Primary Education: Critical Observations

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Select and apply a range of relevant theoretical and research-based evidence (primary and secondary sources) to extend your knowledge and understanding
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the underlying values, principles and practices relevant to primary education
• Systematically analyse educational concepts, theories and issues of policy in a primary context
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of societal and organisational structures and purposes of primary education, and the possible implications for learners and the learning process
• Organise and articulate opinions and arguments in speech and writing using relevant specialist vocabulary

The module will incorporate critical observation and analysis of diverse aspects of primary education in England, locating issues in their social, cultural, historical and political contexts, with particular attention to problematizing familiar practice and exploring underlying values and associated tensions.

Topics normally covered in this module will include:

• The day-to-day life of a primary school setting
• Current state of play in terms of the primary curriculum in England
• Historical overview of the development of the primary curriculum in England
• Significant recent legislation and its impact
• Approaches to inclusion
• Classroom patterns of interaction
• Social contexts for learning
• The positioning of children as pupils and learners
• The role of assessment in primary school learning
• Accountability structures in primary education

This module is taught through extended seminars along with directed reading and suggested additional research. Typically, there will be a double seminar each week with the exception of the weeks during your visits to a primary education setting. You will be expected to carry out critical observations in primary school settings (a minimum of 8 hours).

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Group presentation

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Students will get formative feedback from the tutor and peers directly after the presentations. The tutor will follow up with individuals if any concerns regarding knowledge and understanding are identified.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.