The focus of this module is to introduce learners to key vocational and transferable professional concepts and skills with the aim of establishing reflection on learning and its application to professional practice. Learner’s academic skills, employability and future career progression will be enhanced through planning actions to meet their long term and short term goals.

Learners will be encouraged to develop professional IT skills in compiling their portfolio

Key concepts covered include:

• Principles and approaches to reflective practice

• Reflection on development of own professional practice

• Roles and responsibilities (including safeguarding)

• Introduction to Academic Skills (embedded throughout the course)

• Personal career aspirations

• Introduction to the Staffordshire Graduate Attributes

The teaching strategies will employ a range of methods, including lectures, presentations and demonstration of accessing library resources. Group activities will facilitate peer group discussion to share ideas and experiences and will encourage reflection and evaluation.

A key aspect of the learning strategy is the involvement of employers and work based learning. Students will engage in independent tasks and be given opportunities to gain feedback from tutors and peers through a combination of 1 – 1 and group tutorial sessions.

Assessment 3000 words 100%

Learners will complete a portfolio. This will be split into reflective tasks to be completed at strategic times throughout the first year. These will be submitted to the tutor for verification of completion as well as formative feedback to encourage learners to reflecting throughout the year rather than immediately prior to the final submission date.

Final assessment will be in teaching block 3

1) Complete three reflections on developments to professional practice (Advisory word count 750 words each, 2250 words total) (LOs 1, 2, 3 & 4)

2) Complete an action plan for personal and professional development during the rest of the course (750 word equivalence) (LO 5)

PebblePad or other suitable online format.

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment; http://blackboard.staffs.ac.uk

Lynda (via Staffordshire University): http://www.staffs.ac.uk/about_us/university_departments/information_services/learning_support/training/lynda/

Staffordshire University Careers Centre: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/business_solutions/careers_centre/index.jsp

Staffordshire University Graduate Attributes:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/why_staffs/staffordshire_graduate/index.jsp

Hayes, C., Daly, J., Duncan, M., Gill, R. & Whitehouse, A. (2014), Developing as a Reflective Early Years Professional: A Thematic Approach. Northwich; Critical Publishing

Johns, C. (2009), Becoming a Reflective Practitioner (3rd ed), Oxford: Wiley Blackwell Publishing

Lindon, J. (2012), Reflective Practice and Early Years Professionalism: Linking Theory and Practice (2nd Ed.). Abingdon: Hodder Education

Weyers, J & McMillan, K. (2011) How to Write Essays and Assignments (2nd Edition). Harlow: Pearson

All available online through Staffordshire University Library

1 Demonstrate reflection on your personal development in
relation to others and in the context of your vocational area
and application to theory
Reflection

2 Demonstrate acquisition of appropriate skills for study, communication and academic writing Communication

3 Evaluate your own practice using current research on good practice as a benchmark Analysis
Learning

4 Show understanding of issues underpinning ethical professional practice
Knowledge and Understanding

5 Plan own future professional and academic skills development needs
Application