Module Descriptors
INFORMAL AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION
OASS40330
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 4
15 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 42
Independent Study Hours: 108
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 75%
- REFLECTIVE ASSIGNMENT weighted at 25%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module aims to explore policies, structures and intervention methodologies for informal and community education, enabling students to learn from practice. It begins with an introduction to educational philosophy and learning strategies. Formal and informal methods of education are contrasted and youth work and ministry assessed for its contribution to informal education. Principles of conversation, democracy and conversion are examined and opportunities created for the development of skills, such as: openness, accessibility, opportunism, listening, recording and reflection. Students are helped to develop the habits of reflective practice. A theology of informal education is developed and contrasted with that practiced in some Christian settings. Approaches to community education are explored. The contribution and responsibilities of youth work and ministry towards community education is critiqued. Methods of community education, such as research, mapping, neighbourhood identity formation, empowerment and collective action, are assessed and opportunities created within fieldwork for students to learn through practice. The role of the community educator is considered in relation to State intervention, grass-roots activity and active citizenship.
Module Learning Strategies
150 hours, of which 42 will include interactive lectures, group discussions, visits, training workshops. The rest of the hours are dedicated to independent study. Interactive lectures will involve a combination of brainstorming, audio-visual aids, presentations and other interactive teaching methods. The lectures will also involve contributions from visiting speakers
Module Additional Assessment Details
Assignment (1): 2200 word essay on educational tactics (75%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3]
Assignment (2): 800 word Practice Recording Assignment (25%) [Learning Outcomes 4]
Assignment (2): 800 word Practice Recording Assignment (25%) [Learning Outcomes 4]
Module Resources
On-site library and internet access to Staffordshire University Library
PCs providing access to e-mail, the internet, word processing, etc.
Rooms with access for disabled students, and suitable for group work
PCs providing access to e-mail, the internet, word processing, etc.
Rooms with access for disabled students, and suitable for group work
Module Texts
Freire, A. M. A and Macedo, D (eds). (2000) The Paulo Freire Reader, Continuum, London
Henderson, P. & Thomas, D. (1990) Skills in neighbourhood work, London: RKP.
Jeffs, T. & Smith, M. (1987) Youth Work Macmillan, London
Jeffs, T. & Smith, M. (1996), Informal education: conversation, democracy and learning, Derby: Education Now.
Richardson, L.R. & Wolfe, M (eds) Principles and Practices of informal Education, RoutledgeFalmer, London
Smith, M. (1994), Local education: community, conversation, praxis, Buckingham: Open University Press.
Young, K (1999) The Art of Youth Work, Russell House Publishing, Dorset
Informal Education Website: www.infed.org
Henderson, P. & Thomas, D. (1990) Skills in neighbourhood work, London: RKP.
Jeffs, T. & Smith, M. (1987) Youth Work Macmillan, London
Jeffs, T. & Smith, M. (1996), Informal education: conversation, democracy and learning, Derby: Education Now.
Richardson, L.R. & Wolfe, M (eds) Principles and Practices of informal Education, RoutledgeFalmer, London
Smith, M. (1994), Local education: community, conversation, praxis, Buckingham: Open University Press.
Young, K (1999) The Art of Youth Work, Russell House Publishing, Dorset
Informal Education Website: www.infed.org