The purpose of this module is to provide students with an informed Children's University perspective so that they can critically evaluate and develop their understanding of their own CU role. Students will critically engage with relevant legislation and key policy documents that relate to and impact on their CU role. Students will also analyse key factors that contribute to effective Children's University practice, which include: identifying learning opportunities; establishing key stakeholders; developing a coherent programme to support learning; achieving a successful validation by the CU; and evaluating programmes for effectiveness. As well as communication strategies, interpersonal skills for group working, team working and promoting participation.
Topics covered in this module include: action planning; reflecting on critical incidents; CU work-based learning tasks and outcomes; an introduction to the Children's University; conducting and presenting a SWOT analysis of students' current CU roles; critical reading techniques; essay writing techniques, and presentation skills.

A variety of learning and teaching methods are used such as presentations by specialist practitioners, group discussions, case studies, problem based learning activities and participant centred investigations. There is a strong emphasis on activity-focused learning and participants are expected to actively engage in all sessions. In addition, participants are required to engage in independent study so as to consolidate and build upon their learning in taught sessions. This takes the form of undertaking follow-up tasks and work based self-assessments and reading key texts and research papers.

- University Library for a range of relevant texts, e-books and academic journals
- Materials and resources on the module VLE
- Access to academic and library support

Graus, G. and Mabeath J. (2009) Planning for Learning: A National Framework for Validating Learning (Second Edition), Manchester: CU Trust.
Graus, G. and Moore, J. (2009) Planning for Excellence: The Children's University for Organisational Quality Assurance. Manchester: CU Trust.
MacBeath, J. and Waterhouse, J. (2008) Evaluation of the Children's University, First Report. Cambridge: University of Cambridge
MacBeath, J. and Waterhouse, J. (2010) Evaluation of the Children's University, Second Report. Cambridge: University of Cambridge.
MacBeath, J. (2012) National Evaluation of the Children's University, Cambridge: University of Cambridge.

Details - Assessment for this module comprises two parts, students must achieve a pass for both parts:

Part 1- A 10 minute presentation to the group which presents a critical appraisal of their CU role, their achievement of CU outcomes and how they evaluate their CU practice for impact and effectiveness. Weighted at 40%. Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 4, 6.

Part 2 - A written assignment weighted at 60% (4000 words), which will show the participant's:
a) Critical evaluation of the effectiveness of their current CU role via two written reflections on two critical incidents experienced during CU practice.
b) Critical reflection on own development in the context of their CU role via the development of an individual action plan, which demonstrates how the student plans to develop specific aspects of their CU practice.
Learning Outcomes 2, 4, 5, 6.