A PORTFOLIO 2000 (words) weighted at 50% (This will assess learning outcomes1, 5 and 6)

An ESSAY length 1000 Words weighted at 25% (This will assess learning outcomes 2, 3 and 6)

Two BLOG entries length 500 words each weighted at 25% (This will assess learning outcomes 4 and 6)

Key Information Data:
100% coursework

The module will include an exploration of the purpose, principles and values of work with young people and an examination of the different roles that people working with young people may have. It will explore the range of contexts in which work with young people takes place and introduce the National Occupational Standards for Youth Work.

It will consider adolescent development in relation to physical, social, spiritual, emotional and personal development. It will consider the representations and perceptions made about young people and the role of the media in this. Throughout the module students will be encouraged contextualise theory by reflecting on their work practice or observational placement visits.

It will include an introduction to informal learning with young people, its benefits and skills required to undertake a successful piece of informal education; an exploration of the promotion of equality and anti-oppressive practice in work with young people and the personal and professional relationships and boundaries that must be maintained when working with young people.

It will include a student arranged visit to an organisation that works with young people in an informal educational setting and reflection upon this linking theory to practice along with a student self-assessment of their skills in working with young people.

This module incorporates three inter-related learning strategies. These are:

1. Tutor led sessions which will give students an overview of the requirements of the module and the key theories and concepts relating to work with young people (30 hours). Teaching methods used will include lectures, group work, experiential learning and class discussions.

2. The module will require students to reflect on their learning in practice through undertaking 75 hours of work practice and undertake and reflect on a visit to an organisation that works specifically with young people

3. The independent study hours will allow for reading and research in relation to the module as well as reflection on their work practice in relation to working with young people. (195 hours)

Key Information Data:
10% scheduled learning and teaching activities
65% guided independent learning
25% placement

Library
Access to computer and internet
The Blackboard virtual learning environment [where relevant] will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Batsleer, J.R. (2008) Informal Learning in Youth Work. London. Sage
Jeffs, T. and Smith, M. K. (2010) Youth Work Practice. Hampshire. Palgrave Macmillan
Sapin, K. (2009) Essential Skills for Youth Work Practice. London. Sage

1. DESCRIBE THE PURPOSE, PRINCIPLES AND VALUES OF WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE, THE ROLES OF A WORKER, THE NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS AND THE RANGE OF CONTEXTS IN WHICH WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE TAKES PLACE
Knowledge & Understanding

2. EVALUATE THE CONTRIBUTION OF INFORMAL EDUCATION IN WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE WITHIN YOUR WORK PRACTICE OR OBSERVATIONAL SETTING
Reflection

3. OUTLINE STAGES OF ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
Knowledge & Understanding

4. RECOGNISE REPRESENTATIONS AND PERCEPTIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND HOW THE WORK SETTING OR OBSERVATIONAL PLACEMENT RESPONDS TO THESE
Enquiry

5. RECOGNISE ETHICAL AND ANTI-OPPRESSIVE PRACTICE IN WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
Application

6. DEMONSTRATE GOOD WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication