Tutors will give initial input in terms of an overview of key learning theories and principles. The specific content will be decided by tutor appraisal of the needs of the group and the education sectors which they work in.

The focus of this module is on the practical application of theories and principles which are relevant to the learner. These will help to develop their understanding of supporting education and to inform improvements to their own practice

Write an academic literature review on theories of learning or educational support. - 3000 words 100%

You are advised to focus on just 2 or 3 key theories. Explain why these are important to your education sector (for example, primary, secondary or further education). You should not discuss your personal professional practice in this literature review.

Ensure that you attempt to analyse key strengths, weaknesses and limitations of these theories. Explain the potential impact of your chosen theories on learners and learning

Remember to:
Consult study skills literature on how to write a literature review
Ensure that you use a broad range of appropriate academic texts to support your literature review
Ensure that you fully acknowledge (reference) your sources of information

This module identifies key principles and theories of learning which will underpin learners' development throughout the rest of the course.
Learners will research a range of learning theories and consider how these inform their personal role and responsibilities when supporting learning.

Fairclough, M (2008) Supporting Learners in the Lifelong Learning Sector UK: Open University Press

Gould, J. (2012) Learning Theory and Classroom Practice (2nd Edition). Exeter: Learning Matters

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

Petty, G. (2009) Evidence Based Teaching - A practical approach (2nd Edition) Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes

All of the above are available online through Staffordshire University Library

Module 1 reflective portfolio
HLTA Self-assessment
Staffordshire University Blackboard VLE: https://blackboard.staffs.ac.uk/webapps/login/

The Department for Education: Ministry responsible for education and children¿s services. http://www.education.gov.uk
The Department for Business Innovation and Skills http://www.bis.gov.uk/
The Excellence Gateway: Enhancing Learning Support
http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/
Infed: The Informal Encyclopaedia of Education.
http://www.infed.org/
The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS):
http://www.lsis.org.uk/Pages/default.aspx
Lynda (via Staffordshire University): http://www.staffs.ac.uk/about_us/university_departments/information_services/learning_support/training/lynda/
Ofsted: The Office for Standards in Education
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Includes an Evaluation of Teaching Assistants
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:
Oxford Review of Education
London Review of Education
Gender and Education
Cambridge Journal of Education
British Journal of Sociology of Education
All available online through the university

1. Identify key theories and principles of learning/education support as relevant to your sector
(Knowledge and Understanding, Learning)

2. Compare and contrast key strengths, challenges and weaknesses of your selected educational theories. (Analysis)

3. Explain the potential impact of your chosen theories on learners and learning
(Learning)