Understanding Educational Practice: Concepts, Theories and Changing Contexts

The course aims to:

• develop students' knowledge and understanding of concepts and current debates about learning, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and contexts for education;
• enhance students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge to their pedagogical practice;
• equip students with a high-quality, distinctive range of knowledge, skills and attributes needed for an increasingly competitive and international workplace;
• provide students with opportunities to engage in, and contribute to, a community of practice in addition to networks that are relevant to their academic or professional interests; and
• support students' personal and professional development.

Contents: (Please provide the topics (which may be the unit titles, without unit numbers in bullet points. You may provide additional information if you think the titles are too brief.)

Section 1: How are learning and teaching experienced? In this section, students consider learners' perspectives on learning, curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. This includes the issue of pupil voice and how it is accessed and used in educational settings. It also includes consideration of the concepts of learner identity and learner agencies.

Section 2: How are learning and teaching enacted? In this section, students focus on educators' perspectives on learning, curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. This includes the consideration of the concepts of teacher agency and teacher identity, alongside teacher leadership, and some specific pedagogies such as dialogic teaching and the opportunities afforded by technology.

Section 3: How are learning and teaching organised? In this section, students focus on educational settings, including culture and organisation. The section considers the concepts of a learning organisation and a self-improving school (an intelligent school), alongside debates about what makes an effective learning organisation in the context of a changing world.

Learning Support:
(This will cover aspects as tutorials, day schools, lab classes, field trips, etc.)

EDU8823EEF is a face-to-face course. Students will learn through 13 three-hour lectures, each allowing them to achieve the intended learning outcomes of the course by providing them with quality input and the opportunity to engage in interactive class activities that facilitate their learning.

Assessment (assignments, examination, compulsory day school attendance):

Students' performance will be evaluated based on three assignments for continuous assessment purposes. All the assignments will be counted, and they contribute 100% to the final course result. Assignment 1 (40%) is a reflective and analytical essay of about 1,500 words. It should be written based on (1) a learner interview and (2) observation of learning and teaching in a local educational setting. Students should also work on a group project that focuses on the role of culture and organisation in educational settings. The project includes an oral presentation (Assignment 2, 20%) and a group writing of about 2,000 words (Assignment 3, 40%).

Online Requirement (if any):

N/A

Equipment and Software (if any):

N/A

Set Book(s): (This should only include set books that are not included in the course materials.)

None

Students with Disabilities or Special Educational Needs (not necessary if no specific advice and if the general advice is applicable):

N/A