Critically evaluate a research paper selected by the student and approved by the tutor to form a literature review.

(Approx 4,000 words) (Weighting 100%) (LOs 1,2,3,4)

Formative assessment opportunities:
Formative assessment will take place throughout the module with question and answer sessions, observation and group/paired discussions at the study weekends. Reflective activities in the module workbook will also enable formative assessment to take place. Feedback from each summative assignment will also enable the student to understand their level and enable this to be used to enhance their next assignment.

The module will enhance students understanding of young children in contemporary society across the world. Students will be encouraged to consider issues such as how children learn and are educated in the Western and the third world. They will examine how learning and pedagogy is organised across a range of cultures, indigenous communities and the majority poor countries.

The focus of this module will be critical, analytical and international and non-ethnocentric. It aims to raise student awareness of current international trends, particularly economic and political and how this impacts upon young children and their families. Consideration will be given to the globalization of childhood and the influence this has on children’s rights in the wider world.

The teaching will expand students understanding of themes and issues concerned with young children and families by relating them to circumstances worldwide, thereby challenging “mainstream” perspectives on childhood by analysing assumptions and bias.

1. Critically analyse current debates on broad, political, commercial, social and health issues, relevant to international perspectives on early childhood.
Communciation
Analysis

2. Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts from contemporary anthropology and cultural psychology with which to critically evaluate global perspectives of childhood.
Learning
Knowledge and Understanding

3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of non-ethnocentric approaches to the study of childhood and families, through critical reflection.
Reflection
Enquiry

4. Demonstrate a high level of awareness, of differing arguments concerning global inequalities and how these shape childhood experiences.
Knowledge and Understanding

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.

Case study materials from recommended texts, books/journals/ newspapers etc.
Students will need to access the Universities electronic databases.
Multi media classroom resources
University taught sessions
Tutorials

MA EDUCATION FULL TIME

Early Childhoods in a Changing World. Stoke-on-Trent. Trentham
Penn, H., (2005), Unequal Childhoods. Young Children’s Lives in Poor Countries, London, Routledge
James, A. and Prout, A (eds) (1997), Constructing and re-constructing Childhood, London, Routledge Falmer
Smith, R. (2010), A Universal Child? London, Palgrave Wells, K., (2009), Childhood in a Global Perspective, Cambridge, Polity Press

The module will enhance your understanding of young children in contemporary society across the world. You will be encouraged to consider issues such as how children learn and are educated in the Western and the third world. You will examine how learning and pedagogy is organised across a range of cultures, indigenous communities and the majority poor countries.

The focus of this module will be critical, analytical and international and non-ethnocentric. It aims to raise student awareness of current international trends, particularly economic and political and how this impacts upon young children and their families. Consideration will be given to the globalization of childhood and the influence this has on children’s rights in the wider world.

The teaching will expand your understanding of themes and issues concerned with young children and families by relating them to circumstances worldwide, thereby challenging “mainstream” perspectives on childhood by analysing assumptions and bias.