Pen Green Centre for children and their families

The aims of this module are to enable students to…

• Use reflective practice in relation to their own pedagogy
• Develop a deep understanding of peer to peer observation and the impact reflective pedagogy can have on quality

This module involves developing the skills to observe your own practice with the intention of improving practice.

Using video as a tool for reflection you will explore your pedagogical approaches to young children. Critical analysis of your pedagogic strategies will support you in your quest for improvement. Peer to peer observations are becoming an important aspect of early years inspections, this module will support the development of this practice.

Appropriate reading will be made available. The ethical considerations required for this type of work are discussed throughout the module.

This module is assessed on coursework (pass/fail).

 Assessment will be via a presentation.

The expectation is that students attend all scheduled learning and teaching sessions.

If there are exceptional circumstances which result in a student being unable to fulfill this, the student should discuss these with the Course Lead.

Programme/module requirements, including those attendance, must be met and students are responsible for making good work missed through absence.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Successful students will typically:

Know and understand the principles of pedagogy and how they relate to their professional role identifying strengths and areas for development as a pedagogue.

Know and understand how to draw on a range of pedagogic strategies to support children’s learning

Skills and Attributes:

Successful students will typically:

• Be able to draw on a range of pedagogic strategies to support children’s learning.
• Know and understand how to use video to support and analyse peer – peer observation and self-reflection.
• Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues and be able to discuss these in relation to personal beliefs and values.
• Know and understand ethical guidelines and how to apply these to their study.

Scheduled Teaching, campus−based activities in general teaching spaces (e.g.lectures, 20 seminars, tutorials) 10 hours

Scheduled campus−based activities in specialist teaching spaces (e.g practical classes, 25 workshops, demonstrations) 5 hours

Directed independent study 35 hours

Self-directed independent study 100 hours

Total hours 150

This module gives you the opportunity to identify how well your practice matches your ideas of high quality pedagogy. Using theory and real life examples from practice you will be able to consider pedagogic strategies appropriate to the children you are working with. 

Being ethical is crucial for this module; time will be spent ensuring all necessary permissions have been sought, and that any ethical contracts are being adhered to. Dialogue and debate is an important part of Early Years Practice. This module offers you the opportunity to practice this during the study week, and then use the skills back in your settings with colleagues.