Module Descriptors
EVALUATING APPROACHES AND PERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHOLOGY
PSYC70640
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 7
30 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 30
Independent Study Hours: 270
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- LITERATURE REVIEW weighted at 75%
- CURRICULUM PLAN weighted at 25%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
Summative assessment
For one area of the AS/A level syllabus covered by the module:
1. Critical literature review (75%, 4000 words, maps to LO1-3)
2. Curriculum plan and rationale (25%, 2000 words, maps to LO4).
Formative assessment
Activities will be organised through Blackboard to allow students to explore different areas of Psychology in brief. Short writing exercises will be included to allow students to obtain peer and tutor feedback on their writing and critical evaluation skills. Students will be able to submit drafts of teaching plans for commentary and feedback from other students and from tutors. A discussion forum will be established for students to raise concerns, seek peer support, to engage in peer learning, and to discuss their ideas on theoretical content of the curriculum plan; tutors will provide feedback throughout.
For one area of the AS/A level syllabus covered by the module:
1. Critical literature review (75%, 4000 words, maps to LO1-3)
2. Curriculum plan and rationale (25%, 2000 words, maps to LO4).
Formative assessment
Activities will be organised through Blackboard to allow students to explore different areas of Psychology in brief. Short writing exercises will be included to allow students to obtain peer and tutor feedback on their writing and critical evaluation skills. Students will be able to submit drafts of teaching plans for commentary and feedback from other students and from tutors. A discussion forum will be established for students to raise concerns, seek peer support, to engage in peer learning, and to discuss their ideas on theoretical content of the curriculum plan; tutors will provide feedback throughout.
Module Indicative Content
This module relates to the A level curriculum strand in which AS/A level students are encouraged to take a critical approach to psychological theory (A02 skills). Effective delivery requires the teacher to adopt a critical perspective themselves, using deep understanding from a range of psychological perspectives, to have good understanding of up-to-date research in psychology, as well as to be able to teach critical thinking skills. Students will be able to choose areas of Psychology from their own professional and personal interests, relating to their own A level examination board curriculum, in which to develop their own critical awareness. Assessment of this module is weighted to encourage development of a critical awareness of recent psychological theory, whilst also assessing the students' ability to apply this to their professional practice as teachers.
Module Texts
The majority of resources will be made available through Blackboard and specified web links. Useful additional reading may include:
Jarvis, M. (2006). Teaching Post-16 Psychology. Cheltenham, Nelson Thornes.
Skowron, J. (2006). Powerful Lesson Planning. 2nd Edition. London, Sage
Jarvis, M. (2006). Teaching Post-16 Psychology. Cheltenham, Nelson Thornes.
Skowron, J. (2006). Powerful Lesson Planning. 2nd Edition. London, Sage
Module Resources
Access to Blackboard via the internet.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
For Certificate of CPD, students must have passed Teaching the Psychology Core Curriculum, or an equivalent module (AP[E]L).
For PG Dip, students must have passed both the modules at Certificate level (Teaching Research Methods and Statistics and Teaching the Psychology Core Curriculum) or equivalent study (AP[E]L).
Students must be able to teach post-16 Psychology classes during the module.
For PG Dip, students must have passed both the modules at Certificate level (Teaching Research Methods and Statistics and Teaching the Psychology Core Curriculum) or equivalent study (AP[E]L).
Students must be able to teach post-16 Psychology classes during the module.
Module Learning Strategies
The module will be delivered entirely through Blackboard, as it is a component of a Distance Learning award. Teaching materials and activities will be available through the VLE, and students will engage in peer learning and to interact with each other through Blackboard discussion facilities. Tutor support will be available through telephone and email, in addition to discussion via Blackboard.