Bancroft, D. and Carr R. (1995) Influencing Children's Development, Buckingham, Open University Press/Blackwell
Barker, M. (1996) The Learning Game, London, Victor Gollanz
Barnes, P. (1995) Personal, Social and Emotional Development of Children, Buckingham, Open University Press/Blackwell
Bee, H. (2000) The Developing Child, 9th edition, Massachusetts, Allyn and Bacon
Betal, D. (1999) Child Development for Child Care and Protection Workers, London, Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Chisholm, L. (ed) Childhood, Youth and Social Change - a comparative perspective, London, Falmer
Coleman, J. (1994) Adolescence in Teaching and Learning in the Secondary School, London, Routledge
Conger, J .J. (1991) Adolescence and Youth 4th edition
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Heaven, P. C. L. (1994) Contemporary Adolescence, Melbourne, Macmillan Education
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Nye, R. D. (1999) Three Psychologies: Perspectives from Freud, Skinner and Rogers, 6th edition, Belmont USA, Wordworth/Thompson Learning
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Sharman, C. et al (2000) Observing Children: London, Cassell
Stierer, B. et al, (1993), Profiling, Recording and Observing, London, Routledge
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Observations and enquiries undertaken as work based tasks above will be discussed in seminars and each participant will select 2 examples to follow-up with reference to reading. These will be assessed in relation to demonstration of learning outcomes identified above. Although the discussion aspect of the learning outcomes cannot be assessed in the written assignments, it is through the process of identification and discussion, monitored by the course tutor, that participants will prepare to undertake the written assignment of approximately 6000 words. Criteria for assessment will relate to demonstration of achievement of all learning outcomes and will take account of all 4 strands in the QAA Education Studies Benchmark document.

Tutor sessions
Mentor support
Work based experience
Library
IT

The module will include study of the following topics, which will include generic considerations of theory and application to the specific work contexts in which participants are involved:
1. theories of human development - psychoanalytic, cognitive and social learning;
2. an introduction to child rearing practices and early learning and their influence on childcare and the educational provision with a specific focus on particular client groups and work settings;
3. understanding motivation and the importance of physical well being and health;
4. the role of experience in the development of personal skills, social behaviour, cognitive development and personality;
5. learning theory and practice and the relationship between language and thought;
6. strands of development and how these interrelate
Examples of work-based tasks may include:
- focused observation of individual behaviour and behaviour in groups
- collecting examples of learning through experience
- identifying patterns of motivation.
At the end of the module, time will be allocated to supporting participants in preparing a section to add to Part 3 of their Personal Professional Development Portfolio, reflecting upon and reviewing how their work for this module has enabled them to develop knowledge, understanding and skills as identified in their individual action plans. This reflective review may lead to changes or additions to the action plan.

Seminars will draw on participants' own experience of growing up and their observations and experiences in the workplace to establish a common understanding of the topics studied. Lectures, videos and directed reading will introduce participants to relevant theories that will then be applied in further seminars. Peer group discussions will provide opportunity for the course tutor to monitor participants' ability to select, research and prepare for the written assignments. For independent study, participants, with the support of school-based mentors, will observe practice and focus on specific activities in their workplace. They will document this, to share in group sessions and to help them to prepare for their assessment tasks.

Standard for entry onto Foundation Degree