The purpose of this module is to provide you with a broaden knowledge and understanding of how education can take place in a variety of organisations and locations. The module will develop understanding of how education can follow a variety of models outside of the traditional classroom to enhance the learning journey. In addition the module will make international comparisons of educational modules to provide further alternative approaches to education.

Topics within the module will include: international comparisons, educational technologies and distance learning, forest schools, work based learning and educational visits.

Part 1 - A comparative study to illustrate how another country's education system differs to the English system by referring to three comparable aspects of education.

Either:

Part 2 –
Using one of the chosen aspects of education from Part 1 create an action plan to outline how this aspect could be enhanced through non-traditional approaches to learning (e.g. use of VLE, educational visit, placement visit). Include a written justification to the action plan, including links to how technology have enhanced this experience (e.g. interactive museum displays).

Or:

Evidence engagement in an international collaboration with education professionals (as agreed by the Tutor). Reflect on your professional learning from this collaboration.
Each part accounts for 50% of the total mark. Each part of the assignment has a word allowance of 2000 words.

Part one tests learning outcomes: 1 and 2
Part two tests learning outcomes: 3 and 4

CRB check within the past two years
An average of 5 hours per week in a suitable educational workplace

The learning strategies will require you to commit 300 learning hours.

Lectures will provide you with a broad theoretical overview and the conceptual frameworks which underpin the study of changes and developments in education. Incorporated into lecture sessions tutorial support activities will provide you with the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills to apply the underpinning theories to an examination of their own practice, in preparation for the assignment.

This module will also provide opportunities for you to,
- work with others
- develop interpersonal skills
- demonstrate the capacity to plan, share goals, and work as a member of a team
- communicate and present oral and written arguments

A further 270 hours of independent study will require you to read and think about a range of contemporary issues in education and how they relate to their own employment context. This will form the basis of the assignment. In addition you will engage in:
Work Related Learning - You will be required to complete work related tasks. This will provide you with the opportunity to link theoretical perspectives to their practice. It will also enable them to reflect on values, practices, assumptions and policies.
Guided reading and supported self-study - you 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.

VLE Blackboard

Bignold, W. Gayton, L. (2009) Global Issues and Comparative Education Exeter Learning Matters

Curtis, W. Pettigrew, A. (2010) Education Studies Reflective Reader Exeter Learning Matters

Gillespie, H. Boulton, H. Hramiak, A. and Williamson, R (2007) Learning and Teaching with Virtual Learning Environments Learning Matters

Hayes, D. (2007) Joyful Teaching and Learning in the Primary School Exeter Learning Matters

Hoban, G.F. (2002) Teacher Learning for Educational Change Buckinghamshire: OUP

Hoult, S. (2005) Secondary Professional Studies Exeter Learning Matters

Osborn, M., Broadfoot, P., McNess, E., Planel, C., Ravn, B., and Triggs, P. (2003) A World of Difference? Comparing Learners Across Europe Maidenhead. Open University Press

Phillips, D. Schweisfurth, M. (2008) Comparative and International Education: An Introduction, Method and Practice

Pollard, A. (eds) (2002) Readings for Reflective Teaching London Continuum

Sharp, J. Ward, S. Hankin, L. (2006) Education Studies An issues based approach Exeter Learning Matters

BBC Digital Revolution - http://www.bbc.co.uk/virtualrevolution/

Conrad Wolfram: Teaching kids real math with computers -
http://www.ted.com/talks/conrad_wolfram_teaching_kids_real_math_with_computers.html

Johanna Blakley: Social media and the end of gender
http://www.ted.com/talks/johanna_blakley_social_media_and_the_end_of_gender.html