AAMDP-Design Pedagogy

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Izabela Wieczorek
Email: i.z.wieczorek@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides you with a formal programme in advances in pedagogical models of teaching design with a transdisciplinary approach drawing from the disciplines of architecture, built environment and education. Through this module you will be able to develop a good understanding of the principles of design education and pedagogy, first through research in the field of higher education and, second through practical observational experience with a range of teaching modes and fields in the Architecture undergraduate programme. Students will gain global transferable skills that relate to pedagogical and teaching practices currently embedded in both professional and academic contexts across the built environment disciplines. The module is capped to 18 students.

Aims:

To provide a practical foundation in design pedagogy and education models relevant to contemporary issues related to architecture and the built environment. To gain an understanding of their development and relationship to the theories, practices and history of the field of transdisciplinary design.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Understanding of a range of teaching and learning methods applicable to architectural, design and transdisciplinary practices;


2. A knowledge of the influence of history, practices and theories on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture and the arts; [RIBA mapping criteria GC2.2; GC3.1]


3. Problem solving skills, professional judgment, and ability to take the initiative and make appropriate decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances; [RIBA mapping criteria GA2.6]


4. An ability to communicate and discuss transdisciplinary context topics and methods effectively and to synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of theory and practice.


5. Knowledge of the theory and history of design pedagogy, innovation and creativity within the field of architecture and relevant disciplines.

Additional outcomes:

1. Employability skills: global transferable skills of pedagogical and teaching practices, written, visual and verbal communication, research, ethical good practice and data management. Ability to identify individual learning needs and understand the personal responsibility required to prepare for qualification as an architect; [RIBA mapping criteria GA2.7]


2. An ability to argue rationally and to draw independent conclusions based on a rigorous, analytical and critical approach to data, demonstration and argument, while exercising empathetic skills.


3. An ability to evaluate learning needs and a variety of types of assessment and feedback information and evidence critically.

Outline content:

Forming one of the optional modules taught in Autumn Term, this module aims to provide you with a formal programme in the teaching of design and communication with a transdisciplinary approach drawing from the disciplines of architecture, built environment and education. Through this module you will be able to develop a good understanding of design education and pedagogy, first through research in the field of higher education and, second through practical observational experience with studio/module teaching in the undergraduate programme. The focus is on teaching and learning models that relate to architecture, design, sustainability, digital technologies and education, learning from the studio-based culture and assessment and feedback processes. In addition, students will be encouraged to reflect on developing a framework for their personal learning tools workshop, based on their observational activities. The module is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, group seminars and observational sessions. Teaching and assessment of this module includes: 1) theory and history of design pedagogy and education 2) development of learning tools through research and observation of teaching practice.

For the theory component students will produce an academic essay based on a topic in transdisciplinary design education. Through these essays students will explore a particular area of interest in greater depth. Students will choose a topic in consultation with the module convenor and will develop their research over the course of the term. Feedback is provided during seminars/tutorials. The lectures/seminars will introduce students to (a) educational theories and models of architectural and transdisciplinary design education (b) research methodologies in education and (c) practical pedagogical methods used in studio teaching, design crits and architecture modules. For the practical component, students take on observational studies during undergraduate teaching under the supervision of a dedicated studio tutor and the module convenor. This module also prepares students for the role of Modular Assistants offered 

Global context:

The skills and knowledge which the student will acquire from this module have universal application.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is tailored to a diversity of learning types as it offers a range of opportunities for learning, lectures seminars, individual tutorials and observational studies. This will be backed up by resources for independent study on Blackboard (VLE). Students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of research approaches and topics and to tailor the module to suit their own individual needs and interests.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	15
Seminars	5
Tutorials	5
Project Supervision	2
Supervised time in studio/workshop	3
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	5
Wider reading (directed)	5
Advance preparation for classes	20
Preparation of practical report	10
Group study tasks	5
Essay preparation	20
Reflection	5
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Final Teaching Theory & Practice project proposal [Essay (Theory) (60%) and Written Reflection (Practice) (40%)]

Formative assessment methods:

This module includes formative assessments from both lecturer(s) and peers participating in seminars, tutorials, group discussions and observational studies of undergraduate teaching practices.  

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by coursework to be completed August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: Required and recommended textbooks are usually available in the University Library.

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

 

Last updated: 3 April 2023