EDM095-Developing expertise in teaching

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Fiona Curtis
Email: f.r.curtis@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The module will further students£ understanding of innovative theories of teaching and learning and how these are relevant for the professional development of teachers. It will analyse notions of the 'professional' and the problematic status of teaching as a second tier profession. It will also discuss important concepts and practices in the professional development of teachers (e.g. teacher effectiveness and reflective practice). The emphasis throughout will be on what we £know£ about expertise in teaching and guided discussion and reflection on ways to develop expertise in teaching, careers, professionalism and longer term perspectives.

Aims:
The aims of the module are for students to become familiar with innovative theories of teaching and learning in particular in relation to English language education, to examine national and international policies and priorities in education, and to train students to become professional, effective and reflective practitioners in their chosen field.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
£ state-of-the-art theories of teaching and learning and of how these can be put into practice in English language education
£ their roles, values, knowledge and skills as a teacher and/or learner
£ how effective teaching and learning equips students for life in its broadest sense
£ how institutional and system-level policies can support effective learning environments for all learners
£ diversity in the classroom and best practice in providing inclusive education (e.g. for students with special educational needs).

Additional outcomes:
£ how to undertake systematic classroom observation
£ how to identify and write up an educational 'case'
£ the use of ICT in blended learning and in classroom observation
£ best practice in the implementation of local, national or international educational policies
£ the importance of continuing professional development for teachers
£ how policies on education for sustainability impact daily practice in teaching and learning

Outline content:
The module will review some of the major theorists who have influenced teaching and learning but with specific focus on key figures e.g. Dewey, Piaget, Schon, Bruner and Gardiner. It will analyse notions of the 'professional' and the problematic status of teaching as a second tier profession. It will also discuss important concepts and practices in the professional development of teachers (e.g. teacher effectiveness and reflective practice). The emphasis throughout will be on what we £know£ about expertise in teaching and guided discussion and reflection on ways to develop expertise in teaching, careers, professionalism and longer term perspectives.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
£ Tutor led sessions with students reviewing material provided, reviewing video examples of classroom teaching, case studies of classroom events and other materials that stimulate discussion and analysis.
£ Student led seminars with students encouraged to offer collaborative presentations on an aspect of expertise in teaching or professional development.
£ Blended learning: electronic versions of academic articles, quizzes and practical exercises for independent learning will be mad e available to students through the medium of Blackboard.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		15
Seminars		13
Tutorials		2
Guided independent study:		170
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

4,500 word essay

Formative assessment methods:
Students will be set tasks on a regular basis on which they receive feedback in class.

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:
Students must achieve a mark of at least 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission within one calendar month of the notification of failure

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: There are no required text books for this module. Many items on the reading list are journal articles or e-books that are freely available via the University Library databases.

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: 22 September 2022