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. Learners' 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
- 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.

PebblePad or other suitable 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

Staffordshire University Media Library http://medialibrary.staffs.ac.uk/: Films of teaching and learning in various contexts, with Ofsted style analysis.

Academic Education Journals such as:
Cambridge Journal of Education
Oxford Review of Education
All available online through the university

Bolton, G. (2010) Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development (3rd edition). London: Sage Publications

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

Hammersley-Fletcher, L., Lowe, M. Pugh, J. (2006): The Teaching Assistant's Guide: An Essential Textbook for Foundation Degree Students. UK: RoutledgeFalmer

All available online through Staffordshire University Library

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

Assessment 3000 words 100%

1) Complete reflections on developments to professional practice (Advisory word count 2100) (LOs 1, LO 2 & LO3)

2) Complete an action plan for personal and professional development during the rest of the course (Advisory word count 900) (LO 4).

1. IDENTIFY KEY VOCATIONAL AND TRANSFERABLE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Knowledge and Understanding

2. ANALYSE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Analysis

3. REFLECT ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT AS A PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR
Reflection

4. PLAN OWN FUTURE PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC SKILLS DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
Application