EDMAP1-Introduction to Academic Practice

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Joanna Cordy
Email: j.cordy@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to provide students with an overview of teaching and supporting learning in higher education. It aims to support students in developing effective and reflective approaches to professional practice in their contexts.

It enables students to provide evidence of achievement at Descriptor 1 of the UK Professional Standards Framework (UK PSF) through demonstrating an understanding of specific aspects of effective teaching, learning and support methods.

Through engaging with the course content, students will be encouraged to apply and share their knowledge and understanding of theory and practice, and to reflect on their practice as appropriate.

Aims:
' To develop an understanding of how students learn
' To introduce good practice in the main aspects of designing and planning sessions
' To develop your practical skills as a teacher and/or supporter of learning
' To introduce good practice in the main aspects of evaluating and assessing learning
' To introduce pedagogic theory and understand how it applies in practice
' To develop awareness of approaches to student support and guidance, and the existing expertise and support systems available
' To encourage a reflective approach to professional development
' To provide opportunities to engage with the UK Professional Standards Framework at Descriptor 1

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students should be able to: • design a tailored learning session for a specific context • identify and explain pedagogical decisions and design related issues • apply relevant pedagogic theory to their practice • critically evaluate their teaching practice in response to feedback • identify appropriate methods of support and guidance for their learners and themselves • demonstrate engagement with the UK Professional Standards Framework at Descriptor 1  • demonstrate the general presentation skills required at level 7 (M level)

Additional outcomes:

Through the module students will develop a number of transferable skills including:

• sharing experiences and networking with colleagues across the University


• applying knowledge of technology to support effective practice


• developing reflective approaches to practice


• taking a holistic approach to continuing professional development, considering all aspects of the role

Outline content:
' Familiarisation with The UK Professional Standards Framework (UK PSF) at Descriptor 1
' How students learn, both generally and within their subject/disciplinary area(s)
' Designing and planning learning at individual session level,
' Evaluating and assessing the effectiveness of learning, for example, through student feedback and marking of formative and/or summative assessments.
' Developing effective learning environments and approaches to student support and guidance

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact time is primarily through two intensive blocks of face-to-face and online workshops. The sessions are underpinned by pedagogic theory and will include a balance of input, discussion and practical activities. They are interactive in nature and build upon students’ prior knowledge. Students will experience first-hand some of the approaches they are considering for their own students.

Issues involved in discipline-specific teaching/support roles are considered t hrough group discussion, individual reflective tasks and the assessment task. Students are also supported through the module by individual tutorials with a discipline-specific mentor.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		6
Tutorials		2
Practicals classes and workshops		14
Guided independent study:		78
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
The assessment for this module consists of an observation of teaching and subsequent reflection informing the design of a learning session submitted in the form of a session plan and accompanying written reflective rationale of no more than 1,500 words including reference to the relevant Dimensions of the UK PSF.

Formative assessment methods:

Opportunities for formative feedback are provided through one-to-one and group tutorials with your APP Tutor. You can also arrange for a one-to-one discussion with your discipline-specific mentor.

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 Pass must be achieved for all of the assessable learning outcomes in order to achieve a Pass overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of written assignment within three calendar months of the date results are released.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

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: 6 December 2023