Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module EDUC1511: Contemporary Issues and Evidence in Education

Department: Education

EDUC1511: Contemporary Issues and Evidence in Education

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2020/21 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to X1C8
Tied to X1F8
Tied to X305
Tied to XL33

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce students to a range of contemporary issues in education and the nature and scope of the supporting evidence.

Content

  • The students will be introduced to contemporary debates in education led by an expert in that area. Current topics may include aspects of the curriculum, structures and systems.
  • Curriculum and Learning: How should we teach reading (phonics)? What type of curriculum should be studied at school? What is the value of sex and relationships education? Is technology worth the investment?
  • Society and Identity: Do girls really do better than boys at school? How can education work within a global world? Can education create social justice?
  • Structures and Systems: Should we have selective schools? Shoudl there be safe spaces at university? How valuable is student voice? Should politicians have a say in education?

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will develop knowledge and understanding of a range of contemporary issues in education.
  • Students will develop an understanding of how evidence can be used to support theory and practices in education.
  • Students will develop an understanding of what counts as evidence in education.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will be introduced to and learn to use appropriate frameworks for the evaluation of evidence in education.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing on issues related to evidence and issues in education.
Key Skills:
  • Students will learn to use and evaluate a range of sources - including academic and non-academic sources.
  • Students will develop the ability to evaluate a theory or idea in education.
  • Students will develop the ability to construct and present written and oral arguments.

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

  • A one hour introductory lecture
  • 10 x 2 hour workshops: these will introduce students to a contemporary issue in education and will be facilitated by experts in the field from the School of Education. Each workshop will be supported by preparatory and follow-up readings and a learning task that students will do in preparation for the associated seminar.
  • 10 x 1 hour seminars: these will offer students an opportunity to discuss the issues introduced in the workshops and the associated follow-up reading and task. These will also introduce the induct students into the academic community, learning about study skills, critical thinking skills and essay preparation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lecture 1 Once 1 hour 1
Workshop 10 Weekly 2 hours 20
Seminar 10 Weekly 1 hour 10
Reading and preparation 169
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 1500 words 100%
Component: Portfolio Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Portfolio 2500 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Formative 1: write the introductory paragraph to your essay outlining the key arguments you will make and how the work will be structured. In addition include a list of 5 sources that you will use in your essay with a sentence explaining why they are useful. Formative 2: Identify two artifacts one from the media and one academic source and submit max 200 words for each artifact showing how they are using evidence to support the discussion of the issue - this could be done as a presentation rather than a written formative.


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