MODULE SPECIFICATION |
Code UTLGA7-30-M: Title: Independent Study Version: 6 Level: M UWE credit rating: 30 ECTS credit rating: 15 |
Module type: Standard |
Owning Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities Field: SEaLL |
Faculty Committee Approval: QSC Date: 9/12/09 |
Approved for Delivery by: UWE |
Valid from: January 2010 Discontinued from: |
Contributes towards: PG Dip Education |
Pre-requisites: NA Co-requisites: NA Entry requirements: Students must be practising teachers in mainstream schools and have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). |
Excluded combinations: NA |
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the module the students will have:
• identified an area of interest, relevance and value to themselves and/or their place of employment;
• identified and negotiated a study of appropriate scope and/or depth of enquiry;
• demonstrated congruence with intended programme aims and learning outcomes;
• followed a systematic, critical and analytical route of enquiry and study in pursuance in their identified goal;
• produced a final submission for assessment which shows evidence of relevant background reading and a critical analysis and evaluation of the topic studied.
• developed a critical stance on contextual issues, showing evidence of more than one perspective;
• taken independent and self critical responsibility for their own work.
Syllabus outline:
During the initial phase of the study the focus will be on identifying a specific area and developing a plan, strategy and study programme relevant to the chosen area. Students will embark on a search of relevant literature with tutorial support.
The module will then develop into central investigative activities with tutorial support.
The module will then culminate in the development of the submission. For example this could be:
a) a written report and/or
b) materials for use by pupils/students and/or
c) audio or visual materials including computer programmes etc
d) any other form which is relevant to the subject being studied, subject to the approval of the supporting tutor
Teaching and learning methods:
Given the varied and eclectic nature of the module the learning approaches will be negotiated between the student and the supporting tutor.
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Any essential reading will be indicated clearly, along with the method for accessing it, e.g. students may be expected to purchase a set text, be given or sold a print study pack or be referred to texts that are available electronically, etc. This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
If further reading is expected, this will be indicated clearly. If specific texts are listed, a clear indication will be given regarding how to access them and, if appropriate, students will be given guidance on how to identify relevant sources for themselves, e.g. through use of bibliographical databases.
Indicative sources:
BELL, J. (1999, 3rd Edn.) Doing your Research Project. Buckingham: OUP.
London: Centre of Information on Language Teaching and Research.
FAIRBAIRN, G.J. & WINCH, C. (1996), Reading, Writing & Reasoning: a Guide for Students, Buckingham: OUP.
SHARPE, J.A. & HOWARD, K. (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project, (3rd Ed), Aldershot: Gower.
MARSHALL, L. & ROWLAND, S. (1993) A Guide to Learning Independently, (2nd Ed), Buckingham: OUP.
WILLIAMS, K. (1999) Developing Writing Skills Oxford: Oxford Centre for Staff Development.
Additional readings and websites will be identified by the tutor, with reference to the area of study.
Assessment
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
The module will be assessed by the submission of an appropriate study which is the equivalent of 5,000 words.
Assessment criteria:
A LM: Conceptual Domain (Core)
The assignment demonstrates that the student can use and organise coherently relevant ideas, perspectives or theories to interpret and/or explore issues under study and in addition can critically analyse and/or evaluate those ideas, perspectives or theories showing the ability to synthesise and/or transform ideas in the process of developing an argument.
Students will select two other level M criteria negotiated with the tutor, chosen from below.
B LM: Literature Domain
The assignment demonstrates that the student can reference an extensive range of relevant literature and utilise it in the development of analysis and discussion of ideas, including critical engagement with that literature.
C LM: Contextual Domain
The assignment demonstrates that the student has an awareness of the significance of relevant contextual factors (eg personal, locational, historical, political etc) influencing the area of study and is able to critically engage with the contextual significance.
D LM: Research Domain
The assignment demonstrates that the student can plan for and execute a small scale enquiry in a systematic and reflexive manner, identifying and explaining methodological and epistemological issues around the research process and critically analysing and evaluating research outcomes.
ELM: Ethical Domain
The assignment demonstrates that the student has an awareness of ethical issues arising in or associated with the area of study, showing sensitive engagement with an appropriate ethical framework for interpretation of ideas or for practice. In addition, there is exploration of some of the problematics arising in relation to ethical dilemmas or decisions.
FLM: Values Domain
The assignment demonstrates that the student can clearly identify and analyse the basis of their own value position and where relevant, the value position of others in relation to the area of study, and critically evaluate associated claims to knowledge.
GLM: Action Domain
The assignment demonstrates that the student can explore the relationship between theory and practice in the workplace, and use reflection to develop personal theory and refine professional practice, with due regard to issues of equity and social justice, critically evaluating professional development needs and/or outcomes.
HLM: Negotiated Domain
In addition to criteria specified under domains A-F, we accept the possibility of tutor and student negotiating an appropriate assessment criterion, to encompass specific elements of significance not addressed through the existing criteria. With tutors new to the programme it is important that such negotiated criteria are approved by the relevant Award Leader.
Students will provide a witnessed declaration of authenticity.
Documentation generated in the process of producing the assignment will be made available upon request.
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
The module will be assessed by the submission of an appropriate study which is the equivalent of 5,000 words.
Assessment criteria:
A LM: Conceptual Domain (Core)
The assignment demonstrates that the student can use and organise coherently relevant ideas, perspectives or theories to interpret and/or explore issues under study and in addition can critically analyse and/or evaluate those ideas, perspectives or theories showing the ability to synthesise and/or transform ideas in the process of developing an argument.
• Students will select two other level M criteria negotiated with the tutor.
• Students will provide a witnessed declaration of authenticity.
• Documentation generated in the process of producing the assignment will be made available upon request.
Specification confirmed by …………………… Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)