Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2009-2010 (archived)

Module EDUC42230: Teaching and Learning in Science

Department: Education

EDUC42230: Teaching and Learning in Science

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2009/10 Module Cap None.
Tied to X9KC14
Tied to X5K307
Tied to X5K207
Tied to X9K907

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • MA (Ed) students must take Evaluating Educational Research; MA (Ed) with QTS students must take Evaluating Educational Research or Educational Research in Action; PG cert PE students must take Educational Research in Action.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To promote critical understanding of, and reflection on, aspects of teaching and learning in science education.
  • To introduce students to science education from a research-based perspective.
  • To provide an opportunity for an in-depth investigation of a specific aspect of science education.

Content

  • Learning theories applied to science and science learning: socio-constructivism and making meaning in science classrooms.
  • The development and analysis of scientific argumentation research.
  • Teaching about scientific literacy: becoming “scientifically literate”.
  • Misconceptions and pedagogical practice.
  • The changing aims for school science: an analysis of developments in science teaching and learning practice.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • To have a critical understanding of major problems and issues in current science education.
  • To have a critical understanding of current paradigms informing science education practice.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • To be able to analyse critically science education as a subject area.
  • To critically analyse research relating to science education and then apply this knowledge to solve concrete problems relating to practice in a school-related context.
Key Skills:
  • Critical analysis of research literature.
  • Presentation skills.
  • Academic writing and communication skills.
  • Critical reflective analysis.

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

  • The combination of lecture, Seminars and tutorials coupled with the summative and formative assessments of essay and presentation will ensure participants will develop the key skills associated with the module and facilitate their critical engagement with the subject knowledge and learning outcomes associated with this module.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 1 hour 10
Tutorials 8 1 hour 8
Seminars 6 1.5 hours 9
Preparation and Reading 273
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Assignment 5000 words or equivalent 100%

Formative Assessment:

Presentation on 3rd teaching day showing critical reflection and application of one current issue in science education to practice.


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