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Blackboard VLE

The learning strategies will require students to commit 150 learning hours of which 15 hours will consist of contact time. Lectures (5 x 3 hrs) provide students with a broad theoretical overview and the conceptual frameworks which an exploration of curricula within England and two other countries. Tutorial support activities will provide students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills to apply the underpinning theories to an examination of curriculum models that apply within their own context, in preparation for the assignment. Seminars - Students will be given the opportunity to contribute to seminars which discuss in depth issues covered in the lectures and presentations. This encourages discussion, reflection and the exchange of ideas. Students will be engaged in providing and receiving critical feedback from peers and tutors on presentations. Case-study activities will be used to support the above approaches as a means of establishing connections between the workplace and issues raised by the programme. Each module will also provide opportunities for students to work with others, develop interpersonal skills, demonstrate the capacity to plan, share goals, and work as a member of a team as well as communicate and present oral and written arguments.
A further 135 hours of independent study will require students to read and think about the way the curriculum is presented in another contrasting country. This will form the basis of the assignment. This will comprise: Guided reading and supported self study - students will be provided with booklists and reading tasks in order to enable them to engage with relevant and appropriate debates. VLE - Blackboard will be used to facilitate exchange of ideas and access to specific resources and activities. Students will be encouraged to use Information and Communication Technology, including word processing, data bases, internet communication, information retrieval and on-line searches throughout their studies. Work Related Learning - Students will be required to complete work related tasks in module 4. This will provide them with the opportunity to link theoretical perspectives to their practice. It will also enable them to reflect on values, practices, assumptions and policies. Students are also required to organise and review their lecture notes and undertake preparatory reading and research on assigned materials in order to participate in, and lead, class discussions individually and as part of a group.

A written assignment comprising a report on two education systems studied in the module. 2500 words weighted at 100% - Tests learning outcomes 1,2,3,4

The purpose of this module is to provide an opportunity to consider the development and purpose of the compulsory curriculum within England. There will be an opportunity to explore international perspectives. Topics studied will include: an understanding of the term `curriculum' and the purpose of curriculum; an investigation of different types of curricula including: core, hidden and foundation; an awareness of the influence of international perspectives on the development of the English curriculum and to understand current development and influences on the curriculum within England including life-long learning. Students will identify the trends within curricula, reflect on own understanding of curriculum and debate the purpose and possible future developments of curriculum within England.