introduced to the philosophy and principles of research, and three key paradigms. Practical and ethical issues are discussed and explored, and students are encouraged to consider their own positioning on research design and suitable methods they might adapt for future research projects in a critical way.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

MA Education dissertation

Code:

EDM133

Convenor:

DR Natthapoj Vincent Trakulphadetkrai

Summary:

The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to advance their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject area through an in-depth study of relevant sources and of advanced scholarship in the field, and to demonstrate their own independent capacity for research.

The dissertation is the pinnacle of the Master's study and provides an opportunity for students to put into action all their previous learning, advance their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject area through an in-depth study of relevant sources and of advanced scholarship in the field, and to demonstrate their own independent capacity for research. The theoretical basis will be around the subject the student chooses to study, alongside the theories of research. Through the consideration of a specific piece of study will enable students to inform and impact their own and others practice in the educational and training sectors.

Assessment Method:

Dissertation 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Analysing Research Data in Education

Code:

EDM201

Convenor:

MRS Barbara King

Summary:

Building on the work of EDM007 Investigating Education which is concerned with research design, ethics and methodologies; this module focuses on techniques of analysing research data in education. Students will develop an understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in Education, appraising data analysis techniques used in different research designs, and explore using a range of data collection techniques. They will investigate ways that research evidence is used to meet the aims of different kinds of research in education, and learn how to report the results in their own writing.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 40%, Report 60%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Developing expertise in teaching

Code:

EDM001

Convenor:

MRS Rachel Roberts

Summary:

The concept of the expert or excellent teacher is a global concern and this module will critically examine this issue and the various models emerging across the world.  In considering what constitutes an ‘expert’ and how the stages of development might be characterised, we will review, amongst others, the Dreyfus brothers’ model of expertise and Ericcson’s notion of ‘deliberate practice’.  How does an education system recruit good teachers, then identify those who are excellent and retain them in the classroom?  Should such recognition just be a status or should it be a designation?  Do the public and politicians relate to teachers as expert professionals or glorified child minders?  In considering teacher expertise, we will review some of the major theorists who have influenced teaching and learning, e.g.  Schon and Hattie and examine some of the key ideas about what characterises the best teaching.   Whilst this module does not promise to make students into an expert teacher, it will enable students to examine practical concerns such as observation, feedback, peer review and the use of professional standards. The emphasis throughout will be on what we ‘know’ about expertise in teaching and students will consistently be asked to draw on their practice and reflections.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Child Development and Education

Code:

EDM104

Convenor:

DR Daisy Powell

Summary:

This module will provide students with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the development of children from infancy to adolescence and to apply this to educational settings.  The module will provide a detailed overview of key theories of child development, with a focus on those aspects of development most relevant to the classroom.  This will allow students to reflect on ways in which development is impacted by both genetic and environmental influences, and how this may in turn impact on teaching and learning.   

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Second Language Teaching and Learning

Code:

EDM167

Convenor:

DR Anthony Zhang

Summary:

The module will provide students with an overview of some major themes and current developments in second/foreign language teaching and learning. Topics to be covered include: Vocabulary teaching and learning; models of reading, listening, speaking, and writing; individual differences in language learning (e.g., motivation, learner strategy); and the teaching and learning of grammar.  The module will enable students to understand current theory and research on various aspects of second/foreign language teaching and learning, and relate theory and research to educational practice in different cultural contexts. There will be one written assignment of 4500 words. The topic and title will be chosen from a list of alternatives.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Values and Practices in Education

Code:

EDM174

Convenor:

PROF Helen Bilton

Summary:

This module is and its theoretical basis is intended to act as an overview of key philosophical, social, cultural and political debates about education. The education ‘system’ is a reflection of the society in which we live and an aspiration for the society we would like to live in; consequently an understanding of these debates is central to a study of education, and provides insights into the nature and purpose of education. Through the consideration of the media, political, practice and research -driven information new insights and perspectives should inform the work of those in the educational and training sector and serve to enhance their understanding of what they do, why and how they approach their work.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Oral 30%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Educating Diverse Groups

Code:

EDM188

Convenor:

PROF Catherine Tissot

Summary:

This module provides an opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of the diverse groups that are seen in schools and settings.  This includes children with disabilities as well as other disadvantaged groups that a teacher may see in a mainstream classroom. It explores the theoretical basis for inclusion as well as the impact this has on practice. It will also debate the impact that diverse groups have on society. Topics covered include:  inclusion, social justice, the way England supports diverse groups of children including some specific disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, and dyslexia, as well as how we support other minority groups such as issues relating to gender, socioeconomic disadvantage and ethnicity.  etc.  Each session will start with an exploration of recent academic literature and provide a description, history and current research. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Classroom Musicianship

Code:

EDM191

Convenor:

DR Rebecca Berkley

Summary:

This module provides training in classroom musicianship skills for classroom and instrumental teachers of music. Students will develop their skills in singing, extemporisation and arranging on instruments, contextual analysis of different styles of music, and aural analysis demonstrated thorough written and verbal analysis of music appropriate to classroom music teaching. This module will teach practical pedagogical techniques for leading practical music making in the classroom, and is of use to any student wishing to refine and develop their music teaching skills at masters level. Students will explore concepts of audiation and mastery learning in music, and appraise and evaluate research and scholarship concerned with ways to facilitate children’s inner ear and musical hearing in practical classroom music making with school aged children. 

Students should be aware that this is a practical module in music education and includes vocal and instrumental performing, improvising, and composing work. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 40%, Practical 60%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

The Creative Educator

Code:

EDM198

Convenor:

MS Suzy Tutchell

Summary:

In this module we explore the value of creativity in education, how it manifests and can be facilitated in different disciplines. You will interrogate your own understanding as a creative educator through practice-based approaches in the arts to develop and challenge possible educational futures in your own contexts. The module draws on research, practice and social debates around creativity, imagination and cultural integrity in education. It explores the transformational agency of creative learning and competencies across diverse and different educational models and contexts. You will develop your understanding with particular reference to key theoretical approaches and research in the creative arts with an emphasis on practical responses and policy perspectives. The module will consider the psychological significance of creativity/ies in human nature and its potentialities for health and well-being. This will include understandings of creativity in educational futures and consider what alternatives they offer within and beyond formal education. Through this module, you will explore the ways in which children and young people use their imagination in creative learning and make sense of their practical and arts rich experiences.

Assessment Method:

Portfolio 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Families and Learning

Code:

EDM200

Convenor:

DR Geoff Taggart

Summary:

The interaction between the two sites of family and school gives rise to a series of perennial questions of theoretical and practical relevance:

• ‘What kinds of parent produce great learners?’
• ‘What do we mean by teachers operating in loco parentis?’ (i.e. what kind of parent?)
• ‘What is the impact of family circumstances upon educational achievement?’,
• Do we (and should we) have childcare or early years education? What is the difference?
• ‘What kinds of learning happen at school and which at home?’
• ‘What characterises effective relationships between schools and families?’

The module offers students with teaching experience of all kinds the opportunity to consider and apply a range of possible answers to these questions, as provided in scholarship and research.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 80%, Portfolio 20%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Title:

Future Leaders in Education

Code:

EDM202

Convenor:

DR Jo Anna Reed Johnson

Summary:

This module will equip students with the tools to critically evaluate policy and practice and develop models of sustainable leadership in education.  Different policy agendas and institutional approaches will be examined in this module.  Reflection will be supported through engaging and reflecting upon the views of a range of ‘expert witnesses’ with varying levels of educational and / or political authority.  

A variety of theoretical models of leadership will be discussed and how these models might apply in practice.  

The module will explore the moral and ethical aspects of leadership in terms of their own personal professional identities as a leader in education. In exploring identities, it will consider socialisation and diversity within the landscape of leadership in education.  

Change and its impact, and how leaders respond to this are key drivers in terms of the new dynamics in which educational organisations need to operate.  Developing an understanding of leading and managing change, understanding the complexities of teamwork and collaboration will be developed. 

Assessment Method:

Assignment 100%

Disclaimer:

The modules described on this page are what we currently offer. Modules may change for your year of study as we regularly review our offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.