Pen
Masters Degree Module - Development and Learning in the Early Years
The aims of this module are to enable students to…
- develop a deep understanding of early development and learning, taking into account the contribution of pioneers in early childhood development and current research, curricula and national policy at the forefront of the early years discipline.
- develop students’ understanding of, and ability to critically evaluate and put into practice, observational techniques to analyse children’s learning relating this to early childhood curriculum, pedagogy and sociocultural aspects.
Knowledge and Understanding:
On successful completion of this programme a student will:
- have a deep and systematic understanding of the significance of early development and learning to children’s life chances and lifelong learning.
- be able to critically analyse and evaluate pedagogical responses to children’s learning drawing on theory underpinning effective pedagogy and high quality early education and care.
- understand how to use and critically evaluate observational techniques and different theoretical perspectives to critically analyse children’s learning and development and identify implications for practice.
Skills and Attributes:
On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to undertake and critically analyse observations of children to inform planning for learning.
- critically reflect on and analyse your own practice, behaviour and attitudes, considering the ethics of your actions in relationships with children, families and professional colleagues.
Scheduled Teaching, campus−based activities in general teaching spaces (e.g.lectures, 20 seminars, tutorials) 20 hours
Scheduled campus−based activities in specialist teaching spaces (e.g practical classes, 25 workshops, demonstrations) 25 hours
Directed independent study 60 hours
Self-directed independent study 195 hours
Total hours 300
Scheduled online activities (General Teaching/Specialist Teaching) 32 hours
Directed independent study 68 hours
Self-directed independent study 200 hours
Total hours 300
You will develop knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning early development and learning and study the background and contribution of pioneers in early childhood education.
You will develop a range of contemporary observational techniques, paying particular attention to socio-cultural aspects and need for a theoretical framework for critically analysing a child’s learning.
You will develop your ability to make links between and critically evaluate early years curricula, pedagogical actions and relationship and children’s development and learning, taking into account inclusion and diversity. The module will draw on a range of teaching and learning methods, including occasional lectures and seminars, individual and small group work, video analysis, child study and practical workshops.
This module allows you to explore the strong tradition of early childhood education in the UK. You will reflect on detailed observations of children, drawing on a range of child development and early learning theories to enable you to better understand and support their deep interests and concerns. Students will be offered tutorial support while they work on the assignment.
This module is assessed through Coursework.
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 fulfil 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.