Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)
Module EDUC43930: Physics as an Additional Subject Specialism (PASS)
Department: Education
EDUC43930: Physics as an Additional Subject Specialism (PASS)
| Type | Tied | Level | 4 | Credits | 30 | Availability | Available in 2013/14 | Module Cap | None. |
|---|
| Tied to | X5K207 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | X5K307 |
| Tied to | X9K907 |
| Tied to | X9A102 |
| Tied to | X9KC14 |
Prerequisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To provide physics subject matter knowledge for non-specialist secondary science teachers
- To develop teaching skills in physics among non-specialist secondary science teachers
- To develop understanding about current issues in physics education research
Content
- Physics content knowledge teaching on topics to A level standard, to include: forces and motion, electricity and magnetism, light and sound (electromagnetic spectrum); earth in space; particle physics; contemporary physics
- Physics teaching methodology to include: issues relating to practical work; the nature of science; error, risk and hazard; context-based v traditional physics courses; assessment of learning
- Issues in physics education research, to include: the role of practical work and experiments; misconceptions in physics; language and discourse; attitudes to physics; SEN and inclusion; teachers’ orientations towards science and science teaching; diagnostic and formative assessment
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- PASS participants will:-
- Develop knowledge and understanding of physics concepts
- Gain experience of methodology appropriate for teaching physics
- Understand how physics education research relates to and impacts on classroom practice
Subject-specific Skills:
- Knowledge and understanding of physics
- Research in physics education
- How research in physics education relates to classroom practice
Key Skills:
- Developing the ability to study independently and through collaborative work by participation in group discussions presentation of research and / subject information to peers
- Developing the ability to reflect critically and analytically on relevant literature
- Using research, personal knowledge and subject specific knowledge to develop and improve professional classroom practice
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Formative - Completion of a diagnostic test probing understanding of physics concepts culminating in a summative 1500 word reflective essay illustrating progress in understanding physics, physics teaching methodology and research issues, for example by: discussing development of personal understanding of a physics concept in relation to relevant research and other literature, discussing students’ understandings / attitudes towards a physics concept/ topic in relation to relevant research and other literature
- Summative - 3500 word essay / equivalent multi-media / other presentation that draws critically on research literature on physics teaching, showing impact on practice and development of understanding of physics concepts, for example by:tracking development of students’ understanding of a physics topic in a series of lessons planned and taught by the participant, resulting from engagement and reflection on literature, analysing current literature relating to an issue in physics education research from a range of perspectives, including demonstration of potential impact on students’ understanding and teaching methods
- Complete the diagnostic test probing understanding of physics concepts at the end of the module
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures - Physics concepts and teaching metholodogy | 12 | 2 | 24 | ||
| Seminars - research in Physics teaching | 4 | 3 | 12 | ||
| Preparation & reading | 264 | ||||
| Total | 300 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Assignment | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Assignment | 3500 words | 60% | |
| Reflective essay | 1500 words | 40% | |
Formative Assessment:
Formative Completion of a diagnostic test probing understanding of physics concepts culminating in a summative 1500 word reflective essay illustrating progress in understanding physics, physics / teaching methodology and research issues, for example by:- discussing development of personal understanding of a physics concept in relation to relevant research and other literature, discussing students’ understandings / attitudes towards a physics concept/ topic in relation to relevant research and other literature
■ 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