Module EDUC2321: LEARNING IN THE EARLY YEARS

Department: Education

EDUC2321: LEARNING IN THE EARLY YEARS

Prerequisites

• Learning and Teaching (EDUC1471).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To study the early development of children in relation to learning.

Content

• The module considers both the theories and their epistemological context considering the ways in which the theories themselves may have been influenced by their historical timeframe.
• It also introduces students to key areas of child development which relate to cognitive and social development.

Learning Outcomes

• In terms of knowledge and understanding students will be able to demonstrate: a knowledge and understanding of the main theories of child development and learning that are specifically related to early years (0-5).
• an understanding of the ways in which these theories develop.
• an understanding of key developmental accomplisments in early childhood.
• an understanding of the range of factors that might influence child development specifically disability and culture.
• an ability to understand the significance and limitations of psychological theory and research in context.

• the analysis of complex situations concerning human learning and development in particular contexts, including their own learning;
• provision of well argued conclusions relating to significant educational issues; Students should be able to demonstrate an ability:
• to question concepts and theories encountered in their studies of education;
• to interrogate the assumptions underpinning theory and research.

• think critically and independently;
• acquire complex information of diverse kinds in a structured and systematic way;
• construct and sustain a reasoned argument;
• communicate effectively with appropriate use of specialist vocabulary;
• use ICT and a variety of library and IT resources;
• improve their own learning and performance, including the development of study and research skills, information retrieval, and a capacity to plan and manage learning, and to reflect on their own learning;
• work to deadlines.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students will be introduced to a range of psychological theories relating to child development and particular skills and abilities through a lecture and tutorial group work programme in which students will not only listen to formal lectures but be expected to engage in debate and reflection through group work exercises.
• Students will also be introduced to research directly during a practical class in which they will be introduced to the ways in which research is conducted with young children.
• Students will further develop their knowledge and understanding, apply and reflect on ideas and further demonstrate key skills through summative piece of assessment that requires them to evaluate aspects of psychological theory, child development and particular skills.
• The students will also be examined formally at the end of the module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Oral presentations to be given during student led tutorials.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University