Overview
The purpose of this module is to make participants critically aware of their existing practice and its consequences through critical reflection and action research and to give them the means of taking command of their own developing professional capability. Professionals are responsible for their own quality and thus they have a duty to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skill. Implicit in this is the view of the place of teaching as the prime learning environment for the professionals within it. This module gives students the opportunity of developing their knowledge, understanding and practical use of the action research methodology thus allowing them to focus on their own area of development.
Building upon the portfolio and reflective diary developed in the Learning and Teaching: Theory in Practice module participants are encouraged to select a particular aspect of their practice they wish to explore and develop through advanced study, critical reflection and action research with the aim of improving their own practice. With the support of tutors and peers students are encouraged to explore their own strengths and weaknesses together with their career goals and aspirations. Through independent study students undertake specialist study of the aspect of practice and through reflective critiques and action research analyse their own learning.
The module with examine the role of reflective practice in professional development with a focus on the limitations and advantages of reflective practice as a self-evaluative tool and will focus on action research as engagement in reflective practice .practice.
Aims
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To enable students to develop their critical self-reflection skills and participate in an open shared process of discussion and negotiation.
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To develop the student’s own critical pedagogy.
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To develop critical analysis of current practice in an area of the student’s choice including “mainstream” practice, trends, pedagogy, provision, curriculum and assessment and explore a range of alternative approaches.
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To provide students with advanced knowledge, understanding, skills and support to conduct action research within their organisation and develop their self-reflective processes.
Learning Outcomes
To complete this module successfully, a student will have demonstrated their ability to:
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Critically and appropriately evaluate integration of the concepts and theoretical perspectives of action research and reflective practice into own professional practice.
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Engage effectively and demonstrate advanced level skills in reflective practice, autonomously negotiating plans and supporting individuals through development activities and demonstrating self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
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Critically review and evaluate outcomes achieved through implementing effective action research processes and analysis requiring sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative in complex and unpredictable professional environments.
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Demonstrate independent learning and self direction to work with originality and to communicate conclusions accurately and clearly.
Entry requirements:
In order to satisfy the minimum general requirements for admission candidates should have a Bachelors honours degree or equivalent.
Level: 7
Credits: 20
Cost: £600
Start date: 8th May 2012
Duration: 8 weeks
Location: UCS Ipswich|
Attendance pattern and times:
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2 x Tuesdays 10am to 4pm
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2 x Fridays 10am to 4pm