Module overview
This module is designed to introduce students to Masters level study and to support them with their individual needs at the beginning of their studies. Its endpoint is an assignment with a maximum length of 4,000 words (or equivalent) on a topic of the student's choice, negotiated with the tutor, but thematically related to the topics of the subsequent modules. Through it, students are expected to begin to locate and select relevant literature and develop their skills in constructing a written argument within an appropriately academic genre.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: The central concepts of: educational values; ethics; theory; policy and practice, as they relate to your chosen topic.
- Learning, teaching and curricula as they relate to your chosen topic.
- Alternative perspectives on the purposes of education, training, teaching and current or emerging educational matters.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Synthesise and utilise library and a range of other educational resources effectively.
- Analyse educational topics both critically and logically.
- Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to: Abstract the essential features of complex educational literature and research and develop a usable framework for its analysis.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use a wide range of library and other electronic resources.
- Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to: Demonstrate a range of communication and presentational skills, including both verbal and written.
Syllabus
Module content is negotiated between student and supervising tutor. There is therefore no set syllabus.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The programme is tailored to each individual student's needs but will usually involve meetings between the supervising tutor and the student, phone/Skype calls, feedback on written work via email and/or in person, recommended reading and, predominantly, self-study. Students can access taught sessions and other resources from the other master's and Doctoral Training provision in Southampton Education School and the full range of University support services.
It is expected that students and their tutor will meet formally (either face to face or electronically) a minimum of three times during the module to specifically review progress. The aim of these meetings will be to set and review targets and timelines for completion of the assessment.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 200 |
| Total study time | 200 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Cotrell, S. (2005). (2005). Critical thinking skill: Developing effective analysis and argument.. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Shank, G. Pringle, J. & Brown, L. (2015). Understanding education research: A guide to critical reading.. Abingdon, Oxford: Routledge.
McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2013). How to write for University: Academic writing for success.. Edinburgh: Pearson Education.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
The module is typically assessed through an assignment of up to 4000 words (maximum) or equivalent. It is possible, after agreement with your tutor, to explore other types of assessment such as curriculum materials, conference presentations and electronic artefacts (websites or videos).
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External