Module Descriptors
THE PLANNING CYCLE
ECST40086
Key Facts
Institute of Education
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Sarah Powell
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 30
Independent Study Hours: 270
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
  • PORTFOLIO weighted at 100%
Module Details
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Where there is more than one element of assessment, please indicate which will be the final assessment of the Teaching Block. If module spans more than one Teaching Block, please allocate assessments to appropriate Teaching Block and indicate final piece of assessment.

Summative Assessment: Portfolio (weighted 100%)
1. Portfolio of plans (3000 words)
(LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) (Weighting 100%)
(Assessed in Teaching Block 2 on F/T route and Teaching Block 3 on P/T route)

Formative Assessment:
Planning exercises will be undertaken in the classroom to facilitate feedback from tutors and peers. Draft plans will be reviewed before implementation by tutors and work placement supervisors or critical friends and colleagues as appropriate.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The module will include:
- the rationale for planning, implementing and evaluating aspects of early years curriculum
- inclusion, differentiation and parental involvement in planning and assessment
- stages of the planning cycle and types of planning
- approaches to recording children's achievements and developmental progress
- theoretical perspectives on learning, including active learning and types of play
- practical aspects of planning, including organising stimulating environments and resources and risk assessments
LEARNING STRATEGIES
A range of teaching and learning strategies will be employed, including lectures, seminars, DVDs, one to one tutorials, presentations and case study observations. Practical planning tasks in the classroom and peer group discussion will allow students to share ideas and experiences and will encourage reflection and evaluation. Students will consult with workplace supervisors, critical friends or colleagues to gain an awareness of overall curriculum plans before conducting their planned activities with children to enhance their skills and apply knowledge learned in the classroom.
RESOURCES
Access to working with children in a work-based setting, multi-media classroom resources, access to university library resources and Blackboard, Individual case studies
TEXTS
Drake, J., (2005), Planning Children's Play and Learning in the Foundation Stage (2nd ed), London, David Fulton.
Macintyre, C., (2001), Enhancing Learning Through Play: A Developmental Perspective for Early Years Settings, London, David Fulton.
Moyles, J., (2005), The Excellence of Play, Maidenhead, OUP